In Tommerup, the community is adapting to climate change by returning their historical Rævedam stream back to the surface.
The town of Tommerup has long been faced with an overloaded drainage system due to the constrained stream, Rævedam, that was piped underground. Therefore, Assens Municipality and the local utility company have decided to collaborate to return the stream to the surface, not only to adapt to a changing climate but also to create a recreational haven for citizens.
14
MILLION EUR IS EXPECTED TO BE SAVED THROUGH ADAPTATION MEASURES
By reopening the 1,300 meter long water course, the stream water and Tommerup’s rainwater will be separated. The stream can then flow naturally through the town, while rainwater will be led through the old pipes to three new delay reservoirs in the shape of small lakes. Here, the water will be cleaned before being directed to the stream at a rate which the stream can handle.
Rævedam is part of the original landscape to be restored, enabling citizens of Tommerup to get closer to the water and its historical identity.
According to calculations, the implementation of the climate project will result in reduced damage costs of 14 million EUR over the next 100 years. The new blue-green natural areas will also increase the area’s carbon uptake in the soil. Thus, the project will not only reduce the risk of floods, but also create a number of environmental and social co-benefits.
How the Global Goals are addressed
Life below Water
Reopening the stream and establishing natural areas will increase biodiversity in Tommerup and will work as ecological corridors for flora and fauna throughout the town.
Life on Land
Reopening the stream and establishing natural areas will increase biodiversity in Tommerup and will work as ecological corridors for flora and fauna throughout the town.
Partnerships for the Goals
Strengthened cooperation between the municipality and utility company creates cheaper and better climate solutions that lay the foundation for future climate change adaptation projects.
Assens Municipality
Assens Municipality is a municipality in Region of Southern Denmark on the west coast of the island of Funen in central Denmark.
Global Goals addressed
