On March 5, Water Europe Executive Director, Durk Krol and Director of Operations, Andrea Rubini met with Bart Somers, Mayor of the City of Mechelen, who has been appointed Chair of the Community of Practice (CoP) on Water-Smart Cities, and Dominique Gatel from VEOLIA, who will act as the CoP’s Special Advisor.
This meeting marked an important step toward strengthening city-level leadership in sustainable urban water management and planning the CoP objectives and actions. Discussions highlighted Mechelen’s ambitious and forward-thinking urban planning, which, over the past two decades, has successfully transitioned the town into a Water-Smart City.
Situated in Flanders, Mechelen faces unique water challenges due to its low elevation relative to sea level. While its extensive water bodies offer opportunities, they also pose risks, particularly in flood management. To address these challenges, the city has implemented a comprehensive strategy focused on urban water resilience that has been supported by a blend of initiative and resources from local to European.
Mechelen’s success in sustainable water management is built on a multi-faceted approach that integrates technological innovation, governance, research, investment, and citizen engagement. The city has adopted advanced water management solutions, ensuring efficiency and sustainability while fostering cross-sector collaboration. Partnerships with research institutions have driven continuous innovation, while strategic investments have strengthened long-term resilience. Moreover, public participation has played a key role in fostering inclusive decision-making and ensuring community support.
These efforts have positioned Mechelen as a leader in water resilience, making it the first Ramsar Wetland City in the Benelux region and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable water governance.
Under the leadership of the Mayor of Mechelen, the Water-Smart Cities CoP aims to establish a network of mid-sized cities across Europe. This initiative seeks to bring together frontrunner cities that experienced in and will tackle urban water challenges from diverse geo-climatic perspectives, leading the way in the transition toward more resilient, circular, and climate-adaptive urban environments.
In the coming months, Water Europe will feature exclusive interviews with the CoP teams, providing deeper insights into their visions, objectives, and future actions.
