Working Visit of Delta Commissioner to Amsterdam
Today the Delta Commissioner was given a wonderful look into the work being done in the city in the context of the Delta assignments. The hosts, Gerhard van den Top (Dike Warden for the Amstel, Gooi and Vecht) and Udo Kock (Alderman of Finances and Water for the municipality of Amsterdam) held discussions with the Delta Commissioner on the developments in the “transitional area” in the Amsterdam region and on what is being done to give the integrated Delta issue substance. The Delta programme for the IJsselmeer area will continue to serve as the “central office” for the Amsterdam region.
Ivar Manuel (Chairman of the district committee for the city district of Oost) and the Amsterdam Rainproof programme organised a tour through Betondorp, the birthplace of Johan Cruijff, where an impressive process is underway to encourage all Amsterdam citizens to adopt rainproof measures in their living environment. The project Rainproof Betondorp won the Peilstok 2014 (an award given to projects focused on robust water management and the consequences of climate change) in November. Local managers showed the Delta Commissioner how they are working on rainproof measures in local neighbourhoods – things such as green roofs, water-permeable infiltration crates in the ground and paved surfaces that are being transformed into planted bedding, as well as a Cruijff Court soccer field as a part of the green zone.
During the boat trip through Westpoort, where Harbourmaster Janine van Oosten served as hostess, insight was given into the activities aimed at making Westpoort more resistant to the consequences of flooding and at expediting necessary restoration work after flooding. The many parties involved support giving concrete substance to a plan of action based on good analysis.
The tour highlighted the fact that Amsterdam is a leader in the area of spatial planning adaptation. Increasingly in the Netherlands, municipal governments, district water boards and provincial authorities are working on introducing measures in the urban environment with a view to adapting it to handle the consequences of climate change. A recent study has confirmed this. For a more extensive overview of the results, go to the Spatial Adaptation Knowledge Portal, www.ruimtelijkeadaptatie.nl.