Lenzen, Elbe River, Brandenburg (Germany)
The relocation of a dyke along the River Elbe to prevent floods
resulted in the creation of a new retention area featuring a
diverse floodplain with alluvial forests, semi-open pasture
landscapes, and other characteristic lowland floodplain
habitats.
The old dyke, situated next to the river, was opened in
sections of 200-500 meters. A new and relatively smaller
dyke was built further upstream.
The project was born at the initiative of the manager of a
large-scale farm, who aimed at linking environmentally
sustainable economic activities with local development along
the Elbe catchment. Based on this vision, the manager
engaged with the public administration, scientists and other
stakeholders.
A successful participatory process and sustained dialogue
with farmers and other stakeholders simplified the process of
land re-allocation.
– Cutting of the old dyke has allowed to remove a hydraulic
bottleneck, besides mitigating the impacts of several flood
events.
– 160 hectares of alluvial forest were planted and other priority
habitats were restored
– Connecting biodiversity and flood protection targets helped
build arguments for restoration while paving the way to
access new funding sources, simultaneously meeting several
policy targets.
– Implementing a vision for large-scale restoration is a slow
process which requires long-term commitment. In this case,
it took ten years until the project was executed.
– This project benefited from an effective governance
structure, where the nature conservation authority and the
water authority were part of the same state environmental
agency. This improved communication and coordination.
– Diversification of funding sources was key to articulate a
response to unforeseen events and for completing the
project
☑ Local knowledge of ES
☑ Importance of resource for community
☑ Participatory approach
☑ System productivity
☑ Diversification of funding
☑ Involvement of civil society organisations
☑ Successful pilot testing
☑ Development of governance structures
☑ Favourable policy context
☑ Support of local authorities
☑ Leadership/ entrepreneurship
☑ Direct involvement of private sector
☑ hydrological restoration
☑ morphological restoration
☑ hydro-morphological restoration
☑ vegetation restoration