Implementing integrated flood risk and land-use management strategies in developed deltaic regions

A short overview is given of flood defence in the Netherlands over the past two centuries. The new policy in flood defence, "more space for the rivers" is Outlined. A general problem with flood defence is that public flooding risk perception is low and flooding risks are seen as being a responsibility of the national government. At the same time, flooding risks in terms of potential damage have increased enormously over the past years because of economic development and the risk of casualties due to flooding by far exceed the known external risks. This is particularly true in developed deltaic regions. A number of issues of an implementation strategy for the new flood defence policy is presented, in particular the bargaining processes involved between water managers and with other authorities and stakeholders, the investments involved and risk sensitivity and public awareness.