Watercourses and estuaries form the link between land and sea. Climate change affects both, with changing discharge patterns of both water and sediment due to changing precipitation patterns and possible land use on the one hand, and sea level rise on the other. With ClimASed, we are looking for climate-robust and sustainable solutions for sediment management within our river basins. In this way, we want to better prepare our watercourses for the effects of a changing climate.
What is ClimASed and why is it important?
ClimASed stands for Climate change Adaptation for and with Sediments. Climate change is causing soil erosion to increase and disrupting the natural balance of sediment in our rivers. This has far-reaching consequences for:
- water quality
- ecosystems of rivers
- shipping
- flood risk management
The impact is being felt on biodiversity, infrastructure, and economies throughout Northwest Europe.
ClimASed focuses on nine pilot areas spread across three major river basins:
- the Shannon (Ireland)
- the Scheldt (France & Belgium)
- the Rhine (Germany)
In these areas, we are jointly developing a cross-border strategy for sustainable sediment management, from the source to the river mouth.
Aim of the project
ClimASed develops climate-resilient strategies for sediment and water quality management in a changing climate. This is achieved through:
- Monitoring of erosion and sediment transport
- Modeling of future scenarios
- Adaptation planning tailored to each river basin
A central approach in the project is working with adaptive pathways: flexible long-term strategies that help water managers prepare for possible tipping points in the future.
ClimASed uses advanced technologies to analyze the impact of climate change and develop sustainable measures.
Role of Flanders Hydraulics
Flanders Hydraulics and the Maritime Access Division, in collaboration with the other project partners, will study the influences of different climate scenarios on sediment transport (capacity) and the sediment balance in the Scheldt estuary. Based on this, sediment strategies in the context of regular maintenance dredging can be further refined with a view to a robust and resilient Scheldt estuary.
Project partners
- Belgium
- Department of Mobility and Public Works
- Department of Environment
- Flemish Environment Agency
- Service Public de Wallonie Mobilité et Infrastructures
- ULiège
- Ireland
- Munster Technological University (lead)
- Office of Public Works
- France
- IXSANE
- Cerema
- Université de Lille
- SYMEA
- Germany
- Bundesanstalt fur Gewasserkunde
Project details
| Status | Ongoing |
| Duration | 01/01/2025 - 31/12/2028 |
| Funding | Interreg North-West Europe |
| Project manager | Munster Technological University |
| URL | climased.nweurope.eu |
