In Wimereux, on 10 October 2019, SYMSAGEB organised a one-day Conference on alternative and sustainable stormwater management. This event was part of the WRC project (Water Resilient Cities), which itself emerged from the Interreg 2 Seas programme – a cross-border partnership between the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium (Flanders) and France.

As well as raising awareness of this European cross-border programme, the strategic objectives of both the Water Development and Management Plan (SAGE – Schéma d’Aménagement et de Gestion des Eaux) and the Flooding Action and Prevention Programme (PAPI – Programme d’Actions et de Prévention des Inondation) of the Boulonnais region were included in the day’s activities to promote them.

The main goal of this event was to further the understanding of stormwater management among local elected representatives. Managers of water and sanitation services, technicians, developers, architects and natural area managers were also invited to attend the event.

The presentations helped to shed light on the feasibility and the advantages of alternative methods. The key themes addressed during the conference were a general overview of existing methods, examples of projects, the costs involved (investment and maintenance), and the financial assistance provided.

During the discussions, the views expressed by private and public organisations brought to light various issues with which different stakeholders are confronted. The expertise of each party enriched debate throughout the day.