The example projects should help to better research sponge solutions and develop recommendations for other locations. The aim is to promote the restoration of sponge landscapes throughout the European Union.
Mathias Scholz - UFZ, project coordinator of the EU SpongeBoost project
Discover previous winners
SpongeBoost partners Carina Darmstadt and Sabrina Schulz from the Environmental Action Germany (DUH) gave this year's award for special commitment to the restoration of sponge landscapes to Jens Eligehausen and his colleagues of Planar e.V. at an on-site event, representing the EU-funded project. Thanks to their dedicated commitment and constructive cooperation with anglers, landowners and approval authorities, Planar e.V. voluntarily managed to effectively revitalise a 1.1 km section of the river Diemel within a short timeframe and at comparatively low cost. As a result, the Diemel is once again forming natural river structures, and approximately 20 hectares of floodplain have been reconnected to the river. This restoration has created valuable new habitats for more than 65 species, some of them highly endangered, and has enhanced both the area’s natural water retention (“sponge function”) and its recreational appeal. So, this project stands as a compelling example of how nature-based solutions can make effective use of limited resources to improve hydrological functioning and drive meaningful ecological transformation.
The implementation was integrated into the university's courses through cooperation with the University of Kassel, so that students can actively participate in monitoring measures and data analyses. In addition, the public is also involved through a citizen science approach. Interested parties can map their observations via the Diemel Datenaufkarten platform. All new findings are available free of charge.
Planar e.V. is a non-profit organisation founded in Kassel in 2009. The purpose of the association is to initiate and network projects promoting sustainable regional development and environmental and nature conservation. With their work, they aim to demonstrate that nature conservation and the use of ecosystems do not have to be mutually exclusive, provided they are conducted according to exclusively ecological criteria.
SpongeBoost partners Carina Darmstadt and Sabrina Schulz from the Environmental Action Germany (DUH) were able to present this year's award for special commitment to the restoration of sponge landscapes to Jens Eligehausen and his colleagues of Planar e.V. at an on-site event, representing the EU-funded project.
2026
"SpongeBooster of the Year 2026" award goes to the community-driven "Spongy Slopes" initiative in Spain
The “SpongeBooster of the Year 2026” award goes to the Spanish initiative “Spongy Slopes”, led by the Asociación Amigos de la Cornisa Este. The project demonstrates how committed local communities can restore the natural water-retention capacity of degraded landscapes through simple, cost-effective and nature-based measures. The project was supported by around 250 volunteers, local associations and the municipal administration.
The project is located on two steep slopes in the publicly owned Parque de Santa Brígida in Camas, near Seville. The slopes were previously characterised by severe soil erosion, rapid surface runoff, poor soils and very low biodiversity. Since 2017, the initiative has been working to transform these degraded areas into resilient and biodiverse green spaces.
Across approximately 3.5 hectares, the project has implemented infiltration trenches, terraces and small erosion-control structures to slow down runoff and allow more rainwater to infiltrate the soil. Native Mediterranean trees and shrubs have been established through direct seeding, while additional soil-improvement measures support vegetation growth and soil recovery.
Together, these measures help the slopes retain rainwater for longer and release it more gradually. This reduces erosion, improves soil moisture during dry periods and strengthens the landscape’s resilience to both heavy rainfall and drought. At the same time, native vegetation is returning, biodiversity is increasing and the restored slopes are becoming more attractive green spaces for the local community.
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The Asociación Amigos de la Cornisa Este is a local environmental organisation committed to protecting and restoring the eastern escarpment of the Aljarafe region. Through practical restoration work, environmental education and cooperation with other organisations and public authorities, the association works to conserve the area’s natural and cultural heritage.
A particular strength of Spongy Slopes is its strong community involvement. Around 250 volunteers have contributed to the implementation and maintenance of the project. Local environmental organisations, residents, families, scout groups and the municipality of Camas have worked together to restore the area and raise awareness of the importance of water retention, healthy soils and native vegetation.
This long-term cooperation has created a strong sense of local ownership. It shows that landscape restoration does not always require large-scale infrastructure or high financial investment. With practical knowledge, sustained commitment and close cooperation between civil society and local authorities, relatively small interventions can achieve meaningful ecological change.
By awarding Spongy Slopes the title “SpongeBooster of the Year 2026”, the SpongeBoost project recognises an inspiring example of how local action can strengthen climate resilience and biodiversity. The initiative demonstrates that even heavily degraded and erosion-prone slopes can recover their sponge function – one infiltration trench, one native tree and one committed volunteer at a time.