From the source to the estuary: AQUA Abens launched
The Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT) is managing the AQUA Abens pilot project. The aim is to develop an innovative concept for decentralised flood protection along the entire Abens catchment area.
With AQUA Abens, a model project is to be created that can serve as an example for climate-adapted, decentralised flood protection throughout Bavaria. The project is looking at the approximately 70 kilometre-long course of the Abens river in Upper and Lower Bavaria in order to identify measures that can both mitigate flood peaks and improve soil moisture during periods of drought. The Abens catchment area is characterised by a low water retention capacity - a key reason for the recurring floods, most recently in June 2024.
Nature-based solutions in harmony with Agriculture
The HSWT will be responsible for developing the content over the next two years. This includes the modelling of runoff conditions, the assessment of risk areas and the development of a set of measures for decentralised water retention. Particular attention will be paid to „nature-based solutions“ such as swales, small bodies of water or green drainage structures in the agricultural landscape. These are to be planned in close consultation with farmers in order to ensure acceptance and practicability.
Markus Reinke, Professor of Landscape Planning, Landscape Ecology and Environmental Engineering at the Landscape Architecture department and at the Institute of Ecology and Landscape, is in charge of the scientific project management. „The challenge in the Aqua Abens project will be to plan effective flood protection and decentralised water retention that is accepted by land users, especially farmers, and can therefore be implemented,“ emphasises Professor Reinke.
Twelve Bavarian municipalities involved
A total of twelve local authorities from Lower Bavaria and Upper Bavaria are involved in the project. This broad participation enables a standardised view of the entire catchment area for the first time. The Lower Bavarian Office for Rural Development (ALE) is funding the creation of the technical concept with 75 per cent. The project costs amount to around 195,000 euros.
