Improving knowledge on water retention across European landscapes
SpongeScapes is a research project focused on enhancing the sponge-like properties of landscapes. The ability of soil, groundwater, and surface water ecosystems to absorb, store, and slowly release water can be improved through “sponge measures” such as restoration of floodplains and wetlands, improved soil infiltration and agro-ecological practices and reforestation. Sponge measures aim to increase the resilience of communities to extreme weather events like floods and droughts.
In its first year, SpongeScapes has focused on improving knowledge on how sponge measures work. The evaluation of sponge measures is being done for 14 case studies across Europe, focusing on diverse climates, soils, and hydrological challenges. The evaluation must be done for different types of rain and drought events, ranging from events that occur frequently to those that occur occasionally or seldomly. UKCEH is leading research activities that aim to refine the monitoring methods across European case studies.
Monitoring also helps to identify co-benefits, such as supporting biodiversity and improving soil and water quality, but also potential trade-offs early. This is essential to inform future planning strategies.
Working together for sponge landscapes
SpongeScapes also focuses on direct interaction with stakeholders to select combinations of sponge measures to create sponge strategies for larger landscapes using geodesign approaches. A key project milestone was the first successful "SpongeLab" workshop with the Aa and Maas Water Authority, in the Netherlands, where the geodesign approach was introduced to local stakeholders for better participatory planning of sponge strategies.
Earlier in October 2024, SpongeScapes released a policy brief on transforming conventional landscapes into sponge landscapes. The key messages are: intercept rainfall where it falls, slow down runoff, and temporarily store excess water.
Ellis Penning, SpongeScapes Coordinator at Deltares, says: “As SpongeScapes enters its second year, we will continue refining monitoring techniques, and linking this with modelling at landscape scale to facilitate engaging stakeholders to develop sponge strategies. Our ultimate goal is to provide scientific evidence and practical tools to support policymakers as well as water and land managers in implementing sponge strategies that enhance our resilience to climate change.”