Advancing the Water Resilience Strategy through Sponge Landscapes and Nature-Based Solutions for a Climate Resilient Europe

This policy brief outlines how sponge landscapes and nature-based solutions can help operationalise the European Water Resilience Strategy and improve climate resilience across Europe. By enhancing water retention, slowing runoff, supporting groundwater recharge, and reducing the impacts of floods and droughts, sponge landscapes offer a practical pathway towards more resilient land and water systems. The brief presents key recommendations for strengthening sponge functioning through policy alignment, integrated governance, stakeholder engagement, knowledge sharing, and financing for nature-based solutions. This approach aims to support biodiversity, sustainable land use, and long-term water resilience.