The Drinkable Scheldt initiative is a citizen and research project that dreams of a river so clean that you can safely drink from it again. The idea is an initiative of the Dutch foundation Drinkable Rivers, which wants to restore rivers to healthy ecosystems. A coalition of organisations and volunteers in France, Belgium and the Netherlands are working together under the banner of Drinkable Scheldt with citizens, schools and scientists to measure and improve the water quality of the Scheldt. Through citizen science, samples are taken and analysed at various locations to gain a better understanding of pollution sources and trends. The project aims not only to collect data, but also to raise awareness: if we want to make our water so clean that it is drinkable, we need to change the way we deal with agriculture, industry, waste and nature. Drinkable Scheldt is an inspiring call to give the river back to people and nature.
Actions Irrawaddy Earth:
- Coordination of the Flemish part of the Drinkable Scheldt Walk 2025
- Draft of the declaration of intent for a Drinkable Scheldt
- Community building
Year: 2024 – …
Budget: n/a (volunteer work)
Funding: n/a