In the Polders of Kruibeke, the LIFE+ project, Scalluvia, together with its partners – Natuur en Bos (Agency for Nature and Forests), De Vlaamse Waterweg nv, Kruin and the city of Kruibeke – provide every form of support to a rare slice of river nature, the alluvial forest. The Scalluvia project not only restores the forests, it also shares knowledge about them with local residents and nature lovers. The specific actions targeting the alluvial forest and creeks in the Polders will ultimately lead to a wide-ranging nature management plan. Moreover, Scalluvia increases social support for the Polders of Kruibeke in several ways, including guided walks and art projects.

Under the banner of USAR (Using Sediment As a Resource), De Vlaamse Waterweg nv, together with partners in France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, will develop and refine techniques for the beneficial re-use of dredged material. A test project is now running in the Durme Valley.

By reusing dredged material as a secondary raw material, primary raw materials, such as sand and clay, can be saved. Furthermore, dredging and levee projects run more efficiently and cause less hindrance when they are combined in this way.

USAR is supported by the Interreg 2 Seas programme, which runs from 2014 to 2020. This European programme promotes cross-border cooperation between England, France, the Netherlands and Belgium (Flanders).

On the border between Flanders and the Netherlands, one of the largest tidal nature areas in Western Europe is being developed. Here, the Grenspark Groot-Saeftinghe will connect the Verdronken Land van Saeftinghe to the Hedwige Prosper Project, the Doel Polder, the South Prosper Polder and the Nieuw Arenbergpolder. This will create a contiguous nature hub of approximately 4500 hectares. The ecological value of such an immense green preserve is much greater than that of many separate areas. In addition to this robust nature hub, the existing nature values in the cities of Hulst (NL), Beveren (B) and Sint-Gillis-Waas (B) will also be strengthened.

The LIFE SPARC project proposes measures to make the Scheldt estuary and its highly urbanised area resilient to climate change. In practice, this means providing much greater protection against floods by creating open space for water and developing a robust estuary ecosystem.

Natuur en Bos (Agency for Nature and Forests) coordinates the project. Partners are De Vlaamse Waterweg nv, Regionaal Landschap Schelde-Durme and E.V. Flanders Hydraulics.

SPARC takes place on the territory of Dendermonde, Bornem, Hamme, Waasmunster and Temse.