H2020 PONDERFUL:The “Lystrup” NBS: A Pondscape for Flood Risk Reduction, Biodiversity, and People

Pond: Lys3
Area characterisation: 

The Lystrup Pondscape covers a sub-urban area located on the hillside at Egådalen, north of Aarhus, the second biggest city in Denmark. The neighborhood is a home for approximately 10,300 inhabitants living in single-family houses. The area is quite green with numerous gardens, few parks, and a network of 18 ponds. Nearly all ponds were altered or created after 2004, as part of the housing development. After a severe storm in 2012, four ponds were re-shaped and two constructed to mitigate the negative consequences of such events in the future. All together 11 different climate adaptation NBS were constructed from 2014 to 2016, aiming at reducing flood risks and runoff to the neighboring artificial lake (Egå Engsø/Egå Meadow Lake).

Objective: 

This Pondscape is in a suburban area of Aarhus, with 18 ponds and about 10,300 inhabitants. The ponds reduce flood risk and enhance biodiversity, supporting amphibians, birds, and aquatic plants. It also offers walking paths and educates people about nature and environmental protection.

Potential impacts/benefits: 
      1. Water management/Climate change adaptation
      2. Biodiversity
      3. Human health and well-being
NbS benefits 
  • Developing climate change adaptation; improving risk management and resilience
  • Reduce flood risk
  • Reduce run-off
  • Increase Biodiversity
  • Enhancing sustainable urbanisation
  • Changing image of the urban environment
  • Increase accessibility to green open spaces
  • Increase awareness of NBS solution & their effectiveness and co benefits
  • Increase social interaction
  • Increase stakeholder awareness & knowledge about NBS
  • Increase well-being
  • Provision of health benefits
  • Social learning about location & importance of NBS