Energy abounds at National Coast Day
Under the motto “Creating Room for Innovation” more than 150 participants were involved in the National Coast Day in Breskens on 13 April. At the event, they were able to become inspired by the innovative local project “Water Dunes” which combines flood risk management with the creation of a nature reserve and recreation area.
The day was opened by Delta Programme Commissioner Wim Kuijken and Cees Loggen (Chair of the National Consultation Committee on the Coast and Executive Councillor for Water for the province of Noord-Holland): ‘It’s good to be here among the “coastal community”, because the coast is extremely important in terms of the flood protection of our low-lying delta. And that’s what we are working on together in the Delta Programme. The coast is more than just a primary flood defence. We are working on making the coast not only safe, but also an area that is economically vital and scenically attractive. The Delta Programme has brought the coastal region together and now it is that region’s turn to carry out this tasking. The National Consultation Committee on the Coast is facing a fascinating challenge here – together with all stakeholders.’
After a number of plenary lectures, the participants attended various on-site workshops during which they had in-depth discussions with one another about topics including dynamic coastal management and innovative beach buildings. Geert Jan Zweegman, Coast programme manager, described the day as bursting with energy: ‘The large number of participants – ranging from coastal municipalities to entrepreneurs, and from provinces to even several colleagues from Belgium – makes it clear that the “coastal community” is alive and thriving. An unbelievable number of things are happening along the coast and we can all learn from others. I hope that the energy I’ve seen today will lead to constructive new contacts and valuable cooperation between participants.’