Territory of Eco-chance

Abstract

The accelerated rate of climate change questions the capacity of current infrastructures to adapt to altered future climate conditions, specifically in areas prone to floods, such as the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta. Simultaneously the unforeseen effects of ‘hard’ engineering approaches (such as dams, storm surge barriers, defensive coastal management) have been affecting biophysical as well as ecological systems, resulting in increased vulnerability to floods and loss of estuarine habitats. Therefore there appears to be a need to rethink coastal (protection) strategies.

The project relates to the temporal and spatial distributions of socio-economic as well as ecological vulnerabilities under the influence of increased flood probability and climatic stressors in the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta, questioning how a nature-based approach can be used to support the adaptive capacity of the delta and mitigation of altered future climate conditions. It specifically explores the development of critical land-water zones adjacent to the Eastern Scheldt, and construction of a framework for decision making in which nature-based solutions are prioritized. Initial stressing factors as well as space availability indicate the preferred solution space both landwards and seawards over the consolidation of the existing line. As means to structure proposals an adaptive framework has been developed on the scale of Schouwen Duiveland to maintain the existing qualities of the island, as well as selecting and excluding a solution pathway based on the systemic functioning of the island. The approach stands closely to the the notion that humans are an intrinsic part of nature. Therefore developments related to water safety, fresh water supply and critical infrastructures should act in accordance to the acceptance of dynamics as apposed to the idea of presumed stability.