How can a river be managed to better cope with floods without worsening drought effects? In Vaux-sous-Chèvremont, several concrete developments on the Vesdre river illustrate this evolution towards greater resilience. Giving more space to water is a response to floods, but a wider riverbed can also mean shallower, faster-warming water during dry periods.
The implemented developments offer practical solutions. Low-water berms, made from sediment dredged from the river, help concentrate water when levels are low. During floods, they also help dissipate some of the water's energy. Stone blocks are strategically placed to locally alter the current and create deeper zones, serving as refuges for fish during severe droughts. Other structures further diversify habitats and feeding areas.
The goal is not only to protect against future floods but also to restore the river's natural functioning and adapt it to the various impacts of climate change.
These interventions are part of the broader RIVES initiative, a larger-scale project for the Vesdre basin. It brings together regional stakeholders to support reconstruction and evolve infrastructure, from the plateaus down to the valley floors, aiming to sustainably adapt the territory and anticipate climate events.
Instead of rebuilding the valley identically, the RIVES approach progressively aims to transform riverbanks, public spaces, and infrastructure, considering water dynamics across the entire watershed. This collective dynamic is driven by Wallonia and SPI with their local partners.
To understand these developments and their effects, discover the report 'Listening to our rivers', produced by Vedia in Vaux-sous-Chèvremont.
