Urban Climate Adaptation in Water Management Policy: Implementation of Measures at Regional Water Authority Zuiderzeeland

Abstract

The climate is changing, and the impact of these changes is affecting countries and communities globally. In 2018 the Delta Plan on Spatial Adaptation was created with the aim of establishing a climate-proof and water-robust country. This thesis aims to analyze what the role of regional water authorities is in the process of climate adaptation, and what factors and measures account for an effective climate adaptation policy to help ensure a water robust and climate proof urban environment. This thesis combines results from a literature study on climate adaptation measures and their successful implementation with a case study of the current situation at regional water authority (RWA) Zuiderzeeland. The current climate adaptation measures at the RWA are explored, as well as the adaptation measures that can be found in scientific literature. The literature study shows that urban climate adaptation measures can be divided into multiple categories, such as blue, green and gray, or physical and non-physical. The case study reveals that, while the concept of climate adaptation is present in many of the policy documents at Zuiderzeeland, detailed objectives are lacking. It is still in its infancy. The current measures are discussed in terms of their effectiveness, as well as factors that might contribute to or hamper the effectiveness of climate adaptation measures. According to employees of Zuiderzeeland, the current situation is not very acute in Flevoland, and so the current set of measures seems to be effective. For getting ahead, however, the tools are lacking. Integration of the issue, formulation of clear goals, public and internal awareness about climate adaptation, and cooperation with private actors can all be improved. Resources such as staff, funds, and knowledge generally seem to be sufficient. For an urban area, introducing visible multifunctional green and blue measures combined with more robust gray measures provides an effective set of physical climate adaptation measures. For non-physical measures improving guidelines for regulation, increasing awareness and education, and gathering knowledge and setting guidelines about vulnerabilities and acceptance of risks are some suggestions.