LIFE Sparc was more than just a nature project. From sharing knowledge with European colleagues to creating support among residents and visitors, LIFE Sparc was carried by many hands – and in many hearts.
Step 0: cooperation as a basis
Cooperation was embedded in the DNA of LIFE Sparc. Four organisations pooled their expertise to create the eight floodplains:
- De Vlaamse Waterweg nv, the Flemish government agency managing navigable waterways, created eight floodplains.
- The Waterbouwkundig Laboratorium and Eigen Vermogen Flanders Hydraulics were responsible for scientific research and knowledge sharing with foreign river managers.
- The Regionaal Landschap Schelde-Durme rolled out public activities for local residents and recreational users.
- The Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos was responsible for the overall coordination and communication and contributed its expertise in nature management.
In addition, we worked closely with policymakers, scientists, municipalities, local entrepreneurs and volunteers to think and act in a nature-inclusive way.
Step 1: support as the key to success
The average Flemish person places the climate high on the agenda. Many people are convinced that we should continue to invest in dykes and flood control areas. Nevertheless, changes to the living environment, such as depoldering or the creation of a floodplain, are met with resistance. Creating support was therefore a priority for LIFE Sparc from day one.
The key to success? It turns out to be a whole bunch of keys. In the LIFE+ project Scalluvia, we formulated 10 keys to co-ownership – a guideline for incorporating personal stories, concerns and commitments. In LIFE Sparc, too, these keys opened the door to a broadly supported long-term project.
Step 2: setting out together
Over the past eight years, we have gone out into the field together. With the project team, to implement and follow up on the actions. With residents and visitors to the Scheldt Valley:
- through training to become climate guides, so that people can communicate their interest in the area in a more informed way;
- through an outdoor lesson package on climate change and a forest playground to help the young and the younger to learn about the flood control areas;
- with 35 hospitality ambassadors who can tell their guests everything about the Scheldt Valley and its most special hidden spots;
- and via about 40 climate walks in which we explained our plans.
But we also set out with our European colleagues. With our partners from the Waterdunen project in Zeeland, the Netherlands. With research institutes that focus on other European estuaries. With the Danish LIFE project Coast to Coast Climate Change. And with the participants of the IUCN Regional Conservation Forum.
Step 3: keep experiencing
Even after the completion of LIFE Sparc, our areas continue to invite discovery. Some walks are available via RouteYou, so that everyone can explore the new climate buffers for themselves. The activities of the guides and nature parents have found a new home here. And soon, three brand-new adventure trails will open, where the osprey (Groot Schoor), the bluethroat (Klein Broek) and the beaver (Vlassenbroek) guide you through a story of water, nature and climate.
Curious? Download the walking map in our Layman’s Report and go on an adventure!
