Since 2017, Flanders Hydraulics has collaborated with De Vlaamse Waterweg, the Flemish Agency for Nature and Forests, and Regionaal Landschap Schelde-Durme in the LIFE Sparc project. This European initiative accelerated the development of eight Sigma Plan areas into climate buffers, creating 428 hectares of freshwater tidal nature. In its new Layman's Report, the project shares its results with the wider public.
As a tidal river, the Sea Scheldt is sensitive to the effects of climate change. The Sigma Plan – and by extension, LIFE Sparc – aims to restore space for the river. Through depoldering and the creation of controlled flood areas with a reduced tide, it ensures the impact of exceptional floods is greatly reduced.
Flanders Hydraulics supported LIFE Sparc in multiple ways. It provided a synthesis of existing knowledge about the project areas, drawing from the OMES and MONEOS measurement programmes. It also developed detailed models to assess the hydrodynamic impact of each intervention.
Knowledge exchange was a key pillar of the LIFE Sparc project. In this, too, Flanders Hydraulics played a central role, sharing expertise with counterparts working on comparable European estuaries. Study visits and international exchanges helped build a stronger foundation for flood resilience across Europe.
Read more about the LIFE Sparc model and Flanders Hydraulics’ contribution at https://cdn.life-sparc.eu/sites/2/2025/08/04063417/ENG_Sparc-Report-2025_v4.pdf
Sparc is part of the LIFE Climate Action programme, through which the European Union supports the development and implementation of its nature and environmental policy. From Flanders, LIFE Sparc has contributed concrete answers to the challenges posed by climate change.
