The Horizon Europe SpongeWorks project successfully concluded its Open Call, receiving an outstanding 70+ proposals from European regions and organisations eager to implement Nature-based Solutions that promote natural water retention, known as “sponge measures”. This strong response underlines the rising recognition of “sponge measures” as a crucial tool for climate adaptation, mitigating floods and droughts, and addressing soil degradation.

Funded by Horizon Europe and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), SpongeWorks is a 4-year, €15 million initiative promoting the adoption of “sponge measures” and their large-scale integration into landscapes through “sponge strategies”.