RECHARGE aims to study and compare the hydrological dynamics of different basins, wetlands and river systems, focusing on the understanding of the whole river catchment of:
Belgium
The Belgian case study is a data-rich catchment in the north of Belgium. The Kleine Nete is one of the most natural rivers in Flanders, with good water quality and a mix of nature, such as peat relics, grasslands, forests and heathland. At the same time, the catchment also supports agriculture, with trends toward intensification. Thus, there is high pressure on the water system due to abstractions from groundwater and surface water. Extreme droughts in the past decade have raised awareness of the need for action. We are involved in supporting past and ongoing investment projects. Monitoring of past NBS implementations is ongoing through synergy with other research projects and networks such as the TURQUOISE project, Bodemwater, and Beek Boer Bodem.
Poland
The Flinta River meanders through a picturesque lowland landscape, boasting an abundance of aquatic flora and a diverse array of river-dwelling fish species. Several sections of the river stand as a prime example of nature-based solutions (NBS), reflecting the characteristics of typical lowland waterways found across Europe. Evaluated as moderate under the Water Framework Directive (WFD), the Flinta River continues to serve as a vital ecosystem despite some hydromorphological alterations. Part of its course falls within the Natura 2000 network (PLB300015), complemented by conservation zones along its banks.
Portugal
The Portugal water basin is a 221 ha agrosilvopastoral state property and part of LTER (LTER_EU_PT_003), with historical climate and water-level data and long-standing connections to stakeholders. It has a Mediterranean climate (mean annual rainfall: 500 mm; mean annual temperature: 16°C) and an altitude ranging from 150 to 240 m a.s.l. Its main ecosystem services are cork production and science, alongside biodiversity support. The basin includes a headwater catchment, with one permanent stream and several small temporary tributaries. Thirteen NBS retention basins have been built to increase local water availability for animals and plants and to enhance water infiltration into the aquifer. These will be the focus of RECHARGE, comparing independent stream sections with and without NBS.
Spain
The Spanish project team will focus on the Arga and Aragón rivers, which have been restored within the framework of Spain’s National Strategy for River Restoration and the EU-funded LIFE project Territorio Visón. The main objectives of these restoration works were to increase the hydrological connectivity between the rivers and their surrounding floodplains, improve and diversify habitats to preserve species of special interest, and buffer the effects of floods. The area lies on top of alluvial aquifers, which are continuously monitored in terms of water quantity and quality. The catchment includes hundreds of kilometres of rivers within Natura 2000 sites, which could potentially be subject to further restoration efforts. It also has a network of over 50 sampling sites, monitored since 1994, used to assess the chemical and biological status of the waters. In addition, 7 stations continuously monitor common water parameters using sensors