Groningen Invests €15 Million to Boost Water Storage and Combat Climate Change
Groningen, Friday, 30 May 2025.
Groningen’s €15 million project enhances De Onlanden’s water retention by 5 million m³, aiming to mitigate flooding impacts of climate change. Final approval expected by summer 2025.
Promoting Climate Resilience in the Netherlands
In a significant move towards climate resilience, the Waterschap Noorderzijlvest has set aside a €15 million fund to enhance water storage capacity at De Onlanden. This initiative is part of the wider ‘Droge Voeten 2050’ project aimed at countering the challenges of water overflows worsened by climate change [1]. By increasing De Onlanden’s water retention capability by an additional 5 million cubic meters, the project seeks to prevent flooding during extreme weather events, strengthening the region’s ability to manage water sustainably [2].
Strategic Approvals and Funding
The decision to allocate this substantial fund was made by the general board of Waterschap Noorderzijlvest, in anticipation of a final approval by the Gedeputeerde Staten van Provincie Drenthe expected before summer 2025 [2][3]. The €15 million credit, of which €10 million was previously reserved, includes additional measures such as boosting the pump capacity, safeguarding infrastructure, and elevating dikes and pathways [1]. Moreover, an EU subsidy application worth €1,500,293 has been submitted to complement the funding. This application is part of a broader strategy involving national and regional contributions, ensuring a cohesive approach to water management and climate adaptation [1][2].
Local and Regional Collaborations
The project involves a collaborative effort across regional boundaries, with both the Provinces of Groningen and Drenthe playing active roles in its execution [1]. The funding arrangement also aligns with the national strategic plan for sustainable resource management. Such regional cooperation is pivotal in creating robust frameworks to handle environmental changes effectively [2]. Additionally, a total of €204,600 has been earmarked for water management projects under the Deltaplan Agrarisch Waterbeheer, with contributions from both the water boards and local government, demonstrating a shared commitment to agricultural water quality improvements [1][3].
Looking Ahead: Implementation Phase
Once the Provincial States of Drenthe provide the anticipated formal approval, which is expected by summer 2025, the execution phase will commence [2][3]. The initiative is not only a testament to proactive environmental governance but also serves as a model for integrated water management systems in Europe. While the application for additional EU support is under consideration, local responses already highlight the critical nature of such infrastructural enhancements in responding to the evolving climate landscape of the region [1][2].