Rotterdam Urban Area, The Netherlands
Location
Rotterdam is located in the Rhine-Meuse River delta region in the West of the Netherlands, a low-lying region characterized by soft, water-saturated sediments. The geological setting of the area has been shaped by river and marine processes.
Geographical Map
Description
Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the country and a key economic hub due to its strategic location along the Maas River and its status as home to the largest port in Europe. In the city’s urban area complex environmental challenges arise from the interplay of new developments and focus such as urban greening, biodiversity, aquifer recharge, salinization, soil health, ecosystem services, groundwater quality, water management, the unsaturated zone, and land-use changes.
The municipality of Rotterdam is addressing the challenges posed by climate change and the decline in biodiversity. The municipality has developed various programs that will be implemented in streets and neighborhoods. Contaminants, such as organic pollutants and heavy metals, are present in the soil and groundwater and may complicate the process of achieving soil health goals. However, there may also be opportunities to combine measures with nature-based solutions. It is of great importance to gain insight into these aspects. This initiative aims to assess the cumulative impact of these environmental measures on both the city as a whole and the specific areas where they are implemented.
Specific features
Green roofs and rain gardens are installed to manage excess rainfall, reducing flood risks. The Water Squares, not only store stormwater but also serve as dynamic public spaces, demonstrating how urban infrastructure can harmonize with nature. In addition, the wetlands and tidal zones along the Maas River play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, providing a habitat for fish, birds, and aquatic life. However, the legacy of its industrial past has left traces of heavy metals and organic pollutants in the soil and groundwater, complicating efforts to improve soil health. The goal is to gain deeper insights into how these urban transformations contribute to Rotterdam’s climate resilience and ecological balance.
Relevant Users / Stakeholders
Municipality, province, water board. By developing a robust and actionable knowledge base, the project will support policymakers, urban planners, environmental managers, and other stakeholders in navigating the intricate relationship between climate adaptation, urban greening, biodiversity, soil health, and groundwater quality.
Used tool
MODFLOW6
Lead
Deltares
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.