The Flemish-Dutch Delta will be subjected to transitions in the coming decades. The harbors in the confluence of the Rhine, the Meuse and the Scheldt, fulfill an essential economic role as a logistical gateway between the North Sea and Northwestern Europe. Its location makes the delta subject to the effects of climate change, such as sea level rise, salinity and extreme weather conditions. Also, it is these areas where transitions towards circularity and sustainable energy have major impacts.

Anne Loes Nillesen together with Government Architect Francesco Veenstra explains which fundamental choices we need to take on the short term for making Flemish-Dutch Delta future-proof. Bart Kuipers and David Verhoestraete were a part of the multidisciplinary team for this commissioned research study for the spatial future of the ports and port areas between Rotterdam and Zeebrugge.

It is particularly important that the integrated approach plays a vital role in policy making, where government, business, NGOs and knowledge institutions work together on global water challenges.

This week, Anne Loes Nillesen was convened in an inspiring conversation, as a part of the NWP (Netherlands Water Partnership) Advisory Board, a high-level meeting with Reinette Klever, the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Aid; Steven Collet, the Deputy Director-General of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and, Interdepartmental Policy Officers.

This important dialogue, held in The Hague, was prompted by the Minister’s invitation to discuss the future of development aid for water management as part of a broader Dutch foreign policy ahead of an upcoming Cabinet policy letter on development aid.

Other attendees included notable people from the private sector, civil society, and academia, such as Toine Ramaker (VEi), Johannes Boonstra (Wetsus), Lisa Brand (LG Sonic), Michel Riemersma (Royal Haskoning DHV), Jacob J. Vreugdenhil (Woord & Daad), Marieke van Nood (Dutch Water Authorities), Henk Nieboer (Adaelta, Aquius Capital), Dorien Lugt (HKV), Frank Goossensen (Topsector Water & Maritime, Arcadis), and Rick Elmendorp (NWP).

During a well-attended meeting in Ede, the Yearbook 2024 Blauwe Kamer was presented, where the chairman of the selection committee Yttje Feddes introduced the first copies to the chairmen of the NVTL and the BNSP Joeri de Bekker and Eric van der Kooij, and government advisor Wouter Veldhuis.

Anne Loes Nillesen was a part of the selection committee, together with landscape architect David Kloet, developer Eva Hekkenberg and urban planner Endry Van Velzen. While introducing the selection of 18 projects, the importance of what long-term involvement of designers and clients yields for new opportunities is emphasized.

https://lnkd.in/e6UBhSEy

Photo by Christiaan Krouwels