Based on seven principles, minister Mark Harbers and state secretary Vivianne Heijnen recently presented 33 structuring choices for the reorganization of the Netherlands. Focused on both national policy and programs of provinces, municipalities and water boards, among others. The following applies to all these choices about spatial planning: water and soil are guiding.
Do not pass it on, take more extremes into account, deal with flooding, drought and the soil in a coherent way, multi-layer safety, cover less, excavate less, do not pollute, integrated approach in the living environment, apply or explain. The policy is based on these seven principles. Focused on a safe environment, with healthy soil, sufficient and clean water. Water boards and drinking water companies responded positively.
The government is making structuring choices that provide direction for the coming decades, the minister and state secretary write in their letter to the parliament. By making choices now, it is also possible to indicate how long-term developments should be handled. Governments, entrepreneurs and residents can take this into account. Whereupon everyone's role and responsibility is then emphasized.
The 33 structuring choices partly relate to national policy and an area-oriented approach (low peat bogs, salinizing coastal areas and high sandy soils), but can also give direction to or be reflected in programs of provinces, municipalities and water boards, area processes, businesses and citizens.
Are you involved in national or local policy making and measures in the field of climate adaptation, flood risk management, (drinking) water quality or spatial planning? In line with the proposed principles and choices in the new government plans, the courses below provide you with a solid and up-to-date knowledge base to successfully tackle these tasks:
Integraal riviermanagement – 27, 28 maart en 3, 4 april 2023 (Dutch course)
Neerslaginformatie voor berekenen wateroverlast – 21 en 28 maart 2023 (Dutch course)
Biological stability in drinking water distribution systems – 13, 14, en 15 maart 2023
Slappe bodem: ontwerp en beheer – 18 en 19 april 2023 (Dutch course)
Source: H2O Waternetwerk, Rijksoverheid
