Water safety
Description
Water safety debate: Adaptation multi-layer flood protection versus Strong dykes.
Introduction
Flood protection is crucial for a sustainable Netherlands (a paraphrase for sustainable lowlands). The dynamics of the water system are constantly changing. Due to climate change, river discharges may become more variable, sea levels will rise faster, which will also raise river levels, and storms will become more violent both in strength and duration. The groundwater system in coastal areas will also change as a result, e.g. more (salt) seepage. How can these phenomena be absorbed in the densely populated Netherlands?
Different visions
Is the classic method of flood protection by means of flood defences (dykes, dunes, storm surge barriers) sustainable? Or is a change of course needed, also looking at adjustments in spatial regulations and insurance?
The 'Delft engineers' believe that continuing the classic approach is a sustainable, effective and efficient way to manage flood risks. Flood defences have been continuously adapted to changing conditions over the centuries and can continue to do so. A fundamental change of course is unnecessary and ineffective, according to the 'Delft engineers'.
Opposed to the vision of the 'Delft engineers' is the vision of those who advocate a risk approach: They say a fundamental change of direction is indeed needed. We must dare to look over the dike and be aware that there are new innovative solutions that can reduce risk. Assessing risk goes beyond simply keeping the probability of flooding as low as possible. It is also about limiting damage through adjustments in spatial planning and insuring residual risks.
Programme
14:00 - 15:00 Walk-in
15:00 - 15:10 Opening by the chairman of the day, Drs. G.H.F. Timmermans: Prevention as a pillar of flood safety vs. Adaptation multi-layer flood protection
15:10 - 15:25 Cost/benefit: the assessment of risk management options by Prof. Drs. Ir. J.K. Vrijling
15:25 - 15:40 Overview Insurance, Risk Management and Land Use by Prof. Dr. J.C.H. Aerts
15:40 - 15:45 Ferdi Timmermans: Summary, introduction debate and proposals debaters
15:45 - 15:50 Thesis 1: ´For a good interpretation of the water safety policy, it is necessary to invest more in disaster management and evacuation'
15:50 - 16:00 Evacuation by Ir. B. Kolen
16:00 - 16:10 Cost-effective protection by Dr. Ir. S.N. Jonkman
16:10 - 16:25 Debate 1 and vote on proposition 1
16:25 - 17:00 Break
17:00 - 17:05 Thesis 2: ´A public-private insurance scheme should be introduced for flood damage´.
17:05 - 17:15 Insurance by Dr W.J.W. Botzen
17:15 - 17:25 State compensation and risk spreading by Dr. Ir. R. Jongejan
17:25 - 17:40 Debate 2 and vote on proposition 2
17:40 - 17:45 Proposition 3: ´The dykes are finished and we must now work on consequence mitigation´
17:45 - 17:55 Land use by Dr. L. Bouwer
17:55 - 18:05 Risk management and spatial interventions by Ir. T. Schweckendiek
18:05 - 18:20 Debate 3 and vote on proposition 3
18:20 - 18:30 Conclusions by Prof. Dr. J.C.H. Aerts
18:30 - 18:40 Conclusions by Prof. Drs. Ir. J.K. Vrijling
18:40 - 18:50 Summary Water Safety Debate by Drs. G.H.F. Timmermans
18:50 - 20:00 Closing networking drinks and dinner
Speaker(s)
Keynote speakers:
- Prof.drs.ir. J.K. (Han) Vrijling, Member ENW and Professor of Hydraulic Engineering TU Delft, TU Delft Civil Engineering (chair Construction and Hydraulic Engineering)
- Prof.dr. J.C.H. (Jeroen) Aerts, Extraordinary Professor of Risk Insurance and Water Management VU Amsterdam (chair Water Management), Fac. of Earth and Life Sciences, VU Amsterdam
Speakers:
- Dr.ir. S.N. (Bas) Jonkman, Associate Professor & Advisor, TU Delft and Royal Haskoning
- B. (Bas) Kolen, Senior Advisor Emergency Management & Information Management, HKV LINE IN WATER
- Dr. W.J.W. (Wouter) Botzen, Assistant Professor / Researcher, Fac. of Earth and Life Sciences, dep. environmental economics, VU Amsterdam
- Dr.ir. R. (Ruben) Jongejan, Managing consultant - risk analyst, Jongejan Risk Management Consulting
- ir. Timo Schweckendiek, Researcher / advisor flood defence systems TU Delft & Deltares
- Dr. L.M. (Laurens) Bouwer, Researcher, Institute for Environmental Issues, VU Amsterdam
Chairman:
- Drs. G.H.F. (Ferdi) Timmermans, Head of Movares Water, Movares Nederland BV
Location
Ottone (PLEASE NOTE: changed location!)
Kromme Nieuwegracht 62, 3512 HL Utrecht
Organiser
Construction and Hydraulic Engineering
Land Use and Water Management
Technology, Society & Economy
Name and contact details for information
Further information from Ernst Oosterveld (ernst.oosterveld@movares.nl) or Joost Lansen (j.lansen@royalhaskoning.com)