Delta Program Review Highlights the Need for Additional Measures and Decisions
The Netherlands must adapt more quickly to the effects of climate change. That is the main conclusion of the second review of the National Delta Program, which Delta Commissioner Co Verdaas presented to Minister Karremans of Infrastructure and Water Management on September 7. HHNK emphasizes the importance of greater focus on spatial adaptation and investments in future freshwater supplies.
According to Delta Commissioner Co Verdaas, continuing on the current course is not an option. To keep the Netherlands safe, livable, and economically strong, additional measures and different choices are necessary. This involves not only strengthening water safety and ensuring the availability of freshwater, but also making adjustments to the country’s physical layout.
More Efforts Needed on Spatial Adaptation
HHNK is an active partner in the Delta Program and supports the Delta Commissioner’s call to action. Klazien Hartog, water board member and portfolio holder for integrated water management (urban areas): “The new Delta Decision on Spatial Adaptation indicates that preventing damage and societal disruption caused by extreme weather will require more than our current efforts. As chair of the DPRA Collaboration in the Noorderkwartier, I can only agree with this. Weather extremes are on the rise, and with them the urgency to adapt our living environment. This requires that we continue to stand together as different levels of government, even in times when the world is in turmoil and resources are limited.”
Invest in the future of freshwater supply
The same applies to freshwater availability. Jos Beemsterboer, water board member and portfolio holder for integrated water management (rural areas): “Climate change, salinization, and growing water demand are putting increasing pressure on freshwater availability. That is precisely why it is important for the national government and the region to work together. Investments in the Rhine-IJssel Route and the IJsselmeer region form the backbone of the future freshwater supply, while regional measures to retain and conserve more water will ensure a more robust and resilient water system.”
About the Review of the Delta Program
The Delta Program is tasked with protecting the Dutch delta from flooding, ensuring an adequate supply of freshwater, and making the country climate-resilient and water-resilient. Starting in mid-2023, the second six-year review was conducted, during which Delta decisions and preferred strategies were reassessed in light of recent developments and new insights from research and implementation practices. The second review forms the substantive basis for the Delta Program 2027. The reassessed Delta decisions and preferred strategies set the course toward 2050 and beyond. They indicate where existing choices are sustainable, where optimization is possible, where adjustments are needed, and where preparations for alternative choices are necessary, looking toward the medium term (through 2050) and the long term (through 2100 and beyond).