Why did a region in Belgium decide to become part of Spongeworks in its efforts to change the way they manage water, land, and people in a changing climate?
We spoke with Els Belmans, Policy Officer at the Flemish Land Agency to find out.
What sparked your project?
Climate change is reshaping Flanders with increasingly frequent and intense rainfall events, followed by longer periods of water scarcity. These extremes put growing pressure on both people and the environment. With Flemish open space dominated by intensive agriculture, the land is already stretched thin—leaving little room for water to infiltrate and nature to rebound. The ongoing conversion of natural land into paved surfaces further reduces the landscape’s ability to absorb water, store carbon, and regulate climate—making the region more vulnerable to floods, droughts, and ecological decline.
Poor surface and groundwater quality is putting ecosystems and human health at risk. Biodiversity is in decline, as habitats shrink and natural balance is lost. Soil conditions are deteriorating, reducing agricultural productivity and long-term land health. Meanwhile, climate uncertainty and shifting land use demand a smarter, more adaptive response. Yet, existing governmental tools and policies often fall short, struggling to address the complexity of these interconnected threats.
By blending practical experience with scientific research, we create solutions that are not only visionary but grounded in reality. This synergy fuels inspiration, drives progress, and shapes impactful change in water, climate, and sustainability.
Why did you want to join SpongeWorks?
At the heart of innovation lies collaboration. By learning from one another, we spark new ideas, share solutions, and accelerate impact.
Waterlandschap is a groundbreaking program bringing together 33 local coalitions across Flanders—uniting efforts to build a resilient and regenerative future. Each coal