opinion
Advances in science and technology to support HERMAN VAN DER MOST
Herman van der Most
Many of the world’s deltas are economic and environmental hotspots. Deltas are, however, under stress due to population growth, economic development and climate change. Available space is under pressure, vulnerability to flooding is increasing, fresh water resources are being threatened, environmental quality is deteriorating. To promote the climate-proof development of deltas, an integrated approach is required to assess and monitor their vulnerability and to determine adaptation paths for the different sectors to make these sectors more resilient. Advanced knowledge of the behaviour of natural systems as well as innovations in planning and design are essential to the success of adaptation paths, as these advances may provide us with new solutions.
Perspectives for technological development Technological development may help to extend the life time of infrastructure and to develop more costeffective and multifunctional designs. Advances in sensor and simulation technologies may promote the development of more accurate warning and forecasting systems, important for the development of both local- and global-scale monitoring and diagnostic systems. Integration of knowledge from soil mechanics, chemistry and biology may generate a whole family of innovations. Using bacteria as ‘micro contractors’ may provide opportunities for ‘on demand’ adaptation of soil characteristics. New materials may be ecodesigned.
Exchange of knowledge and experience Advances in science and technology may provide essential input to the climate-proof development and management of delta areas. These advances, however, should be embedded in the socioeconomic dynamics and cultural diversity so characteristic of the many deltas around the world. It is only by experience and learning that we can succeed in coping with the impacts that climate change will pose. Therefore, cocreation and exchange of knowledge and experiences should be enhanced to develop best practices and to build capacity in dealing with delta issues. Deltares’
ambition and mandate is to play a key role in this. For that reason Deltares carried out research on trends and responses in the sustainable development and management of a number of deltas around the world.
It is only by experience and learning that we can succeed in coping with the impacts that climate change will pose The results of this research have been presented at the Aquaterra 2009 Conference (the World Forum on Delta and Coastal Development, organised every two years in the Netherlands). Deltares supports the proposal in the draft National Water Plan of the Netherlands (December 2008) to set up an active and longstanding cooperation with a number of delta areas in the world. Deltares is also leading or participating in a number of European research projects on adaptation to climate change. These projects offer ample opportunities to exchange experiences in planning, design and management approaches between European deltas as well to strengthen our role in the development and management of climate-proof deltas around the world. More information: Herman van der Most (Senior advisor, Deltares) +31 152858570 herman.vdmost@deltares.nl
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