Sediment Nourishment Meuse

The river Meuse is more than just water flowing; it is a critical lifeline as well as a source of challenges. The river system is suffering from changes in climate, causing floods and droughts, affecting surrounding ecosystems and economic sectors such as shipping. The pilot 'Nourishment in the Meuse’, serves as a practice ground for the future. The pilot plays a pivotal role in managing changes in morphodynamics and ecological restoration. These are both crucial aspects for the future management of this river system.

Morphodynamic changes and ecological restoration

Morphodynamic changes in rivers can result from natural processes like erosion and sedimentation, as well as human activities such as dredging or dam construction. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) such as reforestation, wetland restoration, the removal of invasive species, and the reintroduction of native flora and fauna, have not only proven to enhance the resilience of the river systems to climate change, but also to facilitate ecological restoration. 

Collaboration and knowledge dissemination

This pilot project will be implemented along a section of the shared border between Belgium and the Netherlands, alongside the Meuse River. Rijkswaterstaat (RWS) is the lead partner of this pilot, with the Flemish Waterway (VWW) serving as observer and learner. The knowledge acquired from this pilot will be applied in later stages of the ResiRiver project. It will contribute to the development and implementation of training programmes, transnational plans, and recommendations for other authorities and (prospective) water professionals. 

The end goal

The ‘Nourishment in the Meuse’ pilot project offers valuable insights in the application of NbS and enables the development of future river management strategies through in a sustainable and no-regret sediment management.