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Climate change presents our water system with major challenges. Periods of drought alternate with heavy rainfall and flooding, putting pressure on nature, the economy, and our resilience. In the Dommel and Warmbeek-Tongelreep river basin, located in Flanders (Belgium) and the Netherlands, these effects are clearly visible. The Interreg Vlaanderen-Nederland project Weerbaar Dommelland (Resilient Dommelland) is working towards a robust and resilient water system to address these challenges.
Water as a solution
The project focuses on three key areas.
Firstly, rivers need space to store water and thus prevent flooding. By restoring watercourses and increasing storage capacity — such as the restoration of the Dommel (1,500 meters) and additional water storage facilities in Pelt and Eindhoven — the water system becomes more resilient.
Secondly, a sponge landscape is being created in upstream areas, where water is better retained and infiltration into the soil is promoted. Measures such as the installation of weirs and depaving help reduce both drought and peak runoff.
Finally, the project focuses on climate adaptation in urban environments. In Pelt, Valkenswaard, and Eindhoven, blue-green solutions will be implemented, such as the depaving of squares and delayed water drainage, to prevent both flooding and drought while improving the urban living environment.
Cross-border partnership
Eight partners from Flanders and the Netherlands are collaborating within the Interreg Vlaanderen-Nederland programme: the municipality of Eindhoven, the municipality of Pelt, the municipality of Valkenswaard, the province of Noord-Brabant, the city of Peer, the Flanders Environment Agency, Waterschap De Dommel, and Stichting Eindhoven Museum. The Rhin-Meuse Basin Secretariat played a key role in drafting the project application.
The area-focused approach across national borders ensures a future-proof water landscape in this cross-border yet shared basin.
By combining nature-based and technical measures, Weerbaar Dommelland will provide sustainable solutions to water challenges. This project contributes to a climate-robust river basin and can serve as an example for other European regions.
Link to project website (only available in Dutch): interregvlaned.eu/weerbaar-dommelland