Improve connectivity and functionality of green and blue infrastructures

Upscaling the Tzipori river restorations in Israel

After a decade of restoration measures along the Tzipori stream in Israel, this case study will monitor their success and aims at upscaling measures to the watershed scale in order to create a model for management of stream basin rehabilitation.

Greening the Sorraia valley floodplain

Sorraia floodplain to be restored (photo: Cláudia Brandao)

Implement the best configurations for greening elements (type, location, spatial configuration), in the Sorraia floodplain valley, that maximize biodiversity (woody structure, ants, birds and chiropterans) and ecosystem services (biological control, nutrient and sediment removal, pollination, habitat for species) without detriment of economic incomes for farmers. During the planning stage, a model for optimization will be developed, and different scenarios of agriculture development and global changes tested, together with stakeholders and administration.

This case study is one...

Nature Based-Solutions in Valencia: for a better Benicalap, greener, and more sustainable

To demonstrate the potential of nature-based solutions to reduce heat stress, manage water and improve wellbeing and social cohesion
To engage local people in designing nature-based solutions that meet their needs
To develop an effective strategy for nature-based solutions across the city

Germany's Blue Belt: reconnecting the Kühkopf-Knoblochsaue

shallow new banks reconnecting the Knoblochsaue floodplain to the Rhine

Floodplain reconnection through modification of river bank protection

Introducing sustainable farming systems in the Tisza catchment, Hungary

Tisza catchment project plan (c Szilvia Adam)

Implementing floodplain farming systems in multiple sites along the Tisza River, thereby making land use more sustainable and in line with nature conservation efforts.

Monitoring the success of Liberty Island, Hungary

Liberty Island in the Danube River, Hungary

The creation of a long-term, sustainable conservation model for white willow (Salicion albae) alluvial forests in Hungary and a more near-natural flow regime of the Danube. A core aim was to eliminate or mitigate the factors that threaten the habitats of community interest.

This case study is one of 17 that are part of the EU Horizon2020 project MERLIN - Mainstreaming Ecological Restoration of freshwater-related ecosystems in a Landscape context: INnovation, upscaling and transformation. Within MERLIN, the project area of the Liberty Island restoration is revisited to learn from...

Nature-based solutions in Wroclaw: Renovated courtyards and green streets

To demonstrate the potential for nature-based solutions to reduce heat stress and flooding and provide other co-benefits
To engage citizens in designing nature-based solutions that meet their needs.
To develop an effective strategy for nature-based solutions to contribute to climate change adaptation across the city.

Edible Landscaping

Explore how to best maintain existing areas of edible urban greenery - and integrate new ones - into the area, as well as how these green spaces can be used to connect the existing neighbours with the new ones by providing spaces for community gardening, togetherness and knowledge exchange.

Restoring Danube floodplains in Romania

Former wetlands adjacent to the river are being reconnected to demonstrate the benefits of re-wetting /reconnection to the natural flood pulse of the Danube River in order to enhance the benefits provided to nature and local communities.

Climate change adaption and the river Seest Mølleå

The center of the city Kolding is frequently under threat from flooding due to heavy or prolonged precipitation events. Located at the bottom of a river valley, the municipality has initiated many climate-proofing projects to mitigate flood risks. One such project, initiated by Kolding municipality and the utility company Bluekolding, concerns the river Seest Mølleå. The nature-based climate adaptation project cost a total of 3,5 mio. DKK, and was inaugurated in November 2021 after 5 months of construction.

When heavy prescriptions occur in the large catchment area outside the city...