Rotterdam is a thriving city almost below sea level

Under the Room for the River" plan,farms and dikes were relocated away from the shore.This left more space for water to collect in low-lying floodplains,creating reservoirs and habitats for local wildlife.This strategic retreat not only decreased flood risk,but allowed for the redeveloped settlements to be built more densely and sustainably.Perhaps no city embodies the Netherlands' multi-pronged approach to water management as much as Rotterdam, a thriving city almost entirely below sea level.When a storm threatens,densely populated older districts are protected by traditional dikes.Meanwhile, newer districts have been artificially elevated,often sporting green roofs that store rainwater.