Natural Water Management and Nature-Based Solutions – Thinking of the Landscape from the Perspective of Water
What is now widely discussed as the “Sponge City” concept in urban areas is still too seldom talked about regarding natural water retention in landscapes. In times of climate crisis, nature-based solutions, which offer ecological, social, and economic benefits and contribute to resilience at the landscape level, become necessary. However, such approaches have hardly been implemented on a large scale.
Aiming for a natural water balance is anchored as a goal in the German National Water Strategy, meaning strengthening water retention in ecosystems, mitigating the effects of floods and droughts, enhancing substance retention through wetlands, and utilizing cooling effects. What risks being overlooked in public discussion is the water needs of the ecosystems themselves. Without water, the functionality of the natural household cannot be guaranteed.
With the adoption of the National Water Strategy in March 2023, the federal government has set goals and measures for the coming years. A large part of these goals has already been included in the EU Water Framework Directive for 23 years. However, it has not yet been implemented. The situation regarding our water balance and the condition of our waters has partially worsened, especially due to the pronounced dry years since 2018.
More and more, the broad public debate is struggling with how we can ensure our water security despite the climate crisis and make the necessary changes in consumption patterns. The question arises as to which measures can sustainably help adapt to changed precipitation and temperature conditions and retain more water in the landscape.
For this, we want to discuss this year together with you and experts from science, water management, politics, and administration. To restore a healthy landscape water balance, which provides us with vital ecosystem services, nature-based solutions are needed.
The invitation can be found here.
The event will take place online. Please register at: https://www.nabu.de/gsf2023 by November 16, 2023, to attend the event.
The River Film Evening is supported by the European Open Rivers Programme.