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The value of EU coastal wetlands for flood protection | The South-West Dutch Delta

A large part of the Netherlands lies below sea level where water finds its way to the sea via the many large rivers that flow through the country. This makes the Netherlands a typical delta region, making it an attractive place to live and therefore attracting many human activities. Due to the abundance of water and its low position, the Netherlands is prone to flooding. In the South-West Delta, three major rivers flow into the sea: the Rhine, the Maas and the Scheldt. The South-West Delta (Delta waters and Voordelta) contains at the same time natural values that are rare in Europe, has a high species diversity and provides a habitat for a large number of certain species. The South-West Dutch Delta is a large tidal wetland area, including salt marshes, mudflats and sandbanks, and plays a crucial role in flood mitigation. The region was selected as a Case Pilot for RESTORE4Cs due to its valuable ecosystem services, vulnerability to fragmentation, and potential for blue carbon storage. The focus is on the Oosterschelde and Westerschelde, which are particularly unique due to complex land uses—security, nature, fishing, recreation, agriculture, and shipping—that can both support and conflict with each other. Watch the South-West Dutch Delta teaser and enjoy the footage of this Case Pilot representative of European coastal wetlands! About the project RESTORE4Cs is a Horizon Europe project evaluating the impact of wetland restoration on climate change mitigation and ecosystem services. It aims to create a digital platform to help stakeholders assess the costs and benefits of restoration efforts and promote sustainable management. The project also focuses on engaging communities and supporting EU policies to preserve the ecological and social value of wetlands. RESTORE4Cs will assess the environmental and socio-economic impact of wetland restoration in six European coastal regions by analysing carbon storage, greenhouse gas exchange, and biodiversity. Follow RESTORE4Cs: #RESTORE4Cs #RESTORE4CsDocumentary #R4CsDoc RESTORE4Cs: Modelling restoration of wetlands for carbon pathways, climate change mitigation and adaptation, ecosystem services, and biodiversity co-benefits.
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