Ponds in Rochefort

On the way to 100 ponds in Rochefort!
Naturbasierte Lösungen
Entwicklung des grün-blauen Netzes

Kick Belgium

Projekt-Website

Started in: 2023

Project by: Kick Belgium

Projekt-Website

Started in: 2023

The project

In Rochefort, we have already dug 84 ponds and will exceed 100 by 2025! This is a project we are particularly proud of, as it has a real impact on the ecosystem across the region. It has enabled us to recreate a genuine blue network: a network of small, medium and large ponds, judiciously spaced to encourage the movement and development of fauna and flora. This project also has significant co-benefits: it helps to limit runoff during heavy rainfall thanks to the strategic location of the ponds in sensitive areas, while strengthening social ties by bringing residents together around a large-scale collective action that generates solidarity and shared pride. Thanks to the partnership between the City of Rochefort, Natagora, Kick, several farmers, committed citizens and local entrepreneurs, the municipality has become a champion of ponds subsidised by the Walloon Region and an example for the whole of Belgium. ‘With a pond like this, the plot’s biodiversity rating goes from 1 to 9 out of 10 in just a few months!’ — Patrick, agronomist, naturalist and project manager at Natagora.

Project location

Rochefort

Contribution(s)

1 solution

Project costs

Participant(s)

This project is thanks to a partnership between the City of Rochefort, Natagora, Kick, and numerous farmers.

How are the  criteria of the objective met?

Naturbasierte Lösungen

  • Nutzung der Natur/natürlicher Prozesse, die die biologische Vielfalt unterstützen, um die Herausforderungen im Zusammenhang mit dem Klimawandel, der Wasserwirtschaft (einschließlich Hochwassermanagement) und der Bodendegradation zu bewältigen;
  • Have respect for and/or improve the specific environmental and ecological characteristics of the area (e.g. the topography, the type of landscape, the local plant and animal life, …);
  • Einbindung dieser natürlichen Prozesse in die Umgebung und die Umwelt;
  • Implement those natural processes in a way that is consistent with other actions undertaken to address these challenges (e.g. rehabilitate native plant species around water amenities that are set up to improve water management, …);
  • Stärkung des ökologischen Verbunds zwischen naturbasierten Lösungen und den umliegenden Naturgebieten.

Possible initiatives in which the project is involved :

Das Projekt ist nicht Teil einer bestehenden Initiative.

Long-term maintenance

Long-term maintenance and management is carried out by farmers for plots in agricultural areas.

Benefits

Ponds are essential habitats for many species of amphibians, insects and plants. However, these areas have largely disappeared from the landscape, giving way to urbanised or cultivated spaces. Restoring these habitats therefore means giving living creatures back their place. The more than 30 sites involved in pond digging will strengthen ecological corridors – the blue network. Many aquatic species, some of which are very rare and still found in Rochefort, will once again be able to thrive in the region.
This measure will also directly benefit the inhabitants of the municipality. Some of the water bodies created will act as a buffer in the event of heavy rainfall and facilitate the infiltration of water into the water table. The ponds will thus help to mitigate the effects of droughts and floods, which are all too frequent.
Finally, farmers who sign up to the scheme can apply for substantial subsidies to support them in their practices that respect the natural environment. The possibility of watering livestock also offers a welcome advantage during heatwaves.

Other projects linked to the objective: "Nature-based solutions"

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