ConcepT

Room for the River 2.0: How do we shape a future-proof and sustainable river system?

The Dutch are known worldwide for their expertise in water safety. But what will we do if river discharges increase due to climate change? How do we ensure that navigation will remain possible in the future? Can we protect, or better yet, improve the riverine ecosystems and what are the benefits if we do so? Is there still space for spatial development close to the river?

The renewed program Room for the River 2.0 (Dutch: Ruimte voor de Rivier 2.0) focusses on all these types of issues and questions. Together with other parties, Sweco is currently involved in a research consortium that focusses on the most literal interpretation of the program: which locations should we ‘save’ for riverine measures, both in the floodplains, and in areas that are currently protected by dikes? Is it necessary to allocate land for river widening, or can we manage the issues we foresee by implementing only technical measures? In this lunch lecture, Lieke van Haastregt will tell you more about the program, the consortium, and the challenges we foresee.

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