Blue Deal: The compass for a water-safe and water-resilient Flanders
What is the Flemish Blue Deal?
Water is life. It flows through our taps, nourishes our nature and keeps our economy running. Due to climate change, these functions are under pressure. If we want clean drinking water, healthy rivers, safe and sufficient water for agriculture and industry in the future, we must take action now.
Today’s climate challenges call for a structurally and coherent approach with clear goals and targeted actions. That is why the Flemish Government launched the Blue Deal, an ambitious water resilience plan with a clear vision supported by an action plan.
What is the focus?
The Blue Deal focuses on:
- Safe and healthy rivers and valleys. Improved soil sponge functions, restoration of meanders and wetlands, reinforcement of dykes, construction of floodplains and water level management to retain water for longer and limited flood damage.
- Smarter water use. Through investments in the (re)use of rainwater and wastewater, circular applications in industry and agriculture, and a reform of the water bill to make it socially correct and encourage sustainable water use.
- Better protection of soil water and drinking water. Through remediation of pollutants, a robust permitting and a strategic investment plan for drinking water security.
- Healthier water quality. Through targeted measures in agriculture, industry and residential areas, supported by impact monitoring and clear quality targets for each water body.
- Local experience and awareness. Walking or cycling along the water, a refreshing dip in open water or a peaceful canoe trip. Water invites relaxation and adventure. Such experiences strengthen our awareness of how valuable and vulnerable water is.
Local Blue Deals and sponge goals
The Blue Deal aims to establish strong local partnerships, fuelled by local knowledge and tailored to the unique characteristics of each area. We call them ‘Local Blue Deals’.
These Local Blue Deals must translate the ambition of the Blue Deal into concrete goals and actions in the field.
In summary:
- Local Blue Deals bring local authorities, farmers, businesses, nature organisations and citizens together around the table. They work in an integrated way on water within their area. Together, they set clear goals and initiate concrete measures, actions and projects.
- Sponge goals for targeted actions to strengthen water resilience, tailored to local water challenges. How much extra water needs to infiltrate? Where does drainage need to be adjusted? And how much buffer capacity is needed to cope with drought and flooding? Sponge goals provide clear answers to these questions for each area.
The building blocks of the Blue Deal?
- From an single approach to an integrated one: No isolated initiatives, but an integrated approach that strengthens the entire water system and makes our society water-resilient.
- From top-down to local: The uniqueness and strength of each area in the centre. Local cooperation is the engine of change.
- From government alone to everyone together: Businesses, farmers, citizens, cities and municipalities, … everyone must get involved.