SPONGE

Restoring the landscape’s natural water storage function across borders

The SPONGE project strengthens the natural ability of the landscape to retain water – much like a sponge. This aims to better cushion the effects of climate change, such as heavy rainfall and droughts, and to make the region more climate-resilient across borders.

The focus is on nature-based solutions that enhance natural water retention in the upper catchments. These are complemented by landscape-integrated technical solutions aimed at protecting villages in the lower sections. Partner municipalities implement concrete measures on-site. At the same time, a SPONGE voucher system encourages additional stakeholders in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine – such as municipalities, businesses, or farmers – to make their areas more water-friendly.

Furthermore, the project promotes cross-border collaboration. Living labs are being established in the river basins of the Voer, Berwinne, and part of the Geul, where new approaches for a joint management of water and landscape are developed and tested.

The Three-Country Park consolidates the results from practice and collaboration and supports the exchange across borders. This will lead to a common SPONGEland strategy that points the way to a climate-resilient region.

A special highlight will be a week-long River Walk along the Geul in May 2027, organized by Stichting Drinkable Rivers. Together with citizens, we will walk along the river – to create a greater awareness of water, landscape, and the importance of cross-border river basins.