Natuurpunt and Cummins Collaborate to Re-Wet Mechelen's Nature Reserves on World Water Day 2024

Over the next two years, efforts will be made to retain water in the nature reserves by, among other things, the use of solar-powered water pumps.

The plans are part of the European LIFE project Wetlands4Cities, within which multiple partners are committed to making nature around cities climate-proof. The Cummins partnership will support the Wetland Plan that Natuurpunt presented in early 2024. Around Mechelen, Natuurpunt aims to restore 345 hectares of wetland within the framework of the Rivierenland Nature Park. Cummins is investing in the project to support biodiversity and carbon capture.

Lander Wantens, project officer at Wetlands4Cities said: "The Den Battelaer and Mechels Broek nature reserves are located at the intersection of the Dyle, Nete and Zenne rivers and are historic flood plains. By buffering extra water here, the region can be relieved at critical moments. Based on an ecohydrological study, we are going to place small weirs on some canals that will allow more water to be retained and thus also to combat drought. There is also already a solar-powered pump that ensures that excess water from the Dyle can flow into the area. Additionally, one more will be added in the long term to combat the acidification of the soil.”

Visitor experience and education capabilities have also been enhanced by this Cummins supported project, with plans for the creation of a unique hide at the nature reserves, allowing people to look underwater. In time, there will also be a footpath created on-site.

Antonio Leitao, Vice President of the Europe Area Business Organisation at Cummins, said: "With the Cummins Water Works (CWW) project, we are working with experts to create projects that will improve water quality, water quantity and access to water around the world. For example, by 2030, we aim to offset Cummins' annual water consumption in all regions. To this end, we work together with Natuurpunt, which has the expertise and volunteers to restore local water systems and support the development of environmental education about water. This project will help us achieve our goal of making the European region net water positive by 2030, in line with our overall mission to make people's lives better by creating a more prosperous world."

Alderman Patrick Princen, chairman of the Rivierenland Nature Park, said: "Since 2019, the area coalition behind Rivierenland Nature Park has created more than 225 hectares of new nature. We are very proud of that, but this wonderful result would never have been possible without the support of the members of the area coalition, countless donors and sponsors. The contribution of Cummins is therefore substantial and makes it possible to take major steps forward in terms of nature restoration and nature experience. Nature design is often seen as a cost item, but it is now clear that this yields ten times the economic return and the benefit of experiencing nature at its best. It is an investment that will help the city of Mechelen in the future to reinforce our environment and give nature restoration every chance."