Knowledge is crucial for the Delta Programme. It serves as the basis for important decisions in areas such as safety, the economy and the living environment in the Netherlands. That is why the Delta Programme is devoting a great deal of attention to applying, developing and sharing knowledge. 

The Delta Programme is working on improvements to the knowledge base and providing access to the most up-to-date knowledge through channels including:  

A lot of new knowledge is also being developed in the second periodical evaluation of the Delta Programme. 

Delta Programme Knowledge Network and Deltafacts

Sharing knowledge is just as important as developing knowledge. It can be done in a variety of ways:  

Delta Programme Knowledge Network 

The Delta Programme Knowledge Network consists of highly motivated and substantively interested stakeholders working in the broad domain of the Delta Programme. They include representatives from thematic subprogrammes of the Delta Programme and from area-specific subprogrammes of the Delta Programme. The members work for organisations such as ministries (LNV, DGWB), Rijkswaterstaat, provincial authorities and water authorities. In addition, universities and knowledge institutes such as Deltares, the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL), the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) and Climate Adaptation Services (CAS) are represented. The network meets every six weeks.  

 The purpose of the knowledge network is to exchange information about developments in the broad context of the Delta Programme. In addition, the network actively seeks to interact with relevant themes outside the Delta Programme.  

Deltafacts 

This is an online knowledge file from the Foundation for Applied Water Research (STOWA) with a brief summary of knowledge about water management, climate change and water quality. Water managers can use this information during decision-making. Deltafacts (Dutch) was developed as part of the Deltaproof programme of the Foundation for Applied Water Research (STOWA) and the joint water authorities.  

Knowledge agenda

Innovations and answers to knowledge questions are needed for the optimal implementation of the Delta Programme. Those knowledge questions, which emerge from the themes and areas of the Delta Programme, are brought together in the knowledge agenda (Dutch). The agenda includes ongoing and desirable activities in the field of application-oriented knowledge, innovations (technical and otherwise) and in-depth research. The agenda is updated on the basis of the periodical evaluation and included as a background document accompanying the Delta Programme.  

The knowledge questions from the knowledge agenda are included in the knowledge development programmes of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, Rijkswaterstaat and the KNMI. The knowledge acquired is given a place in various media such as: 

  • the new knowledge and innovation agenda; 
  • contracts in the Water Top Sector;  
  • water- and climate-related questions in the Blue Route of the National Science Agenda; 
  • NL2120, the National Growth Fund’s knowledge and innovation programme. 

National Water Model and delta scenarios

The decisions, strategies and measures in the Delta Programme must have a sound substantive basis. The National Water Model (Dutch) was developed to ensure that all the sub-programmes in the Delta Programme use the same up-to-date knowledge and methods. We make all the predictions and analyses relating to water with this model. That can include flood risk management, freshwater supplies and water quality. 

The delta scenarios 

The Delta Programme looks ahead to 2050 and 2100, and outlines possible futures. What will the climate be like during the next century? And which socio-economic developments can we expect in the decades ahead? Working with different visions of the future ensures that the Netherlands is well prepared. 

We published the new delta scenarios in 2024. They describe four possible, plausible futures for 2050 and 2100. They take into account climate change, climate mitigation (reducing global emissions of greenhouse gases) and socio-economic changes (population growth, and economic and spatial developments). A study was conducted for each delta scenario to describe the future water agendas for freshwater availability, problems with excessive water and flood risk management in 2050 and 2100. 

In all scenarios, the agendas relating to water shortages, problems with excessive water and flood risk management increase in number and become more challenging. The agendas will stack up more and more often. Different areas will face water shortages, problems with excessive water and flood risk management. The Delta Scenarios show where people will feel the pinch and they help to find solutions. The National Water Model is used to transform the scenarios into quantitative water agendas (for example, the number of kilometres of dike requiring upgrading) and to determine the effectiveness of strategies and measures. 

Sea Level Rise Knowledge Programme

The Sea Level Rise Knowledge Programme provides a picture of the extent of sea level rise, now and in the future. It describes the possible implications of sea level rise for the Netherlands. The research focus is on how we can keep the Netherlands safe and liveable. The programme delivers knowledge we can use to make decisions in good time about protecting and planning the Netherlands. It was initiated by the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management and the Delta Commissioner. After beginning in 2019, it will end in 2026.

Signal Group

The Delta Programme Signal Group keeps an eye on relevant developments for the Delta Programme, and it advises annually about how to address these developments. This makes it clear whether these developments require adjustments to the course or pace of the Delta Programme.