Transition Processes in Dutch Spatial Planning and Water Management: A Shift to the Natural

Zoë van Eldik, Wim Timmermans and Wim de Haas
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Zoë van Eldik: Biodiversity and Policy, Wageningen Environmental Research, The Netherlands
Wim Timmermans: Climate Resilience, Wageningen Environmental Research, The Netherlands
Wim de Haas: VVM Network for Environmental Professionals, The Netherlands

Urban Planning, 2024, vol. 9

Abstract: Climate change is causing more extreme weather conditions in the Netherlands. In response, local governments such as Provinces, Municipalities, and regional Water Boards are encouraged to explore more nature-inclusive ways to keep society safe from flooding and drought. This is considered a transition from the earlier belief that environmental and societal challenges can be solved solely through technical engineering. Instead, landscape-based, climate-adaptive visions offer alternatives on how Dutch regions can maintain water security while also incorporating space for biodiversity, climate mitigation, healthy livelihood and expanding populations. So far, not much is known about the challenges project leaders from different organisations and local governments are facing during the development and implementation of such visions. To address this gap, we used the concept of learning history to build an archive capturing the insider perspective of project leaders tasked with co-creating landscape-based, climate-adaptive visions for future spatial planning and water management across four regions of the Netherlands. By observing and interviewing project leaders, we noticed how co-creating long-term visions enabled more climate-conscious dialogues between local government authorities and civil stakeholder groups. Reflecting on this archive, we gained insights into the strategic challenges associated with adopting biophysical processes as a foundational framework for future spatial development and policy-making. Furthermore, we documented examples of tactical approaches employed by project leaders to navigate these challenges effectively.

Keywords: climate adaptation; landscape-based visioning; Netherlands 2120; water management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cog:urbpla:v9:y:2024:a:8056

DOI: 10.17645/up.8056

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