Contributions to the session development process - ‘Climate and Waterschappen’

Topic as originally proposed

Title

‘Climate and Waterschappen’

Description

The climate is changing. The Netherlands is one of the most vulnerable regions in Europe and specific measures are needed to ensure that our country remains safe and habitable. A crucial aspect of this will be that public authorities, the business community, NGOs and the scientific community will have to work together. Sustainable spatial planning development minimises the consequences of climate change, capitalises on opportunities and lays the foundation for well-balanced social, ecological and economic development.

The Dutch national strategy for adaptation to climate change provides the framework for a climate proof environment. This strategy is the first result of the National Program for the Adaptation of Space and Climate (ARK). In this programme parties work together among which several ministries and the Unie van Waterschappen. Each party has its own political responsibility for their own policy areas, plans and projects, which are incorporated into this strategy. The next step is an Action Programme in which parties agree on the necessary activities to keep our country safe and habitable.

The Dutch waterschappen support the national strategy on climate adaptation. Waterschappen already anticipate the predicted climate changes in their policy plans and in measures to improve their water management. The Unie van Waterschappen has made a portfolio with an overview of climate activities of the Waterschappen. Examples of these activities are measures to strengthen coastal defences and measures to create more storage capacity to prevent flooding and minimise water shortage.

The next few years the water boards will:
- make sure their water programs are climate proof.
- work together with both public and private parties to look for innovative and sustainable solutions and develop new water technology.
- share their experiences with climate adaptation with other policy areas and stimulate adaptation measures in other parts of the world.
- set an example as a public authority by minimising energy use and greenhouse gas emissions according to the objectives in the Dutch national policy program.

Perspective

Our adaptation policy and measures in water management can be an example for other policy areas as well as for other countries in the world. Our contribution will be focused on best practices and dialogue and is open for further discussion. The Unie van Waterschappen is well equipped to perform a high level presentation. Key note speakers are available.

For session 1.1.2 the Unie van Waterschappen together with the Ministries of Spatial Planning (VROM) and Transport, Public Works and Water Management (V&W) would like to present the national Adaptation Program (ARK) and strategy as an example for cooperation on matters like water and climate change.

For session 1.1.3. the Unie together with 1 or 2 Waterschappen and parties like ‘Living with Water’ and ‘Knowledge for Climate’ would like to present some of the climate activities on a local level.

Region

Europe

TopicCoordinator

Topic 1.1 Owners

On behalf of

Marcel De Ruijter

ID_Title

00 - ‘Climate and Waterschappen’

Contact person

Marcel De Ruijter

Status

Integrated into a session

Comments

Included as main partners/presenters

In which session is it integrated (if applicable)?

Attachments

Content Type: Item

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