Sponge Landscape

A sponge landscape is a landscape that has the capacity to intercept rainfall, slow runoff and temporarily store water. It is composed of natural features in rural and urban areas, whose capacity is enhanced by interconnected sponge measures where sponge functioning has been reduced or damaged. By strengthening self-sustaining hydrological functions, sponge landscapes reduce flood and drought risks, improve water quality and natural values, and enhance climate resilience.