Holland
When it comes to flood management and prevention, there is one country that is head and shoulders above the rest. Holland, a nation of some 16 million inhabitants, is the world leader when it comes to all things water related. Here a few key facts that highlight this point:
· 26% of the country is below sea level
· The lowest point of the Netherlands is almost 7 meters below sea level
· 70% of the area would be flooded without coastal defence
· 70% of the GDP earned in areas below sea level
These facts show clearly why the Dutch are the world leaders in flood related engineering. Within their own borders there are:
“Primary flood defences: 3,500 km in total, consisting of 1,430 km of river dikes, 1,017 km dikes around lakes, and 430 km dikes and 260 km dunes for coastal defence.”
These formidable defences have safeguarded the vital lowlands for years, however, faced with increased climate change and other environmental factors, merely raising heights will no longer suffice, the emphasis is shifting from defence to mitigation.
· 26% of the country is below sea level
· The lowest point of the Netherlands is almost 7 meters below sea level
· 70% of the area would be flooded without coastal defence
· 70% of the GDP earned in areas below sea level
These facts show clearly why the Dutch are the world leaders in flood related engineering. Within their own borders there are:
“Primary flood defences: 3,500 km in total, consisting of 1,430 km of river dikes, 1,017 km dikes around lakes, and 430 km dikes and 260 km dunes for coastal defence.”
These formidable defences have safeguarded the vital lowlands for years, however, faced with increased climate change and other environmental factors, merely raising heights will no longer suffice, the emphasis is shifting from defence to mitigation.
