The Future Dikes team investigates how species-rich dike coverage can contribute to stronger and safer dikes in the Netherlands. Through their multidisciplinary approach, combining knowledge from various fields, the team has achieved groundbreaking results. Their research shows that species-rich dike coverage is at least as safe as grass-dominated dike coverage. Since species-rich dike coverage includes many more plant species and attracts a wider variety of insects, this coverage also contributes to preserving biodiversity in the river landscape.
The results have been widely shared, with even the NOS News covering their work. To ensure that species-rich dike coverage can be implemented on a larger scale in the future, the research team has provided extensive information for the grass coverage guidelines. The Flood Protection Programme and the water boards have expressed their ambition to establish "Strong species-rich dikes as the standard".
The team's strength lies in the collaboration between various experts and partners, both within the faculty and beyond. The jury sees the team as an excellent example of how interdisciplinary collaboration can lead to innovative solutions with significant societal impact.
