Briefing

Why should we care about floodplains?

Briefing Published 19 Nov 2018 Last modified 15 Feb 2023

8 min read

Photo: © Janez Zalaznik , WaterPIX/EEA

Rivers are much wider than the channels we associate them with. The areas next to rivers, which are only covered by water during floods, are also part of the river system. Known as floodplains, in their natural condition they are an important ecological part of this system: they filter and store water, secure both natural flood protection and the healthy functioning of river ecosystems, and help sustain the high biological diversity present there.

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The country assessments are the sole responsibility of the EEA member and cooperating countries supported by the EEA through guidance, translation and editing.

For references, please go to https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/why-should-we-care-about-floodplains/why-should-we-care-about-floodplains or scan the QR code.

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