Waterlogging and Flood Policy Platform
The extreme downpours that occurred in the summer of 2021 in the Dutch province of Limburg, in Germany and in Belgium were unprecedented. Such an event has not yet been taken into account in climate stress tests. This type of extreme precipitation is expected to occur more frequently in the Netherlands. In order to be better prepared for such future developments, the Waterlogging and Flood Policy Platform was set up after the summer of 2021.
Final report in December 2022
Following the unprecedented event in Limburg, the policy platform investigated how the Netherlands could be better prepared for periods of extreme precipitation. This study resulted in a final report, which was presented to the Dutch House of Representatives in December 2022. According to the report, this type of extreme precipitation is increasing as a result of climate change and can even grow more extreme. Its impact cannot always be avoided but the Netherlands can raise its preparedness, in order to prevent a great deal of damage and societal disruption.
Recommendations of the policy platform
The policy platform drew up 21 recommendations for adapting policies to make the Netherlands better prepared for a period of extreme precipitation. These recommendations have been summarised into 7 main points:
- Everyone water-conscious and self-reliant through a goal-oriented water awareness strategy.
- Focus on the entire catchment area with a more efficient sponge effect, more room for and a risk-based focus on the regional water system, which is reflected in spatial planning and ties in with the main water system.
- Additional strategy for protection against extreme waterlogging. Standards can never cover such extreme downpours as occurred in Limburg in 2021, but measures can reduce their impact, nonetheless.
- Preparing for a crisis. The potential extent of extreme precipitation will be included in crisis control.
- Climate-resilient damage repair. Any damage caused will be repaired in a climate-resilient manner.
- Collaboration with neighbouring countries on all cross-border waters. Water does not observe borders, so data exchange and collective area visions are imperative for regional water systems as well.
- Collective, smart and integrated implementation and knowledge building in order to be prepared, in a timely fashion, for what is to come.
Multi-layer safety from 3 to 5 layers
One of the recommendations of the policy platform was to have water policy revolve around the multi-layer safety perspective. This perspective already comprised the three layers of “prevention”, “impact reduction” and “crisis control”. The policy platform added the layers of “water awareness” and “restoration”:
- Water awareness: According to the policy platform, it is vitally important for everyone in the Netherlands to be aware of what can happen. Furthermore, it aims for people to know what concrete actions they themselves can take in order to be better protected.
- Climate-resilient restoration: It is important for damage to be repaired in a manner that allows people to go on with their lives, without the possibility of that same damage reoccurring.
Another recommendation is to embed the national benchmark for green, climate-adaptive built environments in law.
Implementation of the recommendations
The recommendations of the policy platform are being implemented by existing programmes and organisations. Progress is being monitored by the Water Consultation Committee via progress reports. These are listed below:
