Sixth National Delta Conference: focus on implementation
On Thursday 5 November, the 1931 Congrescentrum Brabanthallen in 's-Hertogenbosch accommodated the sixth National Delta Conference. With a turnout of some 1400 participants from the Delta Community (civic society organisations, companies, knowledge institutes and government authorities), the conference was a great success.
After a word of welcome from the host, Delta Programme Commissioner Wim Kuijken, the conference was opened by Wim van de Donk, Royal Commissioner of the Province of Brabant. In his speech, he made a case for the Delta Programme approach, as an example worth following.
The strength of the programme lies in the fact that rather than centralised advance planning, it offers room for diversity, tailor-made measures and small-scale efforts within the frameworks and standards agreed upon. This approach is becoming the administrative norm; it is no longer an anomaly.
Spotlight
This year, for the first time, Wim Kuijken turned the spotlight on a distinctive project during the plenary opening. Mr Kuijken opted for the Kinderdijk Schoonhovenseveer dyke improvement, on account of the innovations it incorporates and its future-proof design, encompassing for example houses that can be jacked up and raised, if need be.
Parallel sessions
The plenary opening was followed by parallel sessions on freshwater supply, flood protection, spatial adaptation and governance, which continued into the afternoon. Collaboration with the Amsterdam International Water Week gave the afternoon session on governance an international tinge. The sessions featured a large measure of interaction through the use of an interactive tool (buzz master), enabling the audience to ask questions via their smartphones or tablets and give their opinion on propositions.
Delta Parade
Throughout the day, the participants could visit the Delta Parade with booths operated by the parties involved in the Delta Programme. The Delta Parade presentations mainly focused on implementation, in keeping with the motto “And now we’re starting for real”.