City of Dordrecht- Wantij

The neighbourhood De Staart in Dordrecht is half residential and half industrial and located besides a Nature 2000 area. This context creates an ambivalent living environment. There is a growing need for sustainable urban development and the preservation of natural environments. The city's goal is to transform De Staart into a thriving tidal park, which includes a vibrant blue-green corridor along the Wantij River. Through Nature-based Solutions (NbS), Dordrecht wants to strengthen the ecosystem services that this (small) river provides for healthy urban living.

Background/research

To achieve this vision, Dordrecht will apply the ‘city-in-nature’ approach, which aims to create a city that not only coexists with nature but thrives on its benefits. Additionally, appreciating the value of NbS in maintaining the Wantij River as a blue-green corridor is of paramount importance.

Collaboration and knowledge dissemination

Dordrecht's journey involves close collaboration with partners and stakeholders who share the same passion for sustainable urban development. Together, they work towards the goal of enhancing the city's resilience, while preserving and enriching its natural assets. The adoption of the Green Circle approach as a tool for stakeholder involvement, is a testament to their commitment. Each partner in the circle adds knowledge and expertise based on their own strategic interests to solutions that contribute to the shared goal. Furthermore, the integration of the ‘city-in-nature’ approach into Dordrecht’s nature-inclusive building handbook underscores their dedication to sustainability.

End goal

The pilot study promises to provide valuable insights into the implementation of NbS within urban contexts, setting the stage for future sustainable urban development initiatives. Ultimately, the transformation of the Wantij River into a vibrant blue-green corridor, represents not only a local milestone but also a global example of how cities can thrive in harmony with nature.