Rhine Delta Programme measures
Picture of the Rivers
The Picture of the Rivers document (2021) is a building block for the Integrated River Management (IRM) programme. It outlines a possible perspective for the future of the entire river area for 2050, looking ahead to 2100. The possible lines for development match the characteristics of the river and the agendas. The document also draws attention to the governance issues.
Download the Picture of the Rivers here (PDF, 58 pages).
Current status of Flood Protection Programme
The Flood Protection Programme (HWBP) includes plans for a large number of dike upgrades on the banks of the Waal, Nederrijn-Lek and IJssel rivers. The dikes are required to meet the standards for flood risk management set in 2017. Nineteen dike upgrades are in the preparation phase, nine are being implemented and 34 have yet to start.
Integrated measures
Where possible, the IRM programme addresses the agendas in an integrated way. Examples of agendas include flood risk management, water quality, shipping and the spatial quality of an area. Three IRM pilot projects are in progress on the Rhine distributaries: Paddenpol, Havikerwaard-Fraterwaard-Olburgerwaard and Werkendam.
IJsselpoort River Climate Park
An impressive example of a integrated project is the IJsselpoort River Climate Park. Eight government authorities are working with the Dutch Society for the Preservation of Nature (Natuurmonumenten) to create a robust and future-resilient river climate park between Arnhem and Giesbeek. In the future, this will be a pleasant place to live, work and spend leisure time on the banks of a safe IJssel. The IJssel is being widened in conjunction with the Spijk Westervoort dike upgrade project that is being implemented by the Rijn and IJssel water authority. The navigability of the river will be improved, including at low discharges. Other objectives are: improving water quality, connecting nature areas to provide plants and animals with more room and establishing a location for sustainable business, agriculture, leisure and energy.
The planning phase began in late 2020: the plans are being worked out in detail and preparations are being made for implementation. The first phase of implementation is expected to run from 2023 to 2028. The guiding principle for this phase is the lowering of the water level by 10 cm.
Interactive map showing measures in the Rhine Delta Programme (pdf, November 2017)