NICHE-calculations in the Demer valley (EVINBO)

Eco-hydrological modelling with the Niche model in the Demer valley
In 2011, the Demer valley was included as a project in the Sigma programme, the main objectives of which were to increase flood protection and the restoration and development of natural values linked to river dynamics and groundwater conditions specific to valleys. In the' MER-plan' (environmental impact) phase for this project, a number of possible design scenarios were examined for their effectiveness and environmental impact.
A number of points of interest were identified from the discipline of environmental impact assessment with regard to fauna and flora, which need to be remedied further on a project level. In order to guide this process, a more detailed study of the expected effects on groundwater and groundwater-bound vegetation was needed.
The ecological impact analysis on groundwater-bound vegetation will be carried out using the hydro-ecological forecasting model NICHE-Flanders, which is ideally suited to directly compare the effects of different hydrological scenarios on possible vegetation development.