River contracts - Flanders
English
River contracts ('riviercontracten') is a platform in Flanders (Belgium) for local stakeholders to engage and collaborate in defining and implementing local solutions for water related issues, such as flooding, water scarcity, poor water quality and soil erosion. Launched in 2017, the central goal of this initiative is to create more space for water in municipalities and to support the implementation of natural infrastructure for water management. Through the river contracts, local governments collaborate with citizens, companies and associations in order to create (public) support, develop shared ideas and increase the involvement of stakeholders with the implementation of local actions. After the process of defining shared actions, the involved parties sign the river contract and commit to its implementation.
Challenges addressed
- Ecologic connectivity
- Soil quality
- Water management (e.g. reuse)
- Watershed restoration/water quality
- Drought and fire risk
- Flood risk: pluvial and fluvial / soil permeability
- Social cohesion
- Human health, comfort and well-being
Region:
EU
Country:
Belgium
City:
Región flamenca
City population:
6,650,000
Timeline:
2017 to 2022
Last updated:
30 Aug 2023