Delta Programme Commissioner and Special Envoy for International Water Affairs visit state-of-the-art innovations
During a working visit, Delta Programme Commissioner Wim Kuijken and Special Envoy for International Water Affairs for the Kingdom of the Netherlands Henk Ovink visited several state-of-the-art innovations that offer customisation down to the square kilometre. The Kinderdijk-Schoonhovenseveer dyke improvement project involves technical innovations through which residents of the area along the dyke and in the hinterland are offered maximum protection with a minimum of inconvenience. Moreover, ways of preserving the features of the area are being investigated. This was clearly demonstrated by a method of jacking up a house so that the occupants can continue to live in it despite changes in the climate.
Furthermore, a visit was made to the Zomerhofkwartier in Rotterdam which is a testing ground for a climate resilient district. The Delta Programme Commissioner and the Special Envoy for International Water Affairs laid the first innovative Rain(a)way tile designed by Fien Dekker. After heavy rainfall, these tiles discharge rainwater slowly so that sewers are not overloaded. Applications of this kind are very important in urban areas where there is a lot of stonework. The use of the tiles is a world first for Rotterdam.
‘The Delta Programme is the engine that drives innovation in the world of water. In the next 30 years, the Delta Programme will invest 20 billion euros in work aimed at keeping our country liveable, now and in the future. This cannot always be achieved by traditional means. We live in a delta and we have to cope with a changing climate. This means we are vulnerable to floods and excess water as well as drought and heat stress. And our country is densely populated. Innovative solutions are of great importance to protecting everyone in the right way. The knowledge gained in this working visit will be a source of inspiration both at home and abroad, according to Delta Programme Commissioner Wim Kuijken.
Special Envoy for International Water Affairs Henk Ovink: ‘Water crises will be the major issue worldwide in the decades ahead. Urbanisation across the globe is leading to growth, emancipation and development but due to climate change and rising sea levels our cities and societies are under great pressure. The Netherlands is a country made from water. Integrated water management is in our blood. But we will have to constantly change with the times and the conditions. Therefore, our motto is: Learning and Innovating. We are not doing this just for ourselves. Dutch solutions can help to prevent and mitigate water crises worldwide. The examples we have seen today are the proof. They are already making a difference locally, and they can do the same globally!’