#U_Lakes How Amsterdam turns rainwater into an city resource

As part of the information and awareness-raising campaign envisaged by the UrbanLakes - Cross-border synergy for blue ecosystem preservation (U_Lakes) project, funded by the European Union through the Interreg Next VI-A Romania-Ukraine 2021–2027 programme, we are sharing examples of good practices from cities around the world and demonstrating how this experience can benefit Ivano-Frankivsk. That’s why we can’t overlook the example of Amsterdam (the Netherlands), where blue-green infrastructure helps manage stormwater.

In Amsterdam, city lakes and canals play not only an aesthetic role but also serve as a vital mechanism for stormwater management and protecting the city from flooding. Water bodies here are integrated into the urban infrastructure in such a way that they simultaneously function as natural filters, recreational areas, and parts of public spaces. Rain gardens and biofilters purify water naturally, while water retention systems in bodies of water during heavy rainfall help prevent flooding. At the same time, canals and lakes are surrounded by parks, walking paths, and bike trails, creating comfortable areas for recreation and sports where people can enjoy nature right in the city.

Amsterdam’s experience demonstrates that water bodies can combine their natural function with urban activity, creating spaces that benefit both people and the environment.

This publication has been produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the Executive Committee of the Ivano-Frankivsk City Council and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Union or the management structures of the Interreg VI-A NEXT 2021-2027 Romania-Ukraine Program.

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