Delta Programme Knowledge Conference: The Green Aspects of the Delta
The Delta Programme Knowledge Conference was held at Wageningen University on Tuesday 23 April.
The third edition of the conference was organised by the Knowledge for Climate programme in collaboration with the WUR (Wageningen University & Research Centre). In the inspiring environment of the Forum building on the WUR campus, more than 250 participants informed each other about the latest knowledge issues that have come to light in the Delta Programme, and about the supply of knowledge that universities, knowledge institutes, knowledge programmes and market parties have to offer. This year the focus was on the green aspects of the Delta Programme: agriculture and nature and, on the other hand, measures in response to natural processes.
Martin Scholten, director of Imares opened the conference. After the opening, in his introduction Pier Vellinga, director of the Knowledge for Climate programme, focused on going on the offensive with knowledge. Delta Commissioner Wim Kuijken: "Everyone works together in the Delta Programme, from knowledge institutes to companies, and of course, government agencies. Together we are finding answers to the questions we come up against. Disaster prevention, which is what the Delta Programme is for, requires a different kind of expertise and offers room for solutions other than responding after a disaster." The Delta Commissioner also stressed that the knowledge acquired is an important export product.
Hans Oosters, Chairman of the Board of the Foundation for Applied Water Research (STOWA), presented Wim Kuijken the major interim outcomes of the STOWA Deltaproof research programme "Water authorities can learn from scientists and vice versa," according to Mr Oosters. Arjen de Vries of Acacia Water closed the plenary session. His presentation made it clear that many seemingly small interventions can deliver large-scale results: “Mass is cash.”
Lively workshops
In 24 parallel sessions in the morning and afternoon, participants were able to enter into discussion with each other on the latest developments in the supply of knowledge and new demands for knowledge. The topics in the discussions included safety & nature, ‘waterproof’ spatial planning, climate-proof cities and the fresh-water supply. Questions involving further elaboration within the Delta Programme from 2015 (after the Delta Decisions) were also discussed, including making water management more flexible, customisation, linking, and the necessary governance. Both the organisers and participants see the Knowledge Conference 2013 as a successful contribution to the process of further expanding the delta (knowledge) community.
During the plenary session in the afternoon, Alfonso Gutierrez Teira, European Commission, DG Clima, explained the new European climate adaptation strategy.
The Delta Programme is perfectly in line with this new strategy. Bart Parmet, the Delta Commissioner’s staff director, brought the day to a suitable close with his inspiring conclusions.
The presentations given during the Knowledge Conference 2013 will be available soon on this website.