SpongeWorks

OBJECTIVE
SpongeWorks is at the forefront of enhancing climate resilience throughout Europe by implementing and assessing “sponge" measures: NbS which enhance natural water retention and shield against flood and drought risks. The project assesses and quantifies combined benefits and costs at the scale of landscapes
and creates pathways for upscaling and replication.

Visit the SpongeWorks website

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
SpongeWorks is demonstrating the impactful benefits of multifunctional sponge measures at landscape scale in 3 river basins: Pinios (GR), Lèze (FR), and Vecht (NL/DE). Spanning over 47 kilometres of rivers and engaging more than 300 local stakeholders, it is developing comprehensive, landscape-scale strategies for sustainable water and soil management and promoting large-scale replication across 8 additional regions. Through a rigorous monitoring programme, it provides a robust quantification of environmental and economic costs and benefits, while elaborating financial strategies to unlock funding for extensive implementation.

WATCH

Learn more about the SpongeWorks project in the France24 special report

Greek Demonstrator - Increasing Natural Water Retention

Understanding the importance of water retention measures in combatting floods and droughts and how to monitor their impacts

Construction of a leaky dam in France to slow down water flow and increase water retention

Christian Albert presentation at Brussels policy event 10 March 2026

CORDIS LINK