RENATURALISATION OF RIVERS AND CANALS

Renaturalisation of the rivers and canals consists of creating riparian buffers and ecological restoration. Riparian buffers are strips of vegetation of native trees, shrubs and bushes along the banks of waterways such as lakes, rivers and canals that protect the water from potential pollutants from the surrounding urban areas. Ecological river restoration deals with ecological, spatial and physical management practices to return the river or canal back to its natural state. Restored waterways have increased water retention capacity due to their ability to naturally expand their banks and flood onto floodplains thus making them effective flood management systems. Renaturalising the rivers also supports biodiversity, healthier ecosystems as well as ecosystem services such as recreation.

Primary Function

• Slows flow rate of rain downstream

• Absorbs rain

• Treats water with plants

Added Benefits (versus a concrete channel)

• Increased biodiversity

• Reduces overheating with green surfaces

• Carbon sequestration

• Improved urban quality

• Communicates urban water dynamics

• On average, capital costs are cheaper than a new concrete channel