Measures

Targets are to be achieved by implementing the following actions:

Actions within the habitat patch connectivity and nature protection

• preserve freely flowing river sections
• restore river dynamics
• (permit) a more varied design of the structure of river banks and bottom
• open former alluvial areas to the river (room for the river)
• change to more extensive agriculture in the floodplain
• remove obstacles to the migration of the river fauna
• reconnect old river branches and torrents

Actions targeted at flood prevention

• open former alluvial areas to the river (room for the river)
• technical retention in polders
• reinforce dikes
• improve forecasting and risk awareness

Actions aimed at water quality

• reduce inputs of heavy metals, nitrogen and pesticides
• reduce inputs of pharmaceuticals and new dangerous substances

The different actions are complementary and reinforce one another. Thus, more extensive agriculture in the floodplain enhances nature protection and water quality as less nutrients and pollutants enter into groundwater and surface waters.