LIFE Narmena in the spotlight on the Flemish-Dutch knowledge day on wetlands

International Wetlands Day on 2 February was once again the perfect starting point for a Flemish-Dutch knowledge day, in collaboration with VITO and INBO. The large turnout and strong speakers underlined the success of the event. On the programme: both natural and treatment wetlands, with a focus on water quantity and water quality.

In the afternoon, there were seven breakout sessions, with topics ranging from maintenance and financing to the use of iron sandstone filters. This was the ideal moment to present LIFE Narmena. We explained two types of wetlands that contribute to the stabilisation of metal pollution at the Grote Calie (Turnhout) and the Winterbeek (Scherpenheuvel-Zichem), and shared the initial monitoring results. 

We also pointed out that soil and sediment contamination is a major challenge in many nature and water construction projects. Wetland restoration on or with contaminated soils can be a win-win situation, but it also entails risks, such as the possible spread of contamination. Because many biochemical and physical processes are involved and every situation is different, a tailor-made approach is essential. Bringing together cross-policy themes led to fascinating discussions. We ended the day with a lively networking reception.

This initiative was made possible thanks to the many extra strong shoulders of: Architecture Workroom Brussels, Agency for Nature and Forests, Deltares, HZ University of Applied Sciences, Natuurmonumenten, Natuurpunt, OBN Natuurkennis, Regional Landscape Haspengouw and Voeren, Province of North Brabant, Staatsbosbeheer, STOWA, Sweco, Ghent University, Flemish Environment Agency, De Dommel Water Board, and was co-financed by the European Commission, through the LIFE programme, and by Interreg Flanders-Netherlands.