Poland launches wetland and river restoration projects to boost water retention

Lidl Polska and WWF Polska are advancing the second phase of their partnership to protect biodiversity and water resources at the Błota Rakutowskie wetlands. The plan includes irrigating 30 hectares of meadow, building hydrotechnical infrastructure and improving water retention, which researchers say could cut greenhouse‑gas emissions by up to 22 million tonnes of CO₂‑equivalent per year. The effort also aims to restore habitats for rare bird species and a range of flora and fauna.

Separately, the city of Radom has opened a 5 million‑zł tender to reconstruct the Radomka river. The project, called “Eliminacja zagrożeń środowiskowych i poprawa wizerunku Radomski – etap I”, will deepen and regularise the river channel, clear debris and create flood‑plain storage areas (polders) to capture excess rainwater and reduce flood risk. Four firms have submitted bids for the first stage, which covers the river stretch between Reymont and Kraszewski streets and includes a water cascade at Kościuszki Street. Both initiatives are part of broader efforts to enhance water management and environmental protection in Poland.