Constructing wetland reservoirs to secure agriculture production on Samsø island, Denmark

On Samsø Island, farmers created small wetland reservoirs to collect drainage water during rainy seasons and reuse it for irrigation in dry periods. These “water batteries” help preserve groundwater for drinking while sustaining local agriculture. They are hence very important to tackle the island’s limited freshwater resources.

This showcase will evaluate the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of these farmer-led solutions, while co-developing models for collaborative water management. The reservoirs also bring added benefits for carbon storage and biodiversity, offering a replicable example for other European islands facing drought challenges.