VIDEO: How Flanders is harnessing nature to prevent deadly floods

The last few months have been a stark reminder in Europe of the power of flooding and the devastation it can cause. How can nature, rather than heavy engineering, solve our flood management problems?

The Scheldt Estuary in Flanders has long been on the flooding frontline. Its low-lying landscape and open connection to the sea make it highly vulnerable to storm surges. When the sea level rises abnormally due to strong winds and low atmospheric pressure, this weather phenomenon can lead to significant flooding during high tide. 

Rising sea levels caused by climate change are only increasing this flood threat. But rather than build more heavily engineered barriers, a nature-based project called LIFE SPARC aims to create more space for the Scheldt River while simultaneously developing a thriving estuary ecosystem. 

Discover how by using a network of dykes and sluice gates, the flood control areas act as a buffer, capturing excess water during a storm surge before slowly releasing it back into the river.

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