New EU Project Uses Wetlands to Combat Drought in Europe
The new EU-project, NBS4Drought, has just been launched. Its aim is to document how wetlands, as nature-based solutions (NBS), can reduce drought risk across Europe while creating value for both nature and society.
Coordinated by Aarhus University, the initiative brings together researchers, public authorities, businesses, and citizens from across Europe in a shared mission: to demonstrate the technical, economic, and societal benefits of using wetland-based NBS as an effective tool for climate adaptation.
Drought: A Neglected Climate Threat
Climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of droughts worldwide. Despite this pressing reality, drought risk remains widely underestimated among European citizens. It is exactly this reality that Horizon Europe seeks to address with the newly launched project NBS4Drought.
In the shadow of rising temperatures, floods, and sea level rise, drought remains an overlooked climate threat that rarely receives the same attention as other extreme weather events. NBS4Drought aims to change this by demonstrating how wetlands, as nature-based solutions, can strengthen Europe’s resilience to future droughts.
Kick-off in Aarhus
The project officially began with a three-day kick-off meeting on the 29th of September in Aarhus, where participants from across Europe were introduced to the project’s showcases and work packages. The meeting established a solid foundation for the coming years of project development and collaboration ahead.
With 24 partners from 8 European countries, NBS4Drought will, over the next four years, demonstrate how wetlands can reduce drought risk while creating added value for nature and local communities. Through seven showcases located in five different bioclimatic zones, the project will develop climate solutions of the future in concrete and real-world contexts.
Research, Local Engagement, and Long-Term Impact
The project integrates advanced research tools with local involvement to deliver sustainable solutions that work in practice. Collaboration between science and society is a core value in NBS4Drought’s vision to develop flexible and adaptive methods that can continue beyond the project’s end.
Running until 2029, the project will document the technical, economic, and social effects of nature-based solutions, contributing to a stronger foundation for future climate adaptation. This includes mapping drought risks, identifying suitable areas for replication, and providing new contributions to the EU’s climate adaptation strategies.
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