Across the world, the approach known as green engineering is becoming increasingly recognized and widely adopted in efforts to protect rivers and lakes.
Green engineering utilizes natural resources—primarily plants—to filter pollutants. This method not only contributes to maintaining water cleanliness, but also encourages ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation.

Commonly used plants for this purpose include reeds, Indian mustard, and Chinese brake fern (Pteris vittata). While reeds are mostly applied in wetland areas, Indian mustard and Chinese brake fern have demonstrated exceptional effectiveness in removing heavy metals such as nickel and arsenic from both water and soil.

The establishment of so-called green belts made of these plants prevents pollutants from entering watercourses, thereby directly improving water quality and enhancing the stability of riparian ecosystems. Unlike concrete embankments, which serve only to prevent erosion, green belts are natural, long-term sustainable, and environmentally friendlier solutions.

The application of green engineering is also more cost-effective, as it makes use of existing natural resources, which are significantly less expensive compared to chemical agents or infrastructural solutions. Vegetation regenerates naturally, and the systems that are formed become more resilient to external influences.

Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States are currently leading in the implementation of green engineering, while a growing number of countries around the world are recognizing this approach as a sustainable solution for the protection of rivers and lakes.