Removal of the Permanent Water Bodies on the Bièvre : Enhancing Ecosystem Resilience with Nature-Based Solutions

How to reduce flood risk and enhance ecosystem resilience through Nature-Based Solutions?

The feedback sheets developed by CDC-Biodiversité, the French UICN Committee, and the OFB as part of the Life ARTISAN project aim to inspire public and private decision-makers, planners, forest and agricultural landowners, or protected area managers interested in implementing a Nature-Based Solutions project. They offer insights into socio-economic and ecological contexts, funding sources, stakeholders, governance, implemented actions, outcomes, monitoring indicators, success factors, and recommendations.

The "Removal of Permanent Water Bodies on the Bièvre" project (2015-2017) significantly enhanced flood management by increasing water storage capacity by 30% and reducing flood risks, preventing flooding in 2016 and 2018 despite high water events in the Paris region. This restoration led to a 600% increase in wetland areas, bolstering biodiversity with the reemergence of heritage species such as Tall Yellow Sweetclover and Scarce Chaser. Additionally, the project contributed to improved river water quality through reduced pollution levels. Supported by robust local stakeholder engagement and institutional backing, these efforts have reshaped the ecological and hydrological continuity of the Bièvre, demonstrating a cost-effective strategy for enhancing ecosystem resilience.