Improvement and Long-Term Safeguarding of the Natura 2000 Site “Dessau-Wörlitz Elbe Floodplain (LIFE Elbauen bei Vockerode)

Floodwater provision is an important component of a flood protection concept and plan. According to the Flood Risk Management Guidelines of the EU, all floodplain areas with risk of flooding are required to have a flood risk management plan in place. Therefore a range of measures has to be developed and implemented according to the set priorities. The Elbe by Vockerode project will establish a favourable conservation status of this unique riverine landscape on the middle Elbe and will result in the improvement and long-term safeguarding of the site. The project will connect the natural conservation functions inherent in riparian dynamics and floodplain development with aspects of flood protection. The main objective of the project will be to enable natural succession dynamics of the entire area and to ensure a unique floodplain landscape and a favourable water status. The dyke relocation will result in extra retention areas, and the preventative values of natural ecological flood protection will be enhanced.