Themes and Measures

Theme 1: measures in the catchment area of the river


High water discharges must be reduced. When the discharge is high, the water must be retained in the catchment area as much as possible. Measures, involving all relevant actors, must be taken to attain this objective. Whenever the amount of water is reduced or retained before it reaches the main river, the peak flood level is diminished and the risk of flooding reduced.

Three measures are supported under Theme 1:

Measure 1.1: restoration of the natural course of tributaries and their overflow areas

Projects such as the renaturalisation of brooks, the creation and restoration of meanders, the restoration of vegetation and afforestation which aims to retain an optimal amount of water are key to reducing the peak discharge. In addition, as many overflow areas as possible should be created by changing land use which is not in line with the objective of reducing potential damage. To change the land use pattern, land may have to be purchased.

Measure 1.2: indirect discharge of rainwater from residential and urban industrial areas

To reduce the discharge from residential and industrial areas projects such as water infiltration and improving the porosity and absorption of soil should be carried out if the existing ground water level allows this.

Measure 1.3: creating retention and overflow areas

To increase the peak discharge of the tributaries in certain areas, retention areas have to be created in case restoration of natural overflow areas is insufficient. In order to create these areas, opportunities for land purchase should be made available. A multisectoral approach is essential.

Theme 1: measures in the catchment area of the river
Theme 2: measures in the major bed of the rivers
Theme 3: improve knowledge and co-operation
Theme 4: technical assistance

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