The municipality of Amsterdam and ARTIS will receive 500,000 euros from ErfgoedDeal to tackle the water problems in the Plantage neighbourhood.
ARTIS will collect rainwater from the neighborhood and use this water for the gardens and animal enclosures.
The municipality and ARTIS want to prepare Amsterdam as best as possible for more extreme weather. The Plantagebuurt is situated low and is therefore extra vulnerable to a lot of rain. The sewer is less able to drain the water here. The new measures are intended to prevent damage and nuisance. By using the collected water for the gardens and animal enclosures, ARTIS also saves drinking water.
Activities
The first work at the ARTIS Aquarium will begin in 2025. This will be followed by other locations in and around ARTIS. The work will be completed around 2030. Discussions are still ongoing about how the design of public space will be included in this project. The neighborhood is also actively involved before the work starts.
Heritage Deal
The municipality and ARTIS receive the financial contribution for the project from Heritage Deal. Erfgoed Deal supports projects in which the preservation of historical places goes hand in hand with solving contemporary issues in the field of sustainability and climate. The Plantagebuurt is such a place because this 19th-century district is a protected cityscape with many historic streets and buildings.
To collaborate
The city is increasingly experiencing extreme weather due to climate change. The municipality works together with other organizations to keep the city safe and liveable. Previously, the Rivierenbuurt, Bellamybuurt and Oosterdok have been tackled with other partners. How the municipality of Amsterdam can further prepare for climate change is stated in the Climate Adaptation Agenda 2024-2026.