A polder is a low-lying area of land enclosed by embankments, or dikes, which have been drained of surface water, often via a network of sluices and canals. The creation of a polder is an extensive civil engineering process known as polderization, which involves modifying the natural hydrology and topography of the region. This process typically requires the construction of retaining walls to prevent the ingress of water, followed by the installation of pumping systems to keep the interior drained and at a controlled elevation relative to the surrounding landscape. These engineered environments facilitate the reclamation of land previously covered by water or marshland, allowing for sustainable development and agriculture.