Adaptive approaches to reduce flood risk: examples from the Netherlands and Vietnam

Date & Time:
Tuesday 21 May (13:00-14:00)

Room:
A-CCV

Participation:
Open

Organizer:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Netherlands
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Vietnam
Delta Programme Commissioner, The Netherlands
Royal Haskoning DHV, The Netherlands

Description

Half of the world’s population lives in deltas, coastal and riverine areas. In 2050 this percentage will be close to 70 percent. It is vital importance for the welfare and well-being of these delta societies to develop policies and implement measures to reduce future flood risks.

Decision making on these issues, however, has to deal with large uncertainties, with regards to climate change and socio-economic developments. These uncertainties can be reduced by research and by exchanging knowledge and experiences. In addition, an adaptive approach can be developed, in which a balance is achieved between “too little, too late” (under-investment) and “too early, too much”(over-investment). Maximizing flexibility, keeping options open and avoiding “lock in”. In this way an adaptive approach provides a long-term perspective on short-term decisions, e.g. regarding the replacement of aging infrastructure. The implementation of measures to reduce flood risks requires full involvement of the responsible governments at national, regional and local levels, and the active participation of stakeholders and the private sector to bring in innovations, technical and managerial skills and experience.

The side event will provide an interactive platform for understanding how these long term flood risk management policies are developed and implemented in different national settings (VietNam and the Netherlands), and how countries may benefit from cooperation on these challenging tasks. The event would be of particular interest to participants involved in the flood risk management of delta regions.

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