Flood Control
For centuries, spatial planning in the low-lying Netherlands has been a matter of maintaining the separation between land and water. The Dutch have benefited from this separation, considering that two-thirds of the gross national product is generated domestically. However, changes are brewing. Climate changes are increasing the likelihood of flooding and water-related problems. In addition, population density continues to increase, as does the potential for economic growth, and consequently, the vulnerability to economic and social disaster. Two undesirable developments that, in terms of safety, exacerbate one another – a growing risk with even larger consequences. As such, the safety risk is growing at an accelerated pace (safety risk = chance multiplied by consequence).
How do we deal with this ever increasing risk?
The Netherlands is changing its approach to water. This change involves the idea that the Netherlands will have to make more frequent concessions. We will have to relinquish open space to water, and not take back existing open spaces, in order to curb the growing risk of disaster due to flooding, We will also need to limit water-related problems and be able to store water for expected periods of drought. By this, we do not mean space in terms of the height of ever taller levees or depth through continued channel dredging, but space in the sense of flood plains. This approach will require more area, but in return we will increase our safety and limit water related problems. Safety is an aspect that must play a different role in spatial planning. Only by relinquishing our space can we set things right; if this is not done in a timely manner, water will sooner or later reclaim the space on its own, perhaps dramatic manner.
More space in relation to technological measures
Technical expertise and capability, in addition to continuing innovation, are essential to our success. However, we have learned that ‘hard’ technical measures are not sustainable and are not flexible. Technical measures need to be combined with other strategies to be truly successful. The Dutch have developed several strategies or building blocks with proven reliability to provide flexible long term solutions that fit local circumstances.
How do we deal with this ever increasing risk?
The Netherlands is changing its approach to water. This change involves the idea that the Netherlands will have to make more frequent concessions. We will have to relinquish open space to water, and not take back existing open spaces, in order to curb the growing risk of disaster due to flooding, We will also need to limit water-related problems and be able to store water for expected periods of drought. By this, we do not mean space in terms of the height of ever taller levees or depth through continued channel dredging, but space in the sense of flood plains. This approach will require more area, but in return we will increase our safety and limit water related problems. Safety is an aspect that must play a different role in spatial planning. Only by relinquishing our space can we set things right; if this is not done in a timely manner, water will sooner or later reclaim the space on its own, perhaps dramatic manner.
More space in relation to technological measures
Technical expertise and capability, in addition to continuing innovation, are essential to our success. However, we have learned that ‘hard’ technical measures are not sustainable and are not flexible. Technical measures need to be combined with other strategies to be truly successful. The Dutch have developed several strategies or building blocks with proven reliability to provide flexible long term solutions that fit local circumstances.
