• With nature-based solutions, we contribute to the transition towards climate-resilient and sustainable management of our rivers and streams. Managers, nature organizations, governments, policymakers, and businesses have a keen interest in these nature-based solutions due to their sustainable nature and the benefits they bring to nature, the environment, and society.
• To effectively implement nature-based solutions, extensive practical knowledge and research are required. The applied research group combines efforts with water boards and other governmental bodies to address current issues such as high water levels, drought, and climate-resilient watershed management.
• Students and researchers collaborate on innovative research into nature-based solutions, providing the necessary expertise and practical applications to support this essential transition.

The applied research group Nature Based River Management contributes to new knowledge and insights into natural river management and nature-based solutions. The goal is to make river and stream valley water systems climate-resilient and sustainable, providing space for nature development and restoration as well as sustainable usage functions. This is achieved through applied research and close collaboration with society and businesses.

These are the five research lines the applied research group works with:

1. Learning from experiences with nature-based river management to gain insights into its preconditions.
2. Generating knowledge about the effectiveness of nature-based solutions in river areas.
3. Developing sustainable multifunctional water barriers.
4. Gaining insight into the role and impact of fauna and flora in nature-based solutions.
5. Translating knowledge and experiences from the research into general guidelines for applying nature-based solutions.

Together with practical partners, the applied research group develops and shares knowledge about nature-based solutions for problems in the watersheds of rivers and streams. Part-time students in the Land and Water Management programme (Dutch), for example, explore nature-based solutions to make the water distribution at the Pannerdensche Kop split point future-proof. They examine upstream possibilities, downstream effects, and historical developments in the area.

Current Projects:

• Small Rivers for Climate: What is the potential of nature-based management of small rivers (the Linge, Overijsselse Vecht, and Lauwers) for climate adaptation? Students, together with lecturer-researchers, are gaining a better understanding of this.
• Turf for the (Green) Dyke: Is dredged sludge suitable for developing green, strong, and biodiverse dike coverings? Students are investigating this sustainable and circular solution.

The applied research group Nature Based River Management publishes articles in professional journals for the blue-green sector and in scientific journals. We involve students as much as possible in these publications so they can share the knowledge and insights from their research with the professional field.

Highlighted Publications:

• Nature-based management as the common denominator for climate-resilient and sustainable river and stream systems: With this inaugural lecture, Jantsje van Loon-Steensma accepted the position of lector Nature-based River Management at Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences on 16 June 2023.
• Greening the dike revetment with historic sod transplantation technique in a living lab: This article discusses the research on the robustness of the green dike at the Hedwige-Prosperpolder. Kim van den Hoven (Wageningen University & Research) co-authored it with many others, including her supervisor Jantsje van Loon-Steensma.

All publications from the applied research group can be found on Greeni, the online library for green higher education.

The applied research group has gathered a circle of researchers and stakeholders around it. In research projects, we collaborate intensively, seek alignment, and communicate about it. We also explore new ideas, develop research proposals, and exchange information. As a knowledge network, we meet several times a year and organize a workshop for a broad group of participants.

We join forces with these knowledge partners:

• Wageningen University & Research (especially the Earth Systems and Global Change Group, where Jantsje van Loon-Steensma holds a part-time position)
• Waterschap Rivierenland
• Waterschap Brabantse Delta
• Rijkswaterstaat
• Staatsbosbeheer

Students from various programmes at VHL conduct research or do internships at the applied research group, including:

• Land- en Watermanagement
• Bos- en Natuurbeheer
• Management van de Leefomgeving

Want to know more about the applied research group for Nature Based River Management? Curious about collaboration opportunities? Or interested in an internship or graduation project? Call or email:

Dr. ir. Jantsje van Loon-Steensma
Professor Nature Based River Management

E-mail: jantsje.vanloon@hvhl.nl
Phone: +31 26 369 58 28