System analyses as the foundation for a climate-resilient water system

Urbanisation, pollution and climate change are putting increasing pressure on Flanders’ water systems. The effects — flooding, drought and loss of biodiversity — are already being felt in our cities and natural areas. Fortunately, the ambition to restore nature and make our cities climate-resilient is growing. Think of Flanders’ Blue Deal, the European Water Framework Directive and the Green Deal: powerful frameworks to restore water quality and nature by 2050.

Our approach: integrated and future-focused

At Witteveen+Bos we bring together disciplines: ecologists, hydrologists, landscape architects and designers. Together, we carry out system analyses that form the basis for sustainable solutions.

we combine technical expertise with in-depth knowledge of ecological restoration;
we use digital tools to make the interactions between water, soil and organisms visible;
we actively involve stakeholders, ensuring plans are supported by both users and managers.

The result? Solutions that not only contribute to a resilient water system but also restore biodiversity and enhance quality of life.

From vision to realisation

Whether it’s restoring a stream, designing robust water structures or guiding complex transitions: we make sure our clients are ready for tomorrow’s challenges.

That’s how we help build a climate-resilient and biodiverse Flanders.

The power of ecological design: why clean water alone isn’t enough

We only create resilient ecosystems when we design watercourses in line with natural processes. A simple illustration: take two jars filled with equally clean water.

in the first, nothing happens: the water quickly turns murky, algae take over;
in the second, we add plants, stones and a piece of dead wood. The result? Clear water, where microorganisms and plants keep each other in balance.