Gelderland ramps up water management to protect residents from climate extremes
Gelderland is taking action to secure clean water, flood safety, and resilient nature amid climate change. With half its residents living near rivers, the province is reinforcing dikes, improving water quality, and creating natural buffers to tackle droughts and floods—directly impacting daily life and safety.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Province | Gelderland |
| Major rivers | Waal, Maas, Rhine, Nederrijn-Lek, IJssel |
| Residents near rivers | 50% live within 5 km |
| Focus areas | Flood safety, clean water, drought resilience, biodiversity |
| Collaborators | National government, Rijkswaterstaat, water boards, municipalities, farmers |
| Climate adaptation measures | Marshes, side channels, river forests |
The Province of Gelderland is responsible for regional water management, including flood protection, water quality, and climate adaptation. It works alongside national agencies and local partners to ensure sustainable water use and resilient infrastructure for its residents.
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Read the full translated article below
Water makes Gelderland stronger
On 22 March 2026, World Water Day will be observed. On this day, we reflect globally on the value of water. In Gelderland, too, water plays a crucial role. Every day, we work to ensure safe dikes, clean and sufficient water, and nature that can better withstand drought, heat, and flooding. For everyone who lives, works, and relaxes here.
Water is important
Water shapes how we live in Gelderland. Half of our residents live within 5 kilometres of a river. Major rivers flow through our province, such as the Waal, Maas, Rhine, Nederrijn-Lek, and IJssel. They drain water and bring nature, trade, and recreation.
We ensure safe dikes, sufficient and clean drinking water, healthy natural areas, and an attractive landscape for living, cycling, and walking.
Working on flood safety
We also protect villages and cities from flooding. We do this together with the national government, Rijkswaterstaat, and the water boards. In addition,
we reinforce dikes and create more space for rivers. This keeps the river area safe, now and in the future.
Clean and sufficient water
We also work to ensure clean water and enough water for drinking water extraction, agriculture, nature, and industry. We also
focus on improving water quality and the responsible use of groundwater. We collaborate with municipalities, farmers, and nature organisations to prevent pollution and retain water better.
Nature for a changing climate
We are increasingly facing high water levels, drought, and heat. That is why we create places where rainwater can seep into the ground, such as marshes, side channels (an extra, small river alongside the main river), and river forests.
This nature helps during extreme rainfall and retains water during dry periods. This allows more animal and plant species to thrive (biodiversity), and improves our living environment.
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