A future-proof connection between water and ecology.

The Southern Meuse Valley near Maastricht is undergoing a long-term planning study to ensure its resilience for the coming decades. With a focus on spatial development, ecology, water safety, and transport, various government bodies—including the Ministry, Rijkswaterstaat, the Province, the Municipality, and the Water Board—are shaping the future of the region. Waterboard Limburg invited The Weather Makers to bring a fresh ecological perspective to this design-driven study.

Shifting the approach to water and nature

Traditionally, water safety is prioritized first, with ecology and spatial development adapting to the remaining space. The Weather Makers flipped this approach, designing from the perspective of what nature needs to thrive and identifying ways to stack functions for a more integrated and resilient landscape.

An ecological hub for water resilience

At the heart of the proposal lies an ecological hub on the island of Borgharen-Itteren, where pools and streams create diverse aquatic habitats. This not only enhances biodiversity and water quality but also naturally contributes to water storage and flood management, strengthening both ecological and transport safety.

Science-backed solutions for long-term impact

Using ecological productivity calculations, The Weather Makers demonstrated how alternative design choices influence ecosystem growth. This holistic approach encourages decision-makers to see water and ecology as interconnected, rather than separate challenges—ensuring a future-proof, adaptive landscape that benefits both people and nature.

When water and ecology are designed together, resilience follows naturally.