Joel.Net Weblogs

Moving forward

di, 01 mei 2012 07:18:07 GMT

We have a caretaker cabinet. A package of austerity cuts is to be debated in the House of Representatives. We hope that the 2013 Delta Fund will be spared.

Within the Delta Programme we are on schedule with the DP2013. We will continue at a fast pace. Last Thursday afternoon we had a constructive meeting of the Delta Programme Steering Group. We discussed the main chapters of the DP2013. At the end of May, together with all the stakeholders, we will wind up the preparations with a discussion of the summary and the conclusions, the further planning for the year ahead, and the way in which we will arrive at ‘promising strategies’ in the DP2014.
On Thursday morning there was a meeting of the nine programme directors and the staff. The discussion included the first impressions of the cost-benefit analysis for the IJsselmeer and adaptive delta management for the issues Rijkswaterstaat is facing in the ‘wet domain’. A good meeting.

On Wednesday I was present at graduation day at the UNESCO-IHE in Delft. A wonderful gathering at which 169 young people graduated after working hard for 18 months towards their master’s degrees. The graduates came from countries ranging from Kenya, South Africa, Palestine and Afghanistan, to China and Indonesia, as well as Canada and the United States. The Director-General of UNESCO was present as well as several ambassadors. A fine form of development aid.
That morning we discussed the outline of the DP2013 with State Secretary Joop Atsma and Director-General of Spatial Planning & Water Affairs Chris Kuijpers. Afterwards, Chris Kuijpers and I spoke with Erik Akerboom, the National Coordinator for Counter-terrorism and Security. We made good agreements on the involvement of the Ministry of Security & Justice in the approach to water safety in the Delta Programme. A new and important contact.

On Wednesday I also gave my first interview to the magazine of the ABP (the pension fund for employees in the government, the public sector and the education sector). Afterwards, at the Ministry of I&M, I received the Singaporean Minister of Environment & Water Resources and his staff. We discussed the delta approach in the Netherlands and Singapore.

On Monday afternoon, after the staff meeting, together with Programme Director Frans Vlieg, I visited the Natural Climate Buffers Coalition to coordinate our work. Very positive and a potential contribution to the Delta Programme. We will be organising a tour of all the area programmes.

On Friday we celebrated the fact that Koos van Oord had received a Royal Honour. A just reward for all his work on the Delta Programme and the Water Top Sector. I was also pleased about the adoption of the Veldhoven/Lucas ‘standardisation motion’ in the House of Representatives. This gives direction to the work of the sub-programmes and Parliament is also making an important statement on the standards that will form the basis for the future. We will make the risk-based approach concrete in our programme.
And now for me a short ‘May break’ on one of the Wadden islands. Safely enjoying peace and quiet and nature, in the middle of one of our sub-programmes.

Creative and innovative

di, 24 apr 2012 07:44:21 GMT

The weekend was hectic. It is uncertain how the VVD and the CDA will now continue in the coalition. It might be that the DP2013, just like the first Delta Programma (2011), will be published during the term of a caretaker cabinet. The Delta Commissioner will remain in office as usual and our work will continue, as set down in the Delta Act.

In the past week I attended two top events. On Wednesday I was in Zeeland for the presentation of the Delta Water Award (DWA) and on Thursday I was present at the opening of the 5th International Architecture Biennale in Rotterdam (IABR) at the Netherlands Architecture Institute (NAi). You can find more information on these two events in the news releases section of this website. Both events provided much creative inspiration. The DWA with young professionals who are coming up with new ideas for the South-western delta; the IABR with creative designs that are also aimed at solutions for cities. The Making City theme of the Biennale also has to do with the Rhine-Meuse Delta and it is a beautifully presented exhibition. It was a pleasure to be there.

On Monday, after our usual staff meeting, several members of my staff and I visited the North Sea Directorate of the Directorate-General of Public Works and Water Management (RWS). We were brought up to date on coastline maintenance, the sand suppletion approach and sand extraction strategy. RWS is doing good and thorough work led by Chief Engineer and Director Johan Jacobs.

On Tuesday I spoke with the Directors-General of the Ministry of Infrastructure & the Environment and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation, and the Deputy Director of the Ministry of General Affairs (AZ) about the plans for 2013. That evening I gave an address at a Rotary Club in The Hague. It was a very enjoyable evening.

On Friday I had lunch with Eelco Dykstra who has been tasked by State Secretary Joop Atsma with providing advice on safety and emergency management, or the third layer of our physical safety. I also met with the UNESCO IHE Foundation Board in Delft on Friday.

This week, work will continue on the DP2013, in the Delta Programme Steering Group, among other things.

Open and read

ma, 16 apr 2012 12:26:36 GMT

Last week, I opened both the Water Pavilion at the Floriade in Venlo (on Tuesday) and an exhibition of paintings and photographs at the Zuiderzee Museum (on Friday in Enkhuizen celebrating The Year of Water). On both occasions I spoke briefly about the work we are doing on our delta.

In a broader context, I spoke to a group of foreign journalists at the Zeetoren in Hoek van Holland. That was on Wednesday, within the framework of sustainability, adaptation and the economy (Rio+20) and at the initiative of NL Agency (part of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture & Innovation). It was enjoyable to do, together with the programme director of the Ecoshape foundation.

On Thursday, my staff and I were the guests of the Infrastructure & the Environment Consultative Body, to explain the DP2013 in outline. Interest groups can provide their input already. Afterwards, I attended the presentation of the book written by former colleague Roel Bekker: 'Marathonlopers rond het Binnenhof'. It contains 44 interesting portraits and descriptions of the relationship between politics and the civil service. The national daily NRC among others, devoted attention to the day. How often do high-ranking civil servants receive positive press...? Now in any case, for a short time, until the Catshuis agreement is reached (the Catshuis is the official residence of the Dutch Prime Minister).

On Friday, I myself was presented with a book at the Zuiderzeeland Water Authority. A country study into water management – a very interesting and educational dossier. There is still a lot of work to be done in many countries and the Netherlands can remain at the forefront through our continued work on our delta.

I then travelled to Leeuwarden for a working visit to Wetsus, our centre of excellence for sustainable water technology . The main topic was the fresh-water supply in the Delta Programme and the Water Top Sector. A constructive visit: I spoke with inspiring people and I learned a lot. Afterwards, I closed the week and my working tour of the country in Enkhuizen, making the circle complete.

DP2013 underway

ma, 09 apr 2012 01:00:29 GMT

Today, Tuesday 10 April, I am opening the 'Water Pavilion' at the Floriade in Venlo. Water plays a major role in agriculture and horticulture. Limburg has both high ground, which means water problems in times of drought, and the Meuse River that can cause flooding. A good spot to tell the story of the Delta Programme.

Last week, the first rough draft of the DP2013 was completed. On Good Friday I evaluated the texts. We are well on our way thanks to the hard work of the staff of the sub-programmes and my own people. The Delta Programme Steering Group will discuss the main points on 26 April.

The 2nd Delta Programme Knowledge Conference was held on Tuesday 3 April. You can read about the conference in a separate news item on this website. I believe it was a very successful event with a great deal of content and a high level of involvement on the part of the more than 220 participants. Quite an achievement on the part of Delft University of Technology, where the Knowledge Conference was held.

On Monday, among other things, my staff and I prepared for the meeting with the I&M Consultative Bodies . I will be giving a presentation on the draft plans of the DP2013, hot off the press, on Thursday 12 April.

On Wednesday I was an observer, in so far as the sound system allowed, during the Water Quality General Meeting in the House of Representatives. In my view the General Meeting went well and we were provided with guidance for the work on the safety programme in the regions.

At the Ministry of I&M last Thursday, I spoke with Chris Kuijpers, Director General of Spatial Planning and Water, about several matters. It was a constructive coordination meeting held in the lovely surroundings of an exhibition of the photography of Siebe Swart.

Robust and stable

ma, 02 apr 2012 12:41:00 GMT

Over the past week I visited a number of major partners in the Delta Programme. On Monday, after the weekly meeting with my staff, I had my annual coordination meeting with Hans Smits, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority. It was a good meeting. We made constructive agreements about the involvement of the port authority in the Rhine Estuary-Drechtsteden sub-programme. In this way, developments at the port can be properly linked to our long-term work in a timely fashion.

On Tuesday, representatives of the European Commission had been expected to visit us and learn more about our integrated delta approach. Unfortunately, they had to cancel at the last minute. However, the afternoon session on innovation and the Water Top Sector did go ahead.

On Wednesday I was in Limburg visiting provincial executive councillor Patrick van der Broeck and his staff. They had once again put together a good programme for us. We discussed the multilayered safety approach for the long and short term. Limburg is making significant progress. On the return journey I stopped in Den Bosch and once again met Johan van den Hout, provincial executive councillor for Noord-Brabant and chair of the South-western Delta Steering Group.

A day later we had an internal meeting about the Delta Conference which will be held this year on Thursday 1 November. The programme is already taking shape, including in terms of content. It’s good to see that several organisations have already responded positively to the side events we are offering in Ahoy on that day. We are happy to do so! In this way the conference also serves a useful secondary purpose.

On the same day it was announced that the cabinet had appointed me to sit on the Supervisory Board of De Nederlandsche Bank (the Dutch central bank). It is an interesting additional position with which I will be occupied for several half-days a month. I will be acting independently, in the best interests of the stability of our financial system. Robust and stable: our physical and financial deltas.

On the last day of the working week I visited Mayor Henk Jan Meijer in Zwolle and his fellow mayor, Aleid Wolfsen, in Utrecht. I discussed with them the use and involvement of the safety regions in the Water Safety Delta Plan and the work we will be doing on multilayered safety in the coming two years. New cooperation in the Delta Programme!

A Delta Water Week

ma, 26 mrt 2012 12:40:28 GMT

Thursday 22 March was World Water Day, with many activities.

On Monday the Association of Regional Water authorities held its annual general meeting at the Diligentia Theatre in The Hague. An attractive programme on ‘the golden triangle’ was presented to those in attendance, including the Prince of Orange, State Secretary Atsma of I&M and Bernard Wientjes, chair of the VNO-NCW employers’ association. Chaired by Eva Kuit, it was a feast of familiar faces and topics, bearing in mind the last Delta Conference.
On Tuesday we had a round-table talk in the House of Representatives with water safety as the main topic. A valuable and substantive exchange of views. Earlier that day I spoke with Professor Geert Teisman regarding an evaluation of the South-western Delta Steering Group.

On Thursday, the programme directors were active in giving shape to the DP2013. Together with the staff of the Delta Commissioner, work was done on the initial texts and lines of reasoning in an interactive session.
That afternoon I attended the New Urban Developments & Restructuring administrative conference. The theme of the gathering in Woerden was the preparation of the Delta Decision on Spatial Adaptation. Many of the administrators involved were present – a good sign. The New Urban Developments & Restructuring sub-programme is now running very smoothly indeed.

On Friday there was a similar administrative gathering of the IJsselmeer Region sub-programme in Amersfoort. All the administrators involved spoke about the completion of phase 2 and sharpening the focus of the third phase of the promising strategies. I believe the IJsselmeer Region sub-programme is a fine example of the essence of our approach in the Delta Programme, with so many stakeholders. A huge compliment is definitely due here.

The Hague–Marseilles–The Hague

wo, 21 mrt 2012 01:15:57 GMT

Last week, work began on Monday – very early in the morning – with a flight to Marseilles to attend the 6th World Water Forum. An impressive number of participants from all over the world had come to the French port. Our country was well represented, as it should have been, because many countries look to us regarding the issues surrounding flood defences and delta works. Dutch water experts took part in a large number of the sections of the programme. Over the two days, I personally gave two lectures and participated in four panels discussing global issues and the Dutch approach. It was educational and useful. The next World Water Forum will be hosted by South Korea in three year’s time.

Together with the Ministry of Infrastructure & the Environment (I&M) and the Association of Regional Water Authorities (UvW), we established special contacts with the OECD. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development has gathered a lot of material on approaches to water issues in OECD countries and it would like to conduct a follow-up study – with the Netherlands as an example of a best practice – focusing on the area of governance. This study will be carried out in the coming 18 months. I&M, the UvW and the Delta Commissioner’s staff will contribute to this study. Just before I departed for the Netherlands, I was able to finalise this agreement with the Secretary-General of the OECD, Angel Gurría.

The rest of the week was marked by preparations for the hearing in the House of Representatives on Tuesday 20 March, a coordination meeting with the Director-General for Spatial Planning & Water Affairs of I&M, Chris Kuijpers, a meeting with ‘our I&M man in Washington’ and talks about innovative solutions for strengthening the Prins Hendrik Dike on the island of Texel. For all the Texel stakeholders, I will draw up a further analysis and a proposal regarding the opportunities and possibilities for realising an integrated, ‘sandy’ approach. Good for safety and nature – hopefully we will succeed.

Finally, at the end of the week my staff and I waved goodbye to Ariane Balledux who has taken career leave until 1 October. We will miss her as our communication expert, but we will be aided by the arrival of Margriet Bokhorst. For the time ahead, she will be taking over as our spokesperson and will be handling media affairs within the Delta Programme and staff. She has been well trained. Chris Sol of I&M will be dealing with strategic communications. I am very pleased about that.

Variation

ma, 12 mrt 2012 07:05:24 GMT

Last week’s agenda was very varied. On Tuesday, together with my staff, I prepared for the annual Knowledge Conference which will be held on 3 April at Delft University of Technology. A co-production. The programme offers a multitude of knowledge products in the broad field of the Delta Programme. Last year (at the first conference held at the NEMO Science Centre) the focus was on the demand side of the Delta Programme. This year, the focus will be on the supply of knowledge from the knowledge institutes involved. We again expect to receive some 150 leading experts from the government, the business community and the knowledge sector.

On Wednesday, the jury of the Delta Water Award met for the last time. The five nominated teams had completed their work. The jury deliberated and reached a conclusion. The winner will be announced on 18 April in Zeeland. It is very exciting because a wide variety of good, high-quality plans were submitted.

On Wednesday evening I attended a ‘thinking dinner’ hosted by the PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency. Several policy Directors-General from the Ministries of I&M and EL&I were also present. In the discussion on the role of knowledge in integrated development the focus was on the case of the South-western Delta.

On Thursday we again met with the nine programme directors. This time we mainly discussed the path from possible strategies to promising strategies. There was also an opportunity to be brought up to date on the developments in all the sub-programmes. I discussed the final report on alternative types of contracts and the financing of investments in the Delta Programme with the KPMG consultants. This will be part of the DP2013.

On Friday I spent the entire day working on a television programme on the Dutch delta being made for the National Geographic Channel. I enjoyed it very much.

Last week I also made thorough preparations for the 6th World Water Forum in Marseilles this week. A separate report on the forum will follow. We are flying to Marseilles early this morning (Monday).

On the road

ma, 27 feb 2012 12:57:36 GMT

The last week before the mid-term break was marked by a visit to Paris on Tuesday and to the North on Friday. Long days on the road with a lot of attention paid to international and regional delta issues.

Furthermore, last week also saw the usual meetings with my staff and the programme directors, in which we discussed the agenda items for the next Delta Programme Steering Group meeting on 26 April, leading up to the DP2013. I spoke with the new Director-General of International Cooperation, Rob Swartbol, about closer cooperation. On Thursday, there was another special meeting with the team about the issues involving the South-western Delta.

This week I will be in Austria. I will see how much meltwater we can still expect.

Top 10

di, 21 feb 2012 09:44:23 GMT

On Monday last week I was present when the Prince of Orange opened the Sweet & Salt exhibition at the Kunsthal in Rotterdam. The related book – which is also the catalogue – written by 2nd Delta Committee member Tracy Metz was presented at the same time. It was a lovely occasion, focusing on the theme of water.

On Tuesday we were shocked by the news about the vulnerability to hacking of Scada systems which are also used in water management. The delta is thus also vulnerable in terms of the IT systems in use. All municipalities and water management bodies are on the alert once more, I hope. Rijkswaterstaat (the executive arm of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure & the Environment) and the water authorities were already busy with this issue.
On Wednesday I enjoyed a meal with the nine programme directors, who had had a 24-hour session in Dordrecht about work on the Delta Programme. It was not only enjoyable but it was also really good to see that this group of the crème de la crème is becoming more and more a team, together with the director of my staff. They constitute our DP top-10.

On Thursday I gave an interview for the ‘special’ that the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) is making for the 6th World Water Forum in Marseilles in early March. Not only will the Prince of Orange be attending (in his UN capacity) but State Secretary Atsma, the chair of the Association of Regional Water Authorities and I will be there too. There is important work to be done to make the international community a fellow participant in the Dutch Delta Approach. Dutch companies will be there as well, via the NWP.

An article in the daily newspaper De Volkskrant caught my eye on Thursday: it stated that scientists in the United States are being paid to voice scepticism about climate change. Luckily, we in the Delta Programme can work on the basis of measurements and validated, possible scenarios for the future which we need to take into account. Practical, transparent and verifiable.

On Friday I visited the north and spoke to the provincial executive councillors in Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe about their experiences with and insights regarding the Delta Programme. All three are very committed and experienced administrators, dedicated to water affairs. Most enjoyable talks.

Fever

di, 14 feb 2012 09:44:08 GMT

Last week ‘ice fever’ hit the country. Something different from high water, evacuations or drought: 'hard' water this time. Over the past week my staff and I paid a lot of attention to further preparing the DP2013.
After a consultation on Monday, I submitted recommendations to the Director-General of Spatial Planning & Water Affairs about the amendment of the Water Act, in connection with the new agreements made regarding high water protection in the Administrative Agreement on Water Affairs. Now that the working method involving the Delta Programme has been set down in law, an efficient, innovative approach is possible. We are all agreed on this. Integrated defences as part of the safety issue dealt with in the Delta Programme, and making use of the by now tried and tested working method in the regions that fall under the Delta Programme.

On Wednesday I attended a very useful conference hosted by the Room for the River programme. We learned how the approach of the Delta Programme could be best be shaped in terms of this programme. We will set out all the lessons learned to try and retain knowledge and know-how. On Friday I met with the programme director of Room for the River, Ingwer de Boer, at his office in Utrecht on the 22nd floor. We discussed our close current and future collaboration. There is some concern about the slow pace of the decision-making in the projects of the Room for the River programme. I will pay attention to this in the DP2013.

On Friday I also visited the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) to speak with its director Frits Brouwer and experts about current knowledge regarding the climate and the scenarios we are using in the Delta Programme. These will be updated in the years ahead.

On Thursday we again met with all the programme directors. Once again, it was a constructive meeting. This time special attention was paid to Rivers and Freshwater sub-programmes.

Remembrance and decisions

ma, 06 feb 2012 12:41:26 GMT

For me, last week was marked by commemorating the past and making decisions for the future. Remembering the more than 1800 victims and the many families who suffered in the disastrous flood that struck the south-western Netherlands on the night of 31 January and 1 February 1953. I was present at the central commemoration ceremony which I attend every year. It was bitterly cold this year once more. It was also the start of my third year as Delta Commissioner. Commemoration is important to keep incidents from the past from being forgotten and for being able to use the past to work on the future. We are doing this together in the Delta Programme. The National Monument in Ouwerkerk (Schouwen Duiveland) at the impressive Watersnoodmuseum (that attracts over 60,000 visitors a year and was opened by the Queen in 2003) will again be the venue for the commemoration ceremony next year, 60 years after the flood.

The Delta Programme Steering Group met on 2 February. All the directors of the sub-programmes were present as well as those from the “umbrella organisations”, the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG), the Association of Provinces of the Netherlands (IPO) and the Association of Regional Water Authorities. We had a constructive meeting and marked out the path to the DP2013 with several decisions that point us in the right direction. We made a start on designing the “comparison system” that will later allow us to properly compare and consider the proposals for measures using common criteria. Together, we clearly set down the playing field of the main water system (the controls we can use at the national level). And we discussed the initial outline of the content of the DP2013 that will be presented on Prinsjesdag (the state opening of parliament). Together, we looked back on the high water of last month and the lessons learned. Most useful and those present were very involved.

Nothing to see

ma, 30 jan 2012 08:39:24 GMT

On Monday 23 January, all the ambassadors of the Netherlands were present at a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. One of the sessions focused on 'Water', and this session was oversubscribed. There is a great deal of interest in this 'Dutch subject’.
Led by Kitty van der Heijden (Director of the Climate, Energy, Environment & Water Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), we discussed the Water Top Sector and the Delta Programme. State Secretary Joop Atsma and I presented the Dutch approach, our unique approach to water safety and the fresh-water supply in the Dutch delta.
Our ambassadors act as major economic ‘outposts’ in the diplomatic world. Water is obviously an important export product. The approach of the Delta Programme gives us a solid story to tell regarding the activities of the golden (or blue) triangle: knowledge institutions, companies and the government.

On Tuesday several members of my staff and I visited two possible locations in Rotterdam for the Delta Conference on 1 November. We will make our choice after the tendering procedure.

On Wednesday Jan Geluk (water authority chair and member of the board of the Association of Water Authorities) and I gave a combined interview for the magazine 'Waterschap' about the approach to water safety and the updating of the safety standards. The discussion surrounding the new standards is receiving a lot of attention in the news, with interviews given by Jan Geluk, Provincial Executive Councillor Han Weber and State Secretary Atsma. We can get down to business in the year ahead. There is plenty of work to be done in the Delta Programme. I am submitting my control memorandum with a step-by-step plan today.

I had another constructive meeting and consultation with the programme directors on Thursday, focused on the 'climate-proof city’. In the afternoon I gave a presentation at the Netherlands School of Public Administration (NSOB) together with Ab Klink (former Minister and now a professor) and Ronald Gerritse (former Secretary-General and now chair of AFM). The subject was the NSOB publication entitled 'Niets te zien' (Nothing to See). An essay about the professionalism of the civil service at times when a cabinet is being formed.
It was a most enjoyable and inspiring meeting with many familiar faces.

On Friday morning I spoke with Provincial Executive Councillor Han Weber (Zuid Holland) and in the afternoon with Provincial Executive Councillor Sjoerd Heijning (Zeeland) about their experiences with the Delta Programme. Constructive talks with very committed provincial administrators.

Images and imagery

ma, 23 jan 2012 02:48:43 GMT

Last week involved many different activities. On Monday we had our regular staff meeting and other internal consultations. On Tuesday, I spoke with our ambassador in Singapore about the invitation and actions related to the International Water Week and the World Cities Summit in early July. I also recorded an interview on video with “Me Judice” (an independent discussion forum) for a portrait of the Delta Commissioner and the relationship between the Delta Programme and the economy. An interesting challenge, especially as an economist. The interview is published on http://www.mejudice.nl/video-detail/189, a remarkable website that attracts many visitors.

Before leaving for the Queen’s New Year’s reception in Amsterdam, I had a photo session with the ANP on the beach at Ter Heijde (which, incidentally, is not visible on the lovely aerial shot of the sand motor http://bit.ly/xfLfOn; photograph courtesy of André Kuipers). The ANP’s database of photos is now up to date again. The reception was very enjoyable and useful. On Wednesday I attended a lunch with the Secretaries-General and former Secretaries-General at the Ministry of General Affairs. A well-attended meeting in pleasant company that also marked the start of new association of former Secretaries-General. The constituent meeting will follow. You will hear more about this…

That afternoon I read all the documents and commented on them for the Delta Programme Steering Group meeting on 2 February. Everyone received the documents fourteen days in advance...a timeframe that is much appreciated in public administration. Everyone will have the opportunity to prepare well. The regular meeting with the programme directors took place in the Johan de Witthuis on Thursday. Everyone was able to catch up on developments and we made agreements about regional and national participation in the Delta programme. Important in terms of public support.

During the lunch I had a good talk with the representatives of the Van Eesteren-Fluck & Van Lohuizen foundation that administers the legacy of the well-known urban developer, designer and architect Cornelis van Eesteren (1897-1988). The foundation intends to endow a professorial chair at the TU Delft and would like very much to connect up with the IJsselmeer sub-programme as an object for study. Van Eesteren was actively involved in designing the masterpiece of hydraulic engineering of the former Zuiderzee and the polders that emerged there. He worked on the design and integration. “The future of an incomplete system” is also a special task for programme director Hetty Klavers. Exceeding the imaginable. We are making further agreements with the foundation because we obviously want to acknowledge its special and honourable request.

On Friday I met with representatives from the DG International Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We spoke about the opportunities for more explicitly including the Delta Programme in the work of Foreign Affairs and IC, especially in the new approach of State Secretary Knapen, with a prominent place for “water” and the top sector.

After a catch-up meeting with fellow student-club member and former chair of the Netherlands Water Partnership, Arie Kraaijeveld, at the end of the week I met with the new chair of the Vereniging van Waterbouwers (association of hydraulic engineers), Peter van der Linde. The association is actively involved in our work and we will be further expanding this working relationship by actively involving representatives from this important branch of industry in the sub-programmes. The previous chair, Frank Verhoeven, made a start on this together with director Fries Heinis.

Focus on the delta

ma, 16 jan 2012 11:56:32 GMT

On Monday 9 January we had our first staff meeting of 2012, in an atmosphere of best wishes for the New Year, the last of the traditional Dutch oliebollen (similar to doughnuts but without a hole) and the stormy first week of the year. That week was wet, very wet. A lot of water was trapped on land in some places due to the high seas raised by the storm. Our regional system of dikes was severely tested, particularly in the north. Media attention was high. Everyone knows why we do our work. I believe that all parties involved responded well. It is clear that it is now the turn of the provinces and water authorities to take a close look at their responsibilities for our secondary dikes. Standards, assessments and maintenance are important for these dikes as it turns out. The decision about a pumping station (in this case in the Lauwersmeer) is also a regional consideration. The pros and cons have become clear. The importance of good regional management has once again been demonstrated. Long live the water authorities! We also saw the inter-connectivity of the three layers of safety in practice: prevention via the dikes and flood defences, spatial design (in this case, water storage areas in polders) and disaster management.

And then last Tuesday one of our TV stations aired Nederland van Boven [the Netherlands from Above], a documentary about our battle with water. The timing could not have been better. I will certainly be paying attention to Dike System 14 (the Randstad) in the DP2013. For the DP2013, I will also check what would have happened if the weather conditions in the first week of January had occurred around 12 January, one week later. At that time there was a spring tide, which generally means higher seas and in this case, the possible closure of the flood barriers along the coast. And what would have happened if the river waters had reached the level of January 2011? Those levels were higher than in 2012. It is worthwhile to analyse and examine these scenarios because the delta is vulnerable in the transition zone between the sea and the rivers. I explained this in the current affairs programme Nieuwsuur. I was pleasantly surprised by the requests to appear before the media on Thursday 5 January. Fun to do and to give an explanation of the work of the Delta Programme four times: in Standpunt NL, in the national TV news NOS Journaal, for BNR radio and live in Nieuwsuur.

At the meeting of the Delta Programme Steering Group on 2 February, which we prepared for together last Thursday with the nine programme directors, we will definitely return to the recent weeks and the lessons learned. I have asked IPO (Association of Provincial Authorities) and the UvW (Association of Regional Water Authorities) to report briefly on this. On Thursday 12 January I was also present at the farewell for Minister Donner and I gave a short talk at the “Table without a Theme” at the De Witte Society. It was enjoyable and some old friends were present.

I am awaiting the approval of the State Secretary to begin taking control of the setting-up of the Delta Water Safety Plan, including the national standardisation discussion. Everything is ready. The programme directors of the regions have already started the preparatory work so that we can shortly get down to business as quickly as possible.

In general, the speed of decision-making is important to the Delta Programme. This was also seen during the high water of last week.
Sometimes, decision-making is a long drawn-out process. This is clearly a point for attention. Where necessary, I will raise this point, as I did in DP2011 regarding the plans for strengthening the weak links along the northern coast of Noord-Holland (Hondsbossche and Pettemer Zeewering). This work has not yet been put out to tender, by the way.

Last Friday I spoke with the mayor of Rotterdam about the progress made in the Rhine Estuary and Drechtsteden area. It was a good talk with a very involved administrator who feels very strongly about water safety and aims to address water safety in relation to disaster management. In the future, this will have to be given higher priority on the national agenda as well.

The first

ma, 09 jan 2012 02:41:33 GMT

The first weblog of 2012 may be brief. For me, it was a quiet work/holiday week, but a lot went on in the outdoors. First of all, I would like to wish all the faithful readers of my blog a happy, healthy and successful 2012! I hope to continue to inspire you!

The weather over the past week was wet and wild. The water authorities, particularly in the north of the country, had to work very hard. We’re lucky to have them! This week again showed us why we are doing our work and why we have a Delta Programme. The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) announced that several records had been broken yet again in 2011.

I am curious about what 2012 will bring. A lot of ‘water activities’ are planned for this year, both nationally and internationally. The Delta Water Award will be presented in April; the World Water Forum will be held in Marseilles in March; in July I will be speaking at the International Water Week in Singapore. And, of course, we will be presenting the DP2013. The National Delta Conference is also on the agenda. This year it will be held on 1 November, probably in Rotterdam. My staff and I are ready to get on with it!

Last one of the year

ma, 26 dec 2011 08:36:46 GMT

The final weblog of 2011 with a brief overview of my last activities of this year. It has been a special year in many ways. A year with drought in spring and a wet summer, one with high and low water in the rivers in spring and autumn. Types of extremes were measured for every aspect. A year in which the second Delta Programme appeared, with the focus on analysis. A year in which we held a successful Second National Delta Conference with the Sate Secretary and Prime Minister in attendance.

On Monday I had several internal meetings and the whole of Tuesday I was in Brussels. On Wednesday, among other things, I visited Grontmij (engineering consultants) in De Bilt.
On Thursday we had the regular meeting with the 9 programme directors. This time, the project leaders of RWS and the water authorities for the new High Water Protection Programme were present. The programme is being launched as an important part of the Delta Programme. Via the high water protection programme, in the years ahead measures will be prepared in response to the results of the third assessment of our flood defences. There is still a lot of work to be done in order to achieve the current, statutory protection level everywhere. Important work for our water managers that has been integrated into the long-term approach that is the main feature of the Delta Programme.
On Thursday at a light lunch, my staff, the programme directors and I also reflected on the work we have done recently. Everyone will be enjoying a well-deserved holiday break in order to return with batteries fully charged in the new year, ready to resume working on our delta. We are well aware that there is always work to be done on our delta to protect citizens and our economy, on the road to a physically “robust delta” that can cope with extremes.
We are ending the year in the knowledge that on 1 January 2012 the Deltawet Waterveiligheid en Zoetwatervoorziening (Delta Act on Water Safety and the Fresh-water Supply) will go into effect, providing us with a legal basis for our work. Something special.

In 2012, we will continue our work, this time on the third Delta Programme, the DP2013. Once again we will be collaborating with all the authorities involved, civil society partners and the business community. Their input is wonderful. In the third Delta Programme possible strategies for the future (goals, measures and phases) will be presented that can be a response to the problems we predict in our delta. These strategies constitute the lead-up work to arriving at promising strategies and preferred strategies in the following year. In early 2012, in consultation with the State Secretary of I&M, I will send the ‘water safety control memorandum’ to all the regional Steering Groups. This will mark the start of the process of arriving at a cohesive Delta Water Safety Plan in 2014. The interim steps, among other things regarding future protection levels, will be included in the DP2013. Afterwards, a ‘request’ for the Fresh-water Programme will follow. In brief, there is a lot of work to be done.

I send all the readers of my weblogs my very best wishes. Enjoy the festive season and we’ll be in touch in 2012 via the written word.

Celebrations

ma, 19 dec 2011 03:37:12 GMT

The end of the calendar year is drawing near and that means that everyone is very busy. Including the ‘delta community’.
This past week was marked by celebrations. First of all, the election of the ‘Water Man of the Year 2011’, Peter Glas. See also the news release. Our sincere congratulations to Peter and his staff on this well-deserved award.

And then a memorable and historic event: the signature and countersignature by State Secretary Joop Atsma of the Delta Act and the announcement decree, respectively. With effect from 1 January, our work will have legal status. We celebrated this accomplishment in Nieuwspoort in the presence of the Managing Director of the National Archives, Martin Berendse. He described this event as ‘historic and relevant to our country, in view of our history’. See also the news section.

On Tuesday I addressed the closing conference of Regiebureau Natura 2000 and on Wednesday afternoon the jury of the Delta Water Award attended the interim presentation of the five nominees for this prestigious award in Dordrecht. At least three presentations demonstrated that we are in for a fierce battle when the jury assesses the final results in February. We asked questions and gave the participants some comments to consider for their ‘home stretch’. See also www.deltawateraward.nl.

On Friday, I had a preliminary meeting with the staff of the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment regarding our visit to Brussels this week. We are going to meet with the DG for the Environment and the DG for Climate Action in order to explain our Delta approach. We will also visit the Dutch Ambassador in Belgium and the Permanent Delegation of the Netherlands to the European Commission. I am looking forward to this trip. We are embarking on the final working week of this remarkable delta year.

DP goes international

ma, 28 nov 2011 07:31:44 GMT

Last week started in The Hague with the usual staff meeting and discussions about the participation process within the Delta Programme. This is an essential aspect that is only becomes more important as we move closer to solutions. Within this context, I will be giving interviews to two journals: the business magazine of the Evides water company and the magazine Wonen, Water & Ruimte (Living, Water and Space).

On Tuesday I left for the Water Forum in Rome, that was very well organised by our embassy there. There was a lot of attention for the event, also from the business community. Something special was the chance to meet the newly-appointed Italian Minister of the Environment, Corrado Clini. I believe I was the first official of the Dutch government to meet a member of Prime Minister Monti’s new cabinet. For more information see the news section.

I was back in the Netherlands again on Wednesday, so that on Thursday and Friday I was able to attend the Board of Governors meeting of the UNESCO-IHE. In between, I visited Noord Holland to speak at the Water Conference of the Hollands Noorderkwartier Water Authority, whose chair is Luc Kohsiek. For more information see the news release.

On Thursday I heard the news that the Senate is expected to adopt the Delta Act on 29 November – on my birthday! This means that legal status for the Delta Programme, the Delta Fund and the position of Delta Commissioner will be possible as of 1 January 2012. A mere two years after submitting the Delta bill to the then State Secretary Huizinga of the former Ministry of Transport, Public Works & Water Management. We will definitely be ‘celebrating’ this historic fact.

The DP on tour

ma, 21 nov 2011 10:28:14 GMT

Over the past week I once again gave several presentations on our unique approach with the Delta Programme. And more will follow.
On Friday, my week ended in Brussels where I spoke extensively with Kurt Vandenberghe, Head of Cabinet of EU Commissioner Potocnik, and his team. He is very interested in the Dutch (Delta) approach which has a cross-border dimension as a matter of course (for more on this see the news release).

On Wednesday and Thursday I spoke in Haaglanden and at the Water Network Day in Nieuwegein. In this way, increasingly more people are becoming involved in our work. There is a lot of enthusiasm everywhere and I enjoy doing this as part of my job. I also had several talks in The Hague. I spoke with Eric Kraaij of the Association of Water Authorities about properly linking the next High Water Protection Programme with the Delta Programme. I looked at the future of our delta with Rein van der Kluit, Chief Engineer and Director of RWS in Zeeland. There are a lot of plans for improving the economy, ecology and safety. The plans for a tidal power plant in the Brouwersdam are also very relevant and are part of the Water Top Sector. I hope that an "owner” will report for this who would like to take control of the plan.
I talked with DG Annemie Burger (EL&I) about the new organisation of her directorate (Nature & the Regions) in relation to the Delta Programme.

Tuesday, Koos van Oord, the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) and I will be leaving for Rome for a meeting with the Italian trade union federation Confindustria, organised in collaboration with our embassy. I hope to meet the new Italian Minister for the Environment. Our expert business community will also be represented. There are more than enough problems in Italy. Whereas we again have low river discharges (for the first time in some 100 years in this autumn/winter period) the Po delta recently had extreme flooding. There is always “work to do on the delta".

At the controls

ma, 21 nov 2011 08:59:10 GMT

On Thursday I attended an important and interesting presentation given by the RWS Centre for Water Management about "the controls of our water system". For the strategies that we are going to develop in the year ahead regarding the decisions to be made in in 2015, it is relevant to know what controls there are in our main water system. And how these work, independently and in combination. There are eight controls and the number of combinations is staggering! We will be working on this in the sub-programmes.

On Wednesday, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I received the Minister of Sustainability & the Environment from Côte d'Ivoire as part of a three-day programme. See the section on news releases (news releases) for more on this. I hope that the Netherlands will be able to assist Côte d'Ivoire with its considerable coastal problem.

An important initial administrative meeting was held on Friday afternoon with the sub-programmes involved in the Delta Decision on the Rhine-Meuse Delta. Mayor Aboutaleb was present as a guest in the Rotterdam council chamber. It was good to see that so many administrators were present at the end of the afternoon, having travelled from as far as Limburg and Goedereede. Together, we will move forwards and the programme directors can get to work on a ‘plot’ to gradually arrive at a national optimum.

On Friday I also had a further meeting with the new President of the Senate, Fred de Graaf. He is sitting at the controls of the consideration of the Delta Act. The written procedure regarding the adoption of the Delta Act has almost been completed.

Success and progress

do, 10 nov 2011 02:45:38 GMT

This past week all our attention was focused on the International Water Week in Amsterdam and the Second National Delta Conference in the Amsterdam RAI Convention Centre. More information on these events is available in the news section.

On Tuesday, I delivered the keynote speech at the International Water Week and on Thursday I hosted our national conference. I hope and am inclined to think that the many visitors (more than 1200) enjoyed the day and went home inspired. I was proud of the fact that not just State Secretary Atsma was present at the opening ceremony but that Prime Minister Mark Rutte paid us a visit as well in the afternoon. He allotted an hour and a half for addressing the plenary meeting, opening the Delta Parade, viewing all its presentations and meeting the staff.

Marc Lammers (former coach of the Dutch women´s hockey team) and Ap Verheggen (creative artist) gave inspiring presentations, and there were fruitful discussions between the key players in and around the Delta Programme. A special stage performance was organised for young visitors. For a brief impression, see the Second National Delta Conference section of this web site.

During the conference, Bart Bongaards, chair of the Youth Water Board presented me with the first copy of Strijd tegen het water [The War Against Water], a book in cartoon format intended to be used in schools.

In the evening, during an enjoyable and well-earned dinner, I complimented my staff, the programme directors, their staff and the temporary staff on all they had achieved. Everyone worked enormously hard. We all felt tired and content. Another conference next year, but now we first have to focus on completing the Delta Programme for 2013. At the end of November, the State Secretary will present the reports with building blocks for the Delta Plan for Safety and the results of the third evaluation round. On 30 November I have been invited by the House of Representatives committee for a discussion on the Delta Plan for 2012. Meanwhile, the Senate has embarked on the written procedure leading up to the adoption of the Delta Act.

To cap it all, Delta Magazine elected me Waterman of the Week. A fine close to a wonderful week.

Towards the 1500 mark?

di, 01 nov 2011 09:06:37 GMT

When I went home on Friday afternoon, 1374 people had already registered for the 2nd National Delta Conference, that opens this week on 3 November. It’s impressive. So many interested people. All the responsible executive councillors will be attending, as well as almost all the chairs of the water boards and virtually all the top echelon of Rijkswaterstaat (the executive arm of the Ministry of Infrastructure & the Environment) , directors of ministries, board members of (large) companies, and representatives of knowledge institutions. Several mayors and members of municipal executives, municipal councillors, and board members of water boards and general management boards have registered. A great many staff members who are working together on the Delta Programme will also be present. It will be a celebration of ties and inspiration..

Over the past week I devoted a lot of attention to the conference. Time and again there were many decisions to be made on subjects ranging from seating to logistics. I also had a number of progress meeting with Ina Adema, who heads the VNG Committee on Water Affairs, Joke Geldof (executive councillor for Noord-Holland) and Anne Bliek (executive councillor for Flevoland). I spoke once again with Jan Bout about the choices to be made in the Water Top Sector. The programme directors met on Thursday to discuss the structure of the "Safety Programme” and the choices for New Urban Developments and Restructuring. We also paid a highly successful working visit to the Rhine Estuary-Drechtsteden region with State Secretaries Atsma and Bleker (read the news article).

Busy

di, 18 okt 2011 12:45:14 GMT

Although the Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP) has reported that the pressure of work in the Netherlands is not too severe, I had a very full week. On Monday I spoke with the Environmental Impact Assessment Commission about its advice to me on the Delta Programme. I have asked this independent body to assess whether we are on the right track with our work. The report will be published soon and we can use it to move ahead. In the evening, I had a working dinner with the new management team of the Directorate-General for Spatial Planning & Water Affairs, during which we made constructive work agreements.

On Tuesday I gave an interview to the Delta Magazine. It was a good interview with a specialist interviewer. I also spoke about various subjects with Jan Hendrik Dronkers, Director-General of Rijkswaterstaat (the executive arm of the Ministry of I&M). I also discussed economic diplomacy and the Dutch Delta Approach with the Secretary-General of Foreign Affairs. I will say something about this at the upcoming ambassadors conference in January. Tuesday drew to a close with a high-level executive dinner attended by the Prince of Orange and many CEOs of companies in the water sector. Together with Koos van Oord I provided an introduction and received a lovely gift from the MAX foundation: a water pump for (and in) Bangladesh, bearing the names of the speakers. An original and fine initiative of the Boer & Croon Group that organised the dinner.

Last Thursday I attended an informal meeting about the Safety sub-programme together with directors of water boards and administrators from the provinces and municipalities, initiated by State Secretary Joop Atsma. There is widespread consensus about the approach for the years ahead. The keyword: unity.

On Friday I had an “update talk” about various subjects with the chair of the Rijnland District Water Board, Gerard Doornbos . Mr Doornbos is a man with wide experience and a great deal of political know-how. Over the course of the past weeks we also spent time on the Delta Conference. Registrations now already number over 1100 and there are still more than two weeks to go! The conference will be very busy – given the capacity of the hall we may have to set a limit…We´ll have to wait and see. It´s certainly exciting, all this interest in the Delta Conference. I am sure that it will be a great day in Amsterdam. And now…a few days of autumn holiday.

Past and future

di, 11 okt 2011 08:11:10 GMT

I was on the road a lot last week. The visits I made were all very interesting. The focus was on the past at the 25th anniversary of the Oosterschelde storm surge barrier. But we also looked to the future – due to the Delta Programme. I spoke with school pupils and students there about their ambitions and insights. For more information see the news releases elsewhere on this website.

Last Tuesday, the focus was on the future at the Innovation Fair (Innovatie-estafette) of the De Club van Maarsen (an open community in which all innovations in the fields of the environment, mobility, spatial planning, transport and water come together). Lots of activities and innovations at the Van Nelle design factory in Rotterdam. Alongside ‘Building with Nature’, I was pleasantly surprised by the opportunities offered by the ‘Multi-functional Barrier’ (an idea of the CUR building and infrastructure network for the weak link at Katwijk). For more information see the news section.

For me, Monday was mainly an internal day at the Nieuwe Uitleg. During the course of the week, the number of registrations rose for the Delta Conference on 3 November. Last Friday the number had passed the 800 mark. Every day, decisions had to be made about the conference: ranging from the programme book to the communication plan and the scheduling of the programme.

Last Friday, I visited executive councillor Co Verdaas in Arnhem. I spoke with him about the active role of the provinces in the months ahead regarding the safety programme and the High Water Protection Plan 3 (HWBP3), in his role as a board member of the Association of Dutch Provinces (IPO), and the special problem in the rivers area (in his role as chair of the DeltaRijn Steering Group).
My week came to a close in the Hoge Veluwe, on high ground, where I took part in a meeting of the Advisory Board. It was raining.

Delta Conference on 3 November

wo, 05 okt 2011 12:11:06 GMT

Another month of hard work and then, on Thursday 3 November, the Second National Delta Conference will open its doors. We have already set the programme. I believe it is very attractive one. Take a look on this website in the section on the National Delta Conference. State Secretary Joop Atsma of Infrastructure & the Environment (I&M) will be opening the conference. Over 600 participants have already registered. The hall will thus already be quite full and the crowd-control barriers are at the ready…

Last Thursday, my staff and I visited the RAI conference centre to view the venue and make further arrangements. In the week of 1 through 4 November, it will be ‘aqua, aqua everywhere’ at the RAI. Between 22,000 and 25,000 participants are expected from at least 15 countries (Aquatech, Aquaterra). With the Delta Parade, among other things, the Dutch approach will occupy a prominent position in the ‘Integrated Aqua Solutions’ section (chaired by the Netherlands Water Partnership). During the week, at the Delta Parade, the sub-programmes of the Delta Programme will present themselves. Prime Minister Mark Rutte will open the Delta Parade on 3 November and he will also be actively participating in the plenary discussion.

My working week started on Monday with the usual staff meeting. Afterwards, I discussed progress with Peter Glas the chair of the Association of Regional Water Authorities and then with Siebe Riedstra, Secretary-General of the Ministry of I&M. I saw them both again at the annual Water Dinner hosted by the Association of Regional Water Authorities at the Keringhuis (Public Water Management Information Centre) at the Maeslandt storm surge barrier. A wonderful venue and it was a constructive working dinner with innovation as the chief subject of discussion.

On Tuesday, I spoke with Chris Kuijpers, the new Director-General for Spatial Planning & Water affairs at I&M. We talked about coordination and progress. On that day I was interviewed by ‘Waterforum’ and I spoke with the members of the House of Representatives Annewil Lucas (VVD, Liberal Party) and Lutz Jacobi (PvdA, Labour Party) about the Delta Act and the DP2012. In the evening there was another dinner, this time to bid farewell to Annemieke Nijhof and Mark Dierikx. Until recently, both had held the position of Director-General at I&M. I appointed them both when I was still Secretary-General of Public Works & Water Management and we worked excellently with one another in those days. They both dealt with ‘Water’. It was a very enjoyable evening.

On Wednesday, I spoke with the crisis coordinators of Rijkswaterstaat (the executive arm of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure & the Environment) and the Water Boards, at their network day. The representatives of the third layer of safety were most interested in our work, and the feeling was mutual. I then had a talk with Frans Evers, one of the vice chairs of the Commission for Environmental Assessment from whom we have asked advice on our approach in the Delta Programme. Afterwards I visited quartermaster Jan Bout for a follow-up discussion on the progress in the Water Top Sector.

Last Thursday I again gave an interview on the DP2012, this time to Cobouw.

Second Delta Programme

di, 27 sep 2011 02:35:25 GMT

The theme of the past week was, of course, the presentation of the Second Delta Programme (DP2012). This time, at the Johan de Witthuis, we met with all the civil servants involved. We watched the royal gold carriage, listened to the Queen’s Speech and then I handed over the first copy of the DP2012 to the four partners in the Delta Programme: the state, (represented by the Deputy Director-General for Spatial Planning and Water Affairs, Roel Feringa), the provinces (IPO Water Affairs Secretary Jan Ploeger), the municipalities (VNG Director Kees Jan de Vet) and the water boards (General Manager of the Association of Regional Water Authorities, Albert Vermuë). It was a relaxed and constructive meeting at which my staff further explained to those present the recommendations on safeguarding funding in the longer term. Many specialised media showed interest in the Second Delta Programme. A great deal of attention is also given to the DP2012 in the news section of this website.

On Wednesday I attended the Rivers Day of the Rivers sub-programme on the Eiland van Maurik (island). We can look back on a good meeting at which all those involved were informed about the state of affairs and were able to discuss the structure of the work process. I was also able to speak to the Rhine Delta Steering Group led by Co Verdaas, executive councillor for the province of Gelderland. You can read more about the Rivers Day elsewhere on this website.

Thursday’s agenda featured the usual meeting with programme and policy directors. Special attention was paid to the “comparative system”. This tool is essential to enable us later on to mutually compare and weigh up all solution strategies that are thought up in the sub-programmes.

In the afternoon, I was the guest of the Advisory Committee on Water, headed by the Prince of Orange, to further explain and discuss the DP2012. It was a very constructive and good meeting with experienced and expert members. The Advisory Committee on Water can provide further advice on components of the Delta Programme in the months ahead.

I left for Enschede early on Friday to give an introductory talk at the Governance as a Catalyst international conference organised by the Regge en Dinkel Water Board (chaired by Stefan Kuks, the chair of the water board). Interest was high and the conference was attended by top officials from Flanders (Administrator-General), Lower Saxony (State Secretary) and the Netherlands. Ank Bijleveld, the Queen’s Commissioner in Overijssel, also spoke here. You can find a news release on this conference elsewhere on this website.

In the afternoon, I was the guest of executive councillor Ralph de Vries (province of Utrecht) and Annemarie Moons, chair of the Vallei en Eem Water Board. More details are provided in the news release elsewhere on this website. Executive councillor Co Verdaas whom I mentioned earlier was also present. It was a nice, small gathering at the site of the Grebbe Dike in the Gelders Vallei. Wonderful, all that I saw there! There are plans to build a “delta dike” at this strategic location that will be over 5 kilometres in length. An exciting plan that can definitely be interesting for the Rivers sub-programme for the longer term. This stretch of dike protects a large area (right up to the Randmeren) with many inhabitants as well as economic value.

Five Dutch D's (2)

ma, 19 sep 2011 08:53:27 GMT

This week, my weblog is made up of news releases pertaining to my working visit to the United States and Canada, from 12 up to and including 17 September. Please refer to the news section of this website.

Kind regards,

Wim Kuijken
Delta Commissioner

Five Dutch D’s

ma, 12 sep 2011 12:09:19 GMT

As you read this, I will already be in the United States for what will undoubtedly be a most interesting working visit. I will definitely be reporting on it on this website: Florida, Washington D.C., New York and Toronto (Canada). Our allies are very interested in our innovative approach that uses the 5 Dutch D’s: Delta Act, Delta Programme, Delta Fund, Delta Commissioner and Delta Decisions. Our Delta Programme is a good export product. This is a strategic subject for the Dutch embassy. I hope to learn a lot about the approaches adopted by the US and Canada in dealing with their freshwater problems, their emergency management and their adaptive approaches; we have many subjects in common. We will be examining all three layers of safety.

The House of Representatives is back from its summer recess and last Monday and Tuesday I had talks with members of the House Stientje van Veldhoven (D66, progressive, social liberal party) and Elbert Dijkgraaf (SGP, orthodox, protestant party). We caught up briefly on the latest developments and reflected on the handling of the Delta Act in June. I will be doing the same with all the political parties’ spokespersons. I have invited all of them to attend the 2nd National Delta Conference on 3 November. Registration for the conference is now open and I have already signed up. Two hundred other participants registered in the space of just two days. That certainly looks promising!

On Tuesday, I spoke extensively with quartermaster Jan Bout of the Water Top Sector about his work in relation to the Delta Programme. We can see many opportunities for cooperation and we both support the same approach and working method. The key phrases are: not bureaucratic, in the primary process, binding stakeholders to the content and the business case, public accountability and monitoring progress. We will be meeting again at the end of September once the cabinet has drawn up its “trade & industry memorandum”.

On Thursday, I met with all the programme directors and we discussed, among other things, the strategy regarding the issue of fresh water. Despite significant rainfall this year, we have also had drought, and that could happen more frequently. We are preparing well for this in the Delta Programme. We have drawn up a good, ambitious approach for the DP2013.

On Friday, I made the final preparations for my trip and added the finishing touches to the speeches I will be giving over there. I also spoke with Louise Fresco of the University of Amsterdam. She was a member of the 2nd Delta Committee and is highly internationally oriented. It was a good talk with an expert, experienced professor.

Spatial Planning and Water

ma, 05 sep 2011 12:58:11 GMT

I have had a busy week. The news section of this website contains no fewer than three articles: on Wednesday I paid a working visit to Dordrecht and Rotterdam with Minister Schultz van Haegen of Infrastructure & the Environment; on Thursday I received a high-level delegation from Singapore and my week ended with an inspiring working visit to Texel and Vlieland – in connection with the Delta Programme sub-programmes Coast and the Wadden Region. On all three of those days, the subject of water in relation to spatial planning was repeatedly examined, as well as fresh and salt water, and seas and rivers in combination with rainwater. It is good to deal with these subjects in situations that are different from one another.

On Monday, I had my first meeting with Chris Kuijpers, the new Director-General for Spatial Planning & Water (in his role as quartermaster). It was a constructive talk in which we made clear agreements about our approach and working method. I also made agreements with Director Renske Peters about her new portfolio of International Affairs & Water Top Sector, and the Delta Programme. I believe that we will be able to provide good mutual support for one another.

It was most enjoyable to meet again with Kasja Ollongren who has been Secretary-General at the Ministry of General Affairs since 15 August. I was able to share many experiences with her given that in the period from 2000 to 2007 I held the position she now holds at the Ministry. The state opening of parliament is drawing ever closer and so too is the presentation of the DP2012. We have prepared well for the meeting to be held on 20 September in the Johan de Witthuis. Before then, I will however, be making a working visit to the United States and Canada. You can read more about this visit on this website at a later date.

Finally, last week I also had a long interview with Yomiuri Shimbun, a major Japanese daily newspaper. The subject of the interview was our delta approach. It is good to see that Japan is also very interested in our Delta Programme. In short: everything is once again in full swing.

Bidding farewell and moving on

ma, 29 aug 2011 01:09:06 GMT

Last Thursday afternoon was marked by the departure of Annemieke Nijhof, Director-General of Water Affairs at the Ministry of Infrastructure & the Environment (I&M). We sang a few songs for her on the beach at Scheveningen. The sun was shining, the weather was fair and we had a good time. Annemieke’s staff had written a beautiful song and the Delta Commissioner’s staff put up a good show as well. Among the songs was the student anthem with the words: ‘Farewell, good luck, it’s hard to say goodbye…’. A farewell that weighs heavily on everyone, that was – and is – the case here.

On Tuesday I had had my last bilateral meeting with Annemieke. It was a special occasion because we had been working together professionally since 2005 – first at the Ministry of General Affairs, later at the Ministry of Transport, Public Works & Water Management, and in recent years as Director-General and Delta Commissioner. Given that Annemieke will be joining the board of UNESCO-IHE in Delft, we will continue to see each other a few times a year in connection with matters related to water and the delta.

On Thursday morning I spoke at the general assembly of the Water Board Association of Noord-Brabant (refer to the news section of this website). The meeting took place in the lovely town of Willemstad. It was a constructive and inspiring meeting with some 100 experts and stakeholders in attendance.

On Monday and Thursday I met with my staff and the programme directors respectively, to discuss the strategy we will be developing in the Delta Programme in the time ahead as we seek solutions for the issues we will be facing in the coming decades. Cohesion and sequentiality in, and a good comparative system for the nine sub-programmes are needed in this regard and will be advocated by my staff and I. It is a complex and necessary job on which everyone is hard at work.

On the last day of the working week, I spoke with Peter Koole, director of the projects academy of Rijkswaterstaat (the executive arm of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure & the Environment, RWS). I also met with Hugo von Meijenfeldt and discussed his work as ‘International’ quartermaster at the Ministry of I&M. The Delta Programme is important for his work and we will therefore be involving one another in the work we are each performing.

At the farewell lunch for Luitzen Bijlsma to mark his departure as Chief Engineer of the RWS Centre for Water Management, I had the opportunity to learn about many of his experiences in the water sector and to discuss the follow-up to the High Water Protection programme. He and Eric Kraaij of the Association of Regional Water Authorities are hard at work on this. The week closed with an interview for the October issue of the magazine Het Waterschap (The Water Board).

'Derby der Lage Landen'

di, 23 aug 2011 06:53:34 GMT

Friday was the high point of the past week. On that day, in Vlissingen, I presented the prize for the best geography student in Flanders and the Netherlands. You can read more about the Derby der Lage Landen in the news section of this website. My thoughts turned back to a time 40 years ago... I still remember exactly who my geography teacher was and what he was like! While the Derby is a competition, our work brings us together due to the nature of the delta. I was able to explain this in the brief talk I gave to the students from the upper forms of secondary school who were in attendance. It was an enjoyable thing to do.

The rest of the week was marked by a great many meetings. On Monday, in addition to the weekly staff meeting, I spoke with State Secretary Atsma. The subject we discussed was my recommendations regarding the guaranteeing of the funding of the Delta Programme in the long term. My recommendations will be included in the DP 2012 that will be presented next month. A new milestone.

On Tuesday I had preparatory talks with Het Waterschapshuis [the executive agency for Information and Communication Technology for the 26 regional water authorities in the Netherlands], where I will be speaking about innovation at the network day in November. I also met with Bertholt Leeftink, the new Director-General of Enterprise & Innovation at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation (EL&I). We had a good talk about the relationship between the top-sectors policy and the Delta Programme. Our approach has attracted a lot of interest. On the same day, I also spoke with Pex Langenberg, our Infrastructure & Environment man at the embassy in the United States. We focused on my working visit to the US and Canada in mid-September. He has put together a very good programme.

On Thursday, all the programme directors were again present at a meeting to discuss the planning for the year ahead. We specifically looked at the 2nd safety layer (the so-called 'residual risks' of flooding). In the evening I attended a meeting of the Foundation Board of UNESCO-IHE at which we discussed the long-term strategy plans of this major institute. Very good plans that are also a response to the coming spending cutbacks at the Ministry of Education, Culture & Science and the Directorate-General of Development Cooperation.

Before I left for Vlissingen on Friday to present the Derby prizes, I talked with the Director-General of Nature & the Regions (EL&I), Annemie Burger.

Dry becomes wet

wo, 17 aug 2011 06:45:04 GMT

Back again after a wonderful summer holiday. My family and I went to Switzerland to have a look at the state of affairs of the ‘source’ of our freshwater supply. I can tell you this: there is more than enough water over there. After a very dry spring came a wet July. The sixth in a row, I believe. The water shortage was consequently reduced.

Last week we resumed work on our delta. On Monday we put the finishing touches to the recommendations for the State Secretary and the House of Representatives on the long-term funding of the Delta Programme. On Tuesday and Thursday, my staff and I discussed the content of the programme for the 2nd National Delta Conference that will be held on Thursday 3 November in the RAI Amsterdam.

I exchanged ideas with Rob de Vos, our new Consul-General in New York, about the programme for my time in that city during my working visit to the United States and Canada that is scheduled for mid-September. I also caught up with Bart Parmet, director of my staff, and with the outgoing Director-General of Water Affairs Annemieke Nijhof who will be leaving her post on 1 September. Her departure is a great loss for the Ministry of Infrastructure & the Environment, the water sector and thus also for the Delta Programme. We will miss her as an inspiring and driving force in this field.

On Thursday I consulted with Luitzen Bijlsma, who will be leaving his position as Chief Engineer at the Water Service of Rijkswaterstaat (the executive arm of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure & the Environment) and Erik Kraay (Director of the Association of Regional Water Authorities) about the approach to the 3rd High Water Protection programme within the Delta Programme. It is important that we coordinate this approach right from the outset, in accordance with the Administrative Agreement on Water as well, in view of the multiple safety issues that we must tackle cohesively.

Practice and theory

di, 19 jul 2011 01:40:03 GMT

Last Monday and Tuesday I experienced the Delta in practice. The focus of these visits was on the Rhine Estuary-Drechtsteden and the IJsselmeer region, two sub-programmes about which we will be making Delta Decisions. More details of these visits are provided in the news section of this website.

On Tuesday, I also met Professor Emeritus Salomon Kroonenberg (Delft University of Technology). He will be my guest at the Delta Conference on 3 November as a climate sceptic. It was a pleasant talk with an experienced researcher.
The focus on Wednesday was on the theoretical part of my work. On that day I completed my answer to Harm Albert Zanting and Martine Leewis, the authors of the book entitled Klimaat voor Waterlanders and the accompanying message addressed to me as Delta Commissioner. I referred to this in my weblog of 14 June.

On the same day, I also completed the draft of the supplementary recommendations to State Secretary Atsma of Infrastructure & the Environment. This was at the request of the House of Representatives and the recommendations involve the safeguarding of the long-term funding of the Delta Programme. The State Secretary can now assess this document. Hopefully, it will be possible to include the recommendations in the DP2012 that will be presented on Prinsjesdag (the state opening of parliament).

Last Thursday, I had a short meeting with member of the House of Representatives Liesbeth van Tongeren (Green Party). I briefly reflected with her on the legislative consultation regarding the draft of the Delta Act. I will be doing this with all the spokespersons for Infrastructure & the Environment.

On Friday, my staff and I discussed the layout of the DP2012. After all, design and layout are also important. The document will be well-balanced and efficient. At 2.00 p.m. I locked the door of my office on the Nieuwe Uitleg for four weeks. Holiday time. However, I can always be reached for matters of urgency. It’s all part of the job.

Two Delta successes in one week

di, 19 jul 2011 01:38:36 GMT

The House of Representatives unanimously adopted the legislative proposal for the Delta Act on Tuesday 28 June. Several amendments were adopted as well, such as the one by VVD (Liberal Party) member of the House Anne-Wil Lucas, to make the Delta Fund only available for water safety and to guarantee the freshwater supply. Or, that by Paulus Jansen (Socialist Party) to abolish time limits for experiments conducted within the framework of the Delta Programme. D66 (social-liberal and democratic party) member of the House Stientje van Veldhoven submitted an amendment on the appointment term of 7 years for the Delta Commissioner and the possibility of reappointment. Before the voting, the CDA (Christian Democrats) withdrew an amendment with a ‘can’ provision (not legally mandatory) for the Delta Commissioner. The bill that State Secretary Huizinga submitted on behalf of the Balkenende IV Cabinet on 1 February 2010 – 57 years after the Flood Disaster in the southwest of the Netherlands – was successfully defended by State Secretary Atsma on behalf of the Rutte-Verhagen Cabinet. The bill is now on its way to the Senate.

This memorable fact was announced at the National Administrative Consultation Platform discussion of the DP2012, the 2nd Delta Programme that will be presented on Prinsjesdag (the state opening of Parliament). That discussion too was constructive. In this way, impetus is added to our national task.
Last Friday evening, on the Scheveningen section of our coast, I enjoyed “delta drinks” with staff working on the Delta Programme. A small, modest party for everyone who has worked on this success and the fundamental future of our country.

The theme of the rest of the week was the Delta year ahead, the road to DP2013. I had talks with Professor Ernst ten Heuvelhof (TU Delft) on a suitable process approach for the safety programme – an activity within the Safety sub-programme. I also met with the Directors-General involved to discuss the programme and the planning for the coming year.

I also spoke with the former Secretary of the province of Utrecht, Herman Sietsma, about his work on the Rhine-Schelde Delta for six Queen’s Commissioners (the Netherlands) and Governors (Belgium). In the year ahead, a clear link will be made with the South-western Delta programme. The Delta Programme will also devote attention to the “temporary use” project and the “bubble screen” project on the Nieuwe Waterweg – an important initiative of the administrators in Zuid-Holland and Zeeland.

Delta Act week

di, 19 jul 2011 01:37:14 GMT

Monday 20 June was an important day for our work: the long-awaited discussion of the draft Delta Act. In the Thorbecke Room of the House of Representatives, from five in the afternoon until ten at night, the Standing Committee of Infrastructure & the Environment debated the bill that the Balkenende IV Cabinet had submitted on 1 February 2010.

Many aspects were treated during the debate. The discussion highlighted not only the extent of the involvement of the members of the House of Representatives, but also the amount of support for the Delta Act and the elements it includes: the Delta Programme, the Delta Fund and the Delta Commissioner (the government commissioner for the Delta Programme. Several amendments and motions were made. The vote on these and on the bill will take place on Tuesday 28 June and we will then know if the draft will be passed on to the Senate and if so, in what form.

State Secretary Atsma voiced the expectation that the Delta Act will go into effect on 1 January 2012. An evaluation is then scheduled for 2017. The State Secretary promised the House of Representative to ask the Delta Commissioner to report every year in the Delta Programme on the safeguarding of the financing of the Delta Programme in the long term. I shall try and do that this year. It is no unimportant task that the House is requesting.

Tuesday 21 June saw another important moment: the discussion of the second Delta Programme (DP2012) by the Infrastructure & the Environment Council. Tomorrow, Tuesday 28 June, the National Administrative Consultation Platform will be discussing the DP2012. Subsequently, the DP2012 will be presented on Prinsjesdag (the state opening of parliament) on 20 September.

Last Tuesday I had a constructive meeting with the National Counter Terrorism Coordinator (NCTb), Erik Akerboom. We know one another from our time at the Ministry of the Interior & Kingdom Relations (BZK). We each occupy a special position, coordination at the national level, and our two positions cover a substantial proportion of the preventive safety task. It certainly applies that our relationship will become closer given that from July, crisis coordination and emergency management by the NCTb will be brought under the Ministry of Justice & Security. In fact, Mr Akerboom will then represent the third level of safety at the national level, as we are familiar with in the National Water Plan and the Delta Programme. We will be cooperating more closely and harmonising our efforts where necessary and useful for the safety of our country.

On Thursday, I attended a 24-hour session with all the programme directors and the Delta Commissioner’s staff. In the woods of Zeist, we worked hard on the structure and content for the year ahead, on promising strategies for the Delta Decisions. It is a good thing to be busy already and to be supporting one another in this complex work.

Delta knowledge

di, 19 jul 2011 01:34:19 GMT

This past week we focused on the Delta Programme’s first Knowledge Conference. Last Thursday, some 160 experts from government agencies, knowledge institutions and the business community gathered at the NEMO Science Centre in Amsterdam to share their knowledge and explore what knowledge we are still lacking in the Delta Programme.

My staff, under the direction of Jos van Alphen, turned in a top-notch performance with this fruitful conference. Excellent guidance was provided by Arcadis, under the inspiring management of Harm Albert Zanting (visit the news section on this web site.)

On Tuesday I made an interesting working visit to the municipality of Schouwen-Duiveland and the island of the same name. A report is included in the news section on this web site.

On Wednesday I had an extensive meeting with our Ambassador to Japan, Flip de Heer. We discussed the dramatic events that took place during the recent disaster in Japan. “A slight chance, far-reaching consequences…” Imagine something like this happening in a country so well prepared for natural disasters. This autumn I might travel to Japan as a discussion partner to Japanese officials, in order to offer our help and expertise – and together face the future in relation to water safety. For our country too it is important to take note of the experiences gained there.

Waterland dwellers

di, 19 jul 2011 01:32:59 GMT

The advance announcement of the 2nd Delta Conference was sent out last week. See the news item on the homepage of this website for more information. We are again drawing up an attractive programme. The main focus will be on the content analyses of the sub-programmes and the innovations in the Delta Programme. The conference will be held on Thursday 3 November in the Amsterdam RAI, as part of the International Water Week. Prime Minister Rutte and State Secretary Atsma will both be attending.

Something that was interesting and special this week was my being presented with a book (a “message to the Delta Commissioner”) Klimaat voor Waterlanders [Climate for Waterland Dwellers], written by Martine Leewis and Harm Albert Zanting (cf. the website www.klimaatvoorwaterlanders.nl) Needless to say, I will be answering the “letter” shortly. The associated “book” written by me, the proposal for the Delta Programme (DP2012), was sent to the members of the cabinet committee at the end of last week for the meeting on Tuesday next week (21 June). Things are moving quickly.
On Tuesday, I met with Maarten Hajer, director of the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) and policy directors of the Ministry of Infrastructure & the Environment to discuss the PBL report that will be published together with the DP2012. We also talked about the knowledge conference on 16 June (we have already received about 160 registrations) and about the (central) role that the PBL can play in the gathering and interpreting of knowledge for the Delta Programme.

On Wednesday, I sat down with Albert Jan Maat, chair of the Dutch Federation of Agriculture and Horticulture (LTO) to discuss the cooperation in the Delta Programme. We get together to bring each other up to date every year. The LTO is very committed to, for example, the Freshwater sub-programme. Our cooperation is running very smoothly. The agriculture and horticulture sector is of great significance to the Netherlands and therefore to our work on the delta.

All the programme directors were again gathered together for the weekly coordination and content meeting on Thursday. In the afternoon I attended a meeting of the Association of Provincial Authorities (IPO) in Utrecht with the executive councillors for Water Affairs. Nine executive councillors were in attendance. It was a very enjoyable and constructive meeting. It would definitely be useful to repeat this now and again because the provinces fulfil an important region-oriented integration function in the work of Delta Programme – in the long as well as short term.
On the final day of the working week, I was a member of the jury at the Netherlands School of Public Administration. We were assessing the final projects of students in the 2010-2011 MPA programme. It was wonderful to see once again what a wealth of working talent there is in the government. Our own Yolanda van der Meulen, project leader of the Future of the Closure Dike project, was one of them.

In the afternoon, I was present at the launch of The Hague Institute for Global Justice at the Ridderzaal (Knights’ Hall). A great success for The Hague and for Mayor Jozias van Aartsen in particular. A few years ago, during my term as Secretary General, I was closely involved with this project. A good result.

week 23, 2011

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:12:20 GMT

Innovation and LTO

Last week was a short week, but one with three very full days. On Monday, there was an internal meeting with the DC staff. We completed the final texts for the DP2012. The final version has been sent to the principals and the Preparatory Committee for the Council of Ministers.

On Monday I also gave an interview about the “temporary rezoning” project. This is a constructive initiative that explores the possibilities and advocates the temporary use for other (e.g. economic) activities of property that has been reserved for possible water measures (water zoning) for a long time. In legal, policy and social terms this is very relevant. This initiative would fit into the Delta Programme very well and could be implemented with a common approach by all the authorities concerned.

On Tuesday I caught up with Lutz Jacobi, PvdA (Dutch Labour Party) spokesman in the House of Representatives. In the afternoon, the 5 finalists in the Delta Water Award were announced and addressed. Innovative and young. In the evening I was a guest at the Water Dinner of the Delfland Water Board. Time and again, the chair of the water board Michiel van Haersma Buma manages to assemble an interesting and authoritative company, this time revolving around the Water Top Team led by Koos van Oord. An inspiring dinner during which hard work was done at every table.
On Wednesday I was a guest of the LTO (Dutch Federation of Agriculture & Horticulture) in Bunnik. It was a good meeting bursting with subject matter and involvement. Water and agriculture & horticulture are strongly intertwined. Afterwards I visited a fruit cultivator. The Delta Programme involves more than safety. The issue of freshwater is at least equally important to the agriculture and horticulture sector ¬ and to me as well.

week 19, 2011

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:12:00 GMT

Safety and freshwater

These days, it is becoming crystal clear once more just how the freshwater supply in this low-lying country is organised. We can see that our water managers (the Directorate-General of Public Works & Water Management and the water boards) are working hand in hand to combat drought. Measures are taken with precision and expertise. Our State Secretary, Joop Atsma, provides political and administrative direction. We can see the link between our water safety and the supply of freshwater: our dikes and peat dikes need to be kept wet with water from rivers so that they do not collapse. Although at the start of this year the discharge from our rivers was very high, by spring it had become very dry. April was the driest month in recorded history. The extremes seem to be increasing, the frequency of wet and dry periods too.

We are accurately measuring what is happening and the “possible future” scenarios of our knowledge institutes are helping us to come up with the necessary measures; adaptive ones whenever possible. In any case, we must increase the flexibility of our water system. In order to continue to be prepared, all the authorities involved are collaborating on the Delta Programme with the business community and civil society organisations. I am proud to be directing this programme. It is after all an almost existential subject for this country and one that justifies our special approach. It is good that the previous cabinet started this and that the current cabinet is following the same lines. The draft version of the 2nd Delta Programme (DP2012) is almost finished and will be submitted to all stakeholders for comments. We will try and shine the spotlight on the interim results and draw several conclusions on our way to the Delta Decisions in 2014-2015: ‘the Delta Works for the future’.

Last week, therefore, was focused on completing the draft version of the Delta Programme. On Friday, the hard work of my staff was completed. Earlier in the week I spoke extensively with Koos van Oord, chair of the “Water Top Team”. The Delta Programme can also promote innovation by serving as a testing and breeding ground for new developments. If they are successful, they may be exported. The “bubble diffusion screen” (separation of saltwater from freshwater) the IJk dike (with sensors), and the Sand Motor (building with nature) are examples we already know. And more could be on the way. After all, we have to continue working on our delta, every day, and innovations are both necessary and desirable.

This week the Delta Water Award jury decided on the 5 nominees. They will be announced on 31 May. There were many interesting and innovative submissions concerning the South-western Delta. It was a pleasure to be involved. On Monday 23 May, the Administrative Agreement on Water will be signed by the State Secretary for I&M and the Association of Municipalities (VNG), the Association of Dutch Provinces (IPO) and the Association of Water Boards. Our collective national Delta Programme occupies a prominent position in the agreement and points the way forward for the years ahead.

week 18, 2011

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:11:39 GMT

2nd Delta Programme on the way

After a week’s holiday in the extremely dry (Hoge) Veluwe and on the lovely Wadden island of Terschelling, I am back at work, preparing the second Delta Programme. In the half-term break, hard word was done on the texts and we are well on our way.

Last week, I went through the main lines of the Delta Programme with the programme directors and the Delta Programme Steering Group. These groups provided good recommendations for the next version: express attention to be paid to the unique character of the approach and working method of the Delta Programme, to emphasise the current urgency (given the drought conditions), and to present the results we have achieved. In addition, we are facing the challenge of "managing" uncertainty.

It is always wonderful to see how great the commitment of all the partners is and how actively engaged everyone is in the enormous task we have in keeping this country safe and ensuring an adequate water supply. New executive councillors are joining the various parts of the programme. In collaboration with IPO (the Association of the Provinces of the Netherlands) we will be organising an information meeting in June for all the executive councillors involved in water affairs to allow them to become familiar with our work on the Delta Programme.

Last week I again visited the Delta Programme Steering Groups for the Wadden (in Kornwerderzand on Monday) and the IJsselmeer Region (in Zwolle on Friday). In Zwolle, I also spoke with the IJsselmeer Regional Consultative Committee. All parties are actively participating.

On Tuesday I had an inspiring talk with Mssrs Butijn and Van den Haak about their highly detailed plans for the "Haakse Zeedijk" (sea dike). Afterwards, in a meeting chaired by the Director-General for Water Affairs, I spoke with several of those involved about the knowledge and innovation infrastructure of the Water policy area. Professor Teisman had drawn up a good analysis.

On Wednesday, I was on the sea with Kos van Oord aboard the hopper dredger Utrecht that is working on realising the Sand Motor project. A great experience! On Thursday I had a substantive and pleasant talk with Anne-Wil Lucas, VVD spokesperson for the Delta Programme and a member of her staff, about the progress of the Delta Programme and the safety issue. Once again, a good week.

week 17, 2011

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:11:20 GMT

Steering in the delta

Over the past week I continued my round of visits to the steering groups of all the sub-programmes. In Tiel on Monday I spoke with the collective groups for the Rhine Delta and the Meuse Delta. The meeting, chaired by Lambert Verheijen, was well attended with three executive councillors present as well as the chairs of four water boards, and various mayors and aldermen. The meeting covered everything. We spoke constructively and openly and there is now clarity about the process regarding the Safety programme.

A day later, a similar meeting took place with the Bestuurlijk Platform Zoetwater [Administrative Platform for Freshwater], at which the problem analysis was presented. More and more useful information to be followed up is emerging.

On Wednesday, chaired by the Mayor of Rotterdam Ahmed Abouthaleb, the Rhine Estuary-Drechtsteden Steering Group discussed the matters of urgency in this important area. It was the last meeting with executive councillor and steering group member Lenie Dwarshuis, who will not be returning to the province of Zuid-Holland in the next cabinet term. Although she claims her role has been a modest one, I consider her departure to be a great loss for the Delta Programme given her knowledge and administrative drive. I will definitely miss her.

Last week, in the so-called ‘acceleration week’, my staff got down to work on writing the 2nd Delta Programme. On Thursday there was another 24-hour session with all the programme directors. Their goal was to tie up the last loose ends and to clarify the results of their analyses.

The news of the week was the signing last Thursday of the National Administrative Agreement on Water. This is a major step on the road to the effective realisation of water safety and securing the freshwater supply in our country. In the administrative agreement, the parties have agreed that as a result of the Delta Programme a cohesive water safety programme will be achieved that will be delivered in 2014. I would like to warmly congratulate all the parties involved in the administrative agreement (and thus in the Delta Programme) – and in particular State Secretary Joop Atsma – on this wonderful result.

And now...I’m off on holiday to the high ground of the Veluwe (into a dry area) and then to the Wadden islands. On 4 and 5 May I will again be present at our country’s Liberation Day commemoration ceremonies.

week 16, 2011

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:11:00 GMT

Drought and freshwater

The dry times seem to have started. I saw that the Directorate-General of Public Works & Water Management already issued a warning this week. We will see what the weather does this summer.

The past week had actually been reserved for a working visit to Japan that had been on the agenda for quite some time. Needless to say, the visit did not take place due to the emergency situation in the country after the earthquake and tsunami – and the problems with the nuclear power plants. Our hosts currently have other priorities and must devote all their attention to tackling the aftermath of the disaster. At a later date, I would like to visit Japan and exchange views on approaches to water safety and water provision with my Japanese colleagues. A High Level Expert Committee meeting is scheduled to take place in Japan next week, but unfortunately, due to other engagements I will be unable to attend. Fortunately, my place will be filled by a good replacement.

The cancellation of the trip to Japan meant there was more than enough time for the further preparations of the 2nd Delta Programme. Last week I discussed the national and regional drought analyses with all the programme directors. Ans van den Bosch presented the first results of the Freshwater sub-programme. The provisional conclusion: from 2050, particularly in the so-called ‘W+ scenario’ of the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI), the Netherlands can expect to be facing many drought and soil salinity problems – with all the related economic loss and damage to nature. In the other less severe scenarios, it appears possible to tackle the consequences with measures within the current water system. The data will be fleshed out in the weeks ahead and then translated into the problem analysis for the 2nd Delta Programme.

In the meantime, slowly but surely the names are being announced of the executive councillors for the 12 provinces who will have the Delta Programme in their portfolio. As soon as we know who they are, I will organise a gathering to meet them and to discuss with them the challenges of the Delta Programme. After all, we have to do this together.

Finally, I spoke with CDA (Christian Democratic People’s Party) member of the House of Representatives, Ad Koppejan, about my work, the Delta Programme and the Delta Act that is on the roll for debate in parliament. It was an enjoyable talk with someone who is knowledgeable about our delta and who is also passionate about the subject.

week 15, 2011

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:10:40 GMT

From The Hague and Delft to Twente and Middelburg

The week was a busy and, above all, varied one for me. Monday was again marked by our traditional staff meeting; we also looked at a new system for monitoring the progress of the Delta Programme. On the same day I also spoke briefly with Jan Franssen, Queen’s Commissioner for Zuid-Holland and chair of the Association of Provincial Authorities (IPO). Speaking with him is always exciting mainly because of the depth of his knowledge and experience. We agreed to make a joint visit to the Rhine Estuary-Drechtsteden region at a later date.

On Tuesday, researchers from the policy and management consultancy firm BMC presented their governance evaluation report to me and Annemieke Nijhof, director-general of Water Affairs at the Ministry of Infrastructure & the Environment (I&M). This document provides a solid foundation for us to build on and I will shortly be submitting it to State Secretary Joop Atsma of I&M. On the same day I also evaluated the Delta Programme Steering Group together with staff director Bart Parmet and general secretary Mariëlle Selser.

A day later, I first travelled to Delft to attend the meeting of the Coast Delta Programme Steering Group. We quickly agreed on the positioning of the sub-programme, the priorities for the year ahead and the related approach. Afterwards, accompanied by Jos van Alphen (a member of my staff) I drove to Twente where we paid a constructive visit to the Regge & Dinkel Water Board. A lovely area facing a special water problem. If you would like to learn more about this, go to the news section of this website.

The following morning, in Delft, I attended a board meeting of the Unesco- IHE (the water education institute owned by Unesco member states). Immediately afterwards I met with all the programme directors of the Delta Programme in the Johan de Witthuis in The Hague. The subject under discussion was the approach for the safety programme that is currently being developed. At the Ministry of I&M, I addressed the lawyers at the first (and successful) ‘Water Act Day’. At the end of the day, I said my farewells to Jan Willem Weck, who has led the Senior Civil Service in a diligent and inspiring manner for many years.

The week drew to a close in Middelburg where I attended the first meeting of the Delta Water Award competition for which I am chair of the jury. You can read more about this on the homepage of this website. I hope that I was able to arouse the enthusiasm of those who were present. I know that I will be chairing a strong jury and I am looking forward to the submissions.

week 14, 2011

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:10:18 GMT

From The Hague to London

Last Friday I made a working visit to the delta of London – and that was definitely not an April Fool’s joke. It was a long, but more importantly, interesting day. I visited the Thames Barrier, learned about the building plans for the Docklands and spoke with experts on London and the surrounding areas about their views on climate adaptation. We can learn a great deal from the English approach because they are putting adaptive delta management into practice and are dealing well with an uncertain future. We were also guests of the Dutch ambassador at his residence. It was a successful and educational day. A news release is provided on the homepage of this website.

On Thursday, chaired by the Delta Commissioner, there was another meeting of the Delta Programme Steering Group that consists of the directors of the nine sub-programmes, the directors-general of the ministries involved and administrators representing the Association of Provincial Authorities (IPO), the Association of Water Boards and the Netherlands Association of Municipalities. The subjects discussed were: the table of contents of the 2012 Delta Programme, the administrative planning for the coming years and the governance evaluation. This fruitful and constructive meeting was part of the lead-up to the next phase of our work. At the end of May we will meet once again and after that we will submit the draft of the 2012 Delta Programme to the Council of Ministers and the Nationaal Bestuurlijk Overleg (National Administrative Consultation Platform). In the interim, I will visit all the regional steering groups to tie everyone to our common goal. We will also make agreements about the procedure that we will be following over the years ahead – with the commitment of all. Making ties for the common goal of the Delta Programme...that is the essence of my work as Delta Commissioner.

Another component of my work is giving interviews. On Tuesday, journalists from Australia and Brazil interviewed me. They were very interested in our delta approach. No surprise given that both countries have recently been hit by natural disasters accompanied by severe floods. The journalists visited the Netherlands at the invitation of EL&I policy information department NL Agency.

Afterwards I gave a guest lecture at the VU University in Amsterdam. It was a special and enjoyable experience, not least because I regard the VU as 'my' university. I studied at the VU from 1972 to 1979 and as a student I was active in both administration and sport.

The previous day, Monday, was marked by the usual meetings with staff (and individual staff members) at my home base on the Nieuwe Uitleg. That same day I made an enjoyable and educational visit to the IJsselmeer region where I met people from De Kwade Zwaan action group. See the news release for more details.

week 13, 2011

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:09:57 GMT

From the Prime Minister’s office to Limburg

The past week was dominated by lovely spring weather and, fortunately, it continues today. And when the weather gods act favourably, a working visit – such as the one on Friday to the Maasplassen project in Limburg – is certainly no punishment. This project is focused on long-term safety around the Meuse River. Many municipalities are involved. I had a constructive meeting with the executive councillor for Limburg, Bert Kersten (chair of the Rivers-Meuse Steering Group) and his immediate staff, about the many issues involving the Meuse. You can read more about this working visit in the news section of this website.

A day earlier, we had the weekly meeting with the nine directors of the sub-programmes. An important meeting focusing on cohesion in the Delta Programme. We had a good discussion about the safety issue in connection with the new standards, the third assessment of the dikes, the climate scenarios and the strength of the dikes.
All indications are that we are on the way to achieving a cohesive programme that will demand years of work on the delta. Exactly how many years that will be depends on how much money is allocated to the Delta Fund in the near future. The cohesive programme-based approach is set down in the Administrative Agreement on Water. All the sub-programmes are thus facing quite an important task.

On Tuesday I met with the Prime Minister in his famous office the Torentje (Small Tower). Prime Minister Mark Rutte and I spoke about the importance of the Delta Programme, its economic impact and the faith of citizens in the government as far as our physical safety is concerned. The Prime Minister is a firm supporter of our delta approach. The Delta Commissioner is also an adviser to the Prime Minister.

On Tuesday evening at a dinner debate organised by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture & Infrastructure (EL&I), I shared thoughts with several experts about the responsibility of the Ministry in the region. EL&I is one of the two ministries responsible for the Delta Programme. It was an inspiring meeting. I hope that it will lead to the political conclusion that EL&I can have an important function in the region, for the Delta Programme too.

week 12, 2011

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:09:34 GMT

Youth and progress

On Monday 14 March I was present at the opening of the European Youth Parliament for Water in Arnhem. This 10th meeting was hosted by the province of Gelderland. Everything took place in very inspiring surroundings: along the River Waal, in the provinciehuis (provincial government building) and on a large (cruise) boat. Pleasant, enthusiastic young people from 15 countries were in attendance, all of whom were spending an entire week examining the wonderful subject of water. You can read more about this in the news article elsewhere on this website.

A day later I talked extensively with the directors-general of the two ministries involved in the Delta Programme (Infrastructure & the Environment, and Economic Affairs, Agriculture & Innovation). We looked at the current state of affairs and discussed several key points of the 2nd Delta Programme. It was a very useful meeting and here too there was a high level of collegiality.

From Wednesday afternoon to Thursday afternoon we had another so-called ‘24-hour session’, with the participation of everyone involved in writing the 2nd Delta Programme. On Thursday afternoon I received the result: a complete table of contents, well-annotated and complete with the comments of all the partners in the Delta Programme. We will be able to build on this!

The table of contents will first be submitted to the Delta Programme Steering Group that is meeting on 31 March. On that day, all the steering and supervisory groups of the 9 sub-programmes will be represented, together with the two ministries mentioned earlier, the Association of Water Boards, the Association of Netherlands Municipalities and the Association of Provincial Authorities. Excellent preparatory work has been done. I am very curious about the response of the administrators involved.

On Thursday morning, while the relevant parties involved were tackling the table of contents of the 2nd Delta Programme, I met with Ingwer de Boer. He is the chief engineer/director in charge of the Room for Rivers programme. We can learn a lot from his approach. The Rivers sub-programme of the Delta Programme is building on his work that will be carried out up until 2015 on the IJssel and the Rhine/Waal rivers and the Meuse Works.

Last Friday I made a start on visiting and speaking with the steering groups of the region-specific sub-programmes. The first one was the group concerned with the South-western Delta. Its chair – Executive Councillor Lenie Dwarshuis – received me together with fellow administrators, in Dordrecht. Several presentations were given about, among other things, the saltwater analysis in the area and saline penetration from the sea. The meeting produced innovative solutions that certainly deserve to be fleshed out further.

We also spoke extensively and in more strategic terms about the issue of safety in the region (particularly regarding water storage) and the ambitions regarding the economy and ecology. A great deal of progress has been made in the South-western Delta in terms of fact finding and planning. Significant national interests are at stake in the region in terms of safety and the economy (the mainport of Rotterdam and the corridor to Antwerp as well as agricultural development). The regional economy is also part of the picture; among other things, the area offers opportunities for recreation and tourism. What is important is to gain insight into the resources and, as we know, these are scarce. In any case, the homework has been done properly as I was able to see for myself on the day.

week 11, 2011

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:09:10 GMT

Delta Programme moves on

After a wonderful mid-term break we are again working hard on our delta. My working week started on Monday morning 7 March with a staff meeting during which we synchronised our watches, so to speak.

I spoke with Gerrit Jan Olthoff, who is examining the governance of the Delta Programme, about the provisional findings of the evaluation. A reflection meeting was held on this subject a day later with three researchers and four administrators. It was very inspiring to prepare several conclusions aimed at simplifying and future-proofing the administration of the Delta Programme.

At my request, we then met with people from the accountants and consultancy firm KPMG to discuss the possibilities of involving private financing in the use of the resources from the Delta Fund in the future. The company will now set out several options for us.

We also discussed the initial findings of a perception study conducted among our stakeholders. The findings raised trust and, armed with many useful tips, we can further improve our communications regarding the Delta Programme. I had a talk with the people from the New Urban Developments & Restructuring sub-programme about the problem analysis of this sub-programme. Good preparatory work has been done. Building within and outside the dikes, building in, on or around flood barriers, and flooding are the four major lines of approach in this sub-programme. A clear link with the issue of safety is emerging.

On Thursday, the weekly meeting with the nine programme directors was on the agenda, held in the Johan de Witthuis in the Hague. Everyone has now been brought up to date about the developments in the Delta Programme and the National Administrative Agreement on Water. We made agreements about my visits to all regional steering groups. During these visits the annotated table of contents of the Delta Programme, the administrative planning and the evaluation of the governance will be examined.

On the same day, I spoke with State Secretary Joop Atsma of the Ministry of Infrastructure & the Environment and the Director-General of Water Affairs Annemieke Nijhof (of the same ministry) about the safety issue in the short and longer terms, as well as the financial possibilities. The State Secretary will now first conclude an administrative agreement, an important set of agreements in the water sector. Afterwards, the House of Representatives can be informed about the safety issue and the multi-annual financial data sets. Choices will still have to be made regarding the exact demarcation of the content of the Delta Fund. This will also be dealt with when the House of Representatives debates the Delta Act, probably in early April. These are important moments, for the Delta Programme too.

On Friday 11 March I paid a short one-day visit to Hamburg (refer to the news release elsewhere on this website). In this German port city we saw an impressive approach to physical safety and urban renewal. In 1962, Hamburg suffered from severe flooding – with some 300 victims. On the day of my visit, Japan was struck by a terrible tsunami. This played heavily on our minds during the visit, even more so given that some of us know Japan very well.

week 8, 2011

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:08:49 GMT

2012 Delta Programme in preparation

The main theme of the past week was the 2012 Delta Programme. I spoke with Joop Atsma, State Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure & the Environment, and Director-General of Water Affairs Annemieke Nijhof about the table of contents of the 2nd Delta Programme. We also specifically discussed the issue of (long-term) safety and the resources that will be needed to that end. We will have a follow-up meeting after the spring holiday break. A constructive way of getting a good picture of the problem and learning what important choices lie ahead.

I also spoke with Gerrit Jan Olthoff, a researcher at the consultancy and management firm BMC. The topic of our meeting was the progress made in the evaluation of the governance of the Delta Programme, i.e., the way in which the programme should be steered. We are going to explore whether we can set down any lessons learned for the 2nd Delta Programme and thus make our organisation simpler and more selective for all those involved.

There was also another meeting with a member of the House of Representatives. This time I sat down with Elbert Dijkgraaf of the SGP [a Protestant Dutch political party] who is also a professor of economics at the Erasmus University of Rotterdam. It was an inspiring and content-related talk between two economists in the delta.
On Thursday, the programme directors and Delta Commissioner’s staff had another 24-hour meeting. A great deal of work was done. This time, the meeting was held in Scheveningen with a fine view of the sand suppletion project taking place along the beach. The focus of the session was on the problem analyses of the sub-programmes, in terms of their mutual alignment as well. The atmosphere was fine. Significant progress was made with a view to the 2012 Delta Programme as I noted in my feedback and plenary report.

Finally, I said farewell to a very good colleague in government service, Rob Visser. Until recently he was Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Kingdom Relations (Immigration & Asylum) and for many years he was my replacement at the Ministry of General Affairs. His leaving is a loss for government service, with all his knowledge and experience regarding constitutional law and other areas. I learned a lot from him about the essence of ministerial responsibility and the general good. He will be going to Malta as Director of the European Asylum & Immigration Agency, a worthy position.

week 7, 2011

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:08:28 GMT

Delta Programme: varied activities

My working week involved a wide variety of activities. On Monday we had our weekly staff meeting, followed by the recording of a video clip for the Delta Water Award (I have recently become chair of the jury for this award as I wrote in more detail in my previous weblog). On that day I was also present at the farewell for Mr Pieter van Vollenhoven as chair of the Onderzoeksraad voor de Veiligheid [Research Council for Safety].

A day later a meeting was scheduled with the directors-general involved in the Delta Programme. The subject of discussion was the table of contents of the 2012 Delta Programme. I also spoke with the project leader who is in charge of the modernisation of the Afsluitdijk [Closure Dike] regarding the harmonisation of our long-term tasks. I also had a meeting with the Frisian executive councillor Tineke Schokker about the Afsluitdijk and the safety of the Wadden region. On the same day I also spoke with Gerard Laanen, director of the crisis centre of the Ministry of Infrastructure & the Environment. Crisis management is very important to the Delta Programme too: after the dikes and spatial planning, it constitutes the third tier of the multi-layers of safety.

On the third day of my working week I attended the farewell of Loek Hermans as chair of MKB-Nederland [the organisation of small and medium-sized businesses]. Loek has always been a great supporter of the Delta Programme and will undoubtedly remain so as a member of the Senate.

On Thursday, together with the programme directors, I spent half a day on the decision-making system for the Delta Decisions. This is important for the political choices to be made in several years’ time. After this first presentation and discussion, the authors can continue with the further elaboration. I also had an enjoyable introductory talk with SP [socialist party] member of the House of Representatives Paulus Jansen, who is knowledgeable regarding the field in which we work.

On Friday I spoke with the Director-General of Mobility of the Ministry of I&M, Lidewijde Ongering. We discussed how the Delta Programme can link up with the approach of the MIRT [multi-year infrastructure, spatial planning and transport programme]. Afterwards I had a light lunch with Sybe Schaap, in his new role as chair of the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP). We will be strengthening cooperation between the Delta Programme and the NWP due to the significant interests involved for the top sector water and for our export industry.

week 6, 2011

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:08:06 GMT

Celebrating on the road

My working week started with our usual staff meeting at which we discussed the use of social media in making information accessible and creating ties to the Delta Programme. A day later, on Tuesday 1 February, I celebrated the first anniversary of the institution of ‘Delta Commissioner’. My staff too was celebrating their first year of existence.

It was an exhausting day that was focused on the commemoration of the 1953 flood and a working visit to Zeeland. The commemoration took place at the National 1953 Flood Disaster Monument in Ouwerkerk (Schouwen-Duiveland), and was followed by a working visit to Tholen to discuss water storage. In the evening I attended the gala premiere of ‘1953: The Musical’ in Middelburg.

The musical can certainly be a way of keeping the memory of the disaster alive. It contributes to the awareness that we must do everything we can to prevent a disaster like the 1953 flood from happening in the future. This touches directly on my task. I was honoured to be present and to briefly speak with the cast after the performance.

Looking back on that day, something that has stayed with me is the speech given by Mayor Rabelink of Schouwen-Duiveland at the commemoration ceremony: 'Those who cannot see the past are blind, and those who learn no lessons from the past are foolish. If 1953 taught us anything it is that water is an unpredictable element in people’s lives: sometimes our friend, other times our enemy. Although the Delta Works with its dams and barriers remains a wonderful feat of hydraulic engineering, it is imperative that we exercise vigilance, especially now that we are repeatedly confronted in the media by the disastrous effects of extreme weather. From our remembrance of the Flood of 1953 and recent floods, we can draw only one conclusion: we can only keep water as a friend by remaining alert and taking protective measures. Then the Netherlands will be able to live with water.'

On Wednesday I met with Annemie Burger, Director-General of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture & Innovation – in whose portfolio the Delta Programme is for the time being. An experienced DG with knowledge of and a passion for the subject and the approach we are giving shape to together. In the afternoon, I met with Richard de Mos, an MP and water spokesman for the PVV (Party for Freedom, a political party), and his assistant. One of the topics that came up during our pleasant and constructive talk was the practical and pragmatic nature of the Dutch that is so important in the Delta Programme.

On Thursday I had a lunch meeting with Peter Glas, chair of the Unie van Waterschappen (the Association of Water Boards). The topic of conversation was the administrative agreement on water (that is currently being drawn up) in relation to the Delta Programme. On that same day I also met with staff of the province of Zeeland who will be providing me with support in my capacity as chair of the jury for the 2011-2012 Delta Water Award. The prize is intended for young researchers who have a vision of what Zeeland could look like in 2053, one hundred years after the disastrous flood. A most enjoyable and exciting job.

On Friday I spoke extensively with Patrick Poelmann, chair of the Stichtse Rijnlanden Water Board, about the New Urban Developments & Restructuring sub-programme. In the afternoon I was in Hoorn to attend the administrative meeting of the provinces of Noord-Holland and Flevoland regarding developments in and around the IJsselmeer. I gave a brief talk, explaining the approach and problem analysis regarding this subject within the framework of the Delta Programme.

week 5, 2011

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:07:41 GMT

2012 Delta Programme being drawn up

The past week was focused on the first meeting of the policy and programme directors regarding the structure, content and scheduling of the 2nd Delta Programme.

We are on our way to Prinsjesdag [the state opening of parliament], the day on which the second Delta Programme will be presented. Last Thursday, we spent half the day working on the table of contents and the essence of the agenda for 2012. We did so with a great sense of common purpose. It was good to see that we now all understand each other so well!

On Monday and Tuesday my staff was busy in a 24-hour session about the (many) external relations of the Delta Programme. How can we serve the outside world even better and involve it in our work? That was the key question. As a follow-up to the meeting, we drew up actions and made agreements.

On Wednesday I was present at the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) at a very special meeting attended by 15 professors, the rector magnificus Karel Luyben and afterwards more than 100 students. I saw interesting interdisciplinary presentations on the research of the TU Delft. It was wonderful to see how the knowledge arena is focusing on the Delta Programme and organising itself towards the setting up of the programme. You can read more about this in the news section of this website. In any case, it begs for more. It was nice that Anne-Wil Lucas, member of the House of Representatives for the VVD [centre right liberal party], was among us.

The theme of my Friday was a talk with urban designer Riek Bakker – known for the design of the Kop van Zuid urban development in Rotterdam and the Leidsche Rijn urban development near Utrecht. The subject of our meeting was the cooperation between the Deltapoort [the area along and in-between the large waterways of Dordrecht and Rotterdam-South] and the Rhine Estuary-Drechtsteden sub-programme, specifically the Zuidvleugel [the South Wing]. We will try and reinforce one another in this matter. I also spoke with my staff about the youth track. This track encompasses activities initiated by the staff of the Delta Commissioner aimed at young people. The goal is to inform them about and involve them in the work on our delta for the longer term. We made good progress once again.

Tomorrow, Tuesday 1 February, marks my first year in the position of Delta Commissioner. Just like last year, I will be in Zeeland.

week 4, 2011

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:07:15 GMT

Innovation and the Delta Programme

Monday 17 January was an important day for everyone involved in the Delta Programme. At a boatshed of the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM) in Ter Heijde, State Secretary Joop Atsma of the Ministry of Infrastructure & the Environment (I&M) and Ms Lenie Dwarshuis, executive councillor for the province of Zuid-Holland, gave the start signal for the innovative Sand Engine project along the coast of Delftland. The ceremony was hosted by Sjaak van der Tak, Mayor of the municipality of Westland. The afternoon meeting was directed by chairman Ed Nijpels. A true milestone which is also highlighted in a news article on this website.

On Tuesday I paid a working visit to the Rivers Region. The high water was already falling but I was still impressed by what I saw in Ravenstein (Meuse River), the vessel traffic station of the Directorate of Public Works & Water Management on the Waal near Tiel, and on the Welle in Deventer. Elsewhere on this website there is a news item about this – with a video clip as well.

A day later, a meeting with Minister Melanie Schultz van Haegen (I&M) was on the agenda. As the cabinet minister responsible for spatial planning, she is very involved in the Delta Programme. Besides, she is very knowledgeable. In the evening I was a guest speaker at the Watertafel [water meeting] of the Zuiderzeeland water board.
Thursday started off with a meeting with Anne-Wil Lucas, member of the House of Representatives for the VVD [People's Party for Freedom and Democracy, a conservative-liberal party]. We discussed the scope of the Delta Programme, the role of the Delta Commissioner therein and the distinction between tasks and ambitions. It was a useful and above all enjoyable talk. Afterwards, in Woudschoten (Utrecht) I was presented with the results of the innovative 24-hour meeting of the programme directors and the staff of the Delta Commissioner. It was quite rightly a productive meeting. All staff members had worked hard on the administrative planning, the roadmap and the content of the five Delta Decisions. Together with the directors-general involved from the ministries of I&M and Economic Affairs, Agriculture & Innovation, I will submit the findings to the ministers and also present them in the regional administrative steering group meetings that will take place in the months ahead.

The working week ended with talks at the Ministry of General Affairs and an interview I gave to the VNG magazine, the journal published by the Association of Netherlands Municipalities. The municipalities are important partners for the Delta Programme.

week 3, 2011

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:06:43 GMT

High water in the Netherlands too

Last week the media focused a great deal of attention on high water in the Meuse, Rhine and IJssel rivers. Here, at the home base of the Delta Commissioner, we were kept well informed by the Waterkamer (Water Affairs Chamber) of Rijkswaterstaat (the Directorate-General of Public Works and Water Management) and the Crisis & Coordination Centre of the Ministry of Infrastructure & the Environment.

The flooding in our country pales in comparison with the massive scale of flooding in Australia and Brazil, and yet...when you see how high the water levels are, you realise how quickly your dry feet could become wet. And how innocent our lovely rivers seem in summer. It proves that working at a fast pace and being well prepared are top priorities for this low-lying country. In 2015, the Room for Rivers programme should be completed.

This week I visited the Waterschapsbank. I had a constructive talk with director Ron Walkier. You can read more about this visit in the news section of this website.

Last Tuesday was the day of Her Majesty the Queen’s New Year’s reception. Once again, I was able to speak to a large number of people there. Her Majesty the Queen and the Prince of Orange, among others, were greatly interested in our work. My visit to Zeeland on 1 February has been prepared. On that day, I will be attending the annual commemoration of the 1953 flood disaster. I will then also have held the post of Delta Commissioner for exactly one year.

On Thursday, we spent an entire day delving into content with all the programme and policy directors. Together with the Waterkamer (Water Affairs Agency) of Rijkswaterstaat and Deltares, we examined the Delta Model and the set of delta instruments. We also discussed our common knowledge agenda that contains some 290 relevant questions that need to be answered in order to come up with sound proposals regarding the Delta Decisions in 2014.

In addition, we paid detailed attention to the cohesion and consistency of the Delta Programme and the nine sub-programmes. It was a busy and above all, inspiring day. In the time ahead we will do this more often, considering the ever increasing interrelationship of the sub-programmes; the focus will be on development of knowledge in the early years. A key task of mine and of my staff is to coordinate, direct and harmonise this process and the content.

week 2, 2011

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:06:17 GMT

A new 'Delta year'

Next month on 1 February, I will have been Delta Commissioner – at the time a newly created position – for a full year. It will have been a turbulent 'full' year. We started out with a new team and began preparing the 1st Delta Programme straight away.

Furthermore, my first 'delta year' was marked by: many working visits to all the regions and sub-programmes, a great deal of attention in the media, international interest in the Delta Programme, the fall of the cabinet, a resigning team of ministers and a Delta Act termed controversial. Finally, in October we had a new government, the House of Representatives debated the Delta Programme, there was a report on the bill, and then the wintry white holiday season arrived. 2010 was also the year of the first – highly successful – Delta Conference and of course it saw the start of the first Delta Programme.

On 3 January my staff and I enjoyed coffee with fresh olieballen (traditional Dutch dumplings similar to heavy donuts) to ring in the New Year. This week, once my staff is again complete and the cabinet and parliament are back at work, everything will begin again.

Over the past week, among other things, I was busy with the evaluation of the governance (the way in which the programme is steered) of the Delta Programme which will take place soon. We discussed the timetable for the drawing up of the 2nd Delta Programme (2012), that must be completed close to the summer. In addition, we discussed the organisation of the next Delta Conference (with a view to the years ahead as well) and we provided input for the memorandum regarding the report of the House of Representatives.

Last weekend, I followed the developments of the high water in the Meuse with considerable involvement. It is always tense, although - luckily - the very highest water levels were not reached. It just goes to show that we cannot allow ourselves to be distracted and we have to continue the work on our delta.

With the top executives of the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (CPB),I extensively discussed the tasks we are facing regarding the cost-benefit analyses for the years ahead. A lot of study (and fundamental research) is needed about, among other things, the discount rate to be applied (to calculate the uncertainties involved in large projects) and the scenarios. It was a constructive and open discussion that will be followed up.

On Thursday I spoke extensively with the new Freshwater programme director, Ans van der Bosch. She is taking over from Jos van Dalen. For Rotterdam-Drechtsteden, my staff member Emmy Meijers will take over from Huub van Zwam, and Katja Portegies of DG Water Affairs will join the Delta Commissioner’s staff for six months. All excellent transfers. The revised team is ready!

All in all, the Delta Commissioner can begin his second year well prepared. And hopefully, sometime around the summer we will have a Delta Act adopted by the House of Representatives.

week 50, 2010

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:05:53 GMT

House of Representatives supports National Water Plan and Delta Programme

We have now had over 13,000 visitors to this web site. An impressive number, isn’t it?

Monday 13 December 2010 was the day on which the House of Representatives announced its approval of the Delta Programme. The National Water Plan was dealt with too. It received quite a lot of support and clear emphases were placed regarding water safety. Thursday was the day for voting on the 22 submitted motions. The adopted motions provide us with the direction our work will take in the year ahead. For example, the next Delta Programme will provide a process description regarding 'Faster and Better' - the approach that will cut the completion time of infrastructure projects in half.

The next parliamentary step will be to deal with the Delta Act. The government response to the report of the House of Representatives on the Delta Act (which I wrote about in my web log in week 47) will be published during the course of January 2011.

Furthermore, on Tuesday and Wednesday I spoke to another two programme directors. Acting director of the Wadden sub-programme Kees van Es van (also coordinator of the 'Towards a Rich Wadden Sea' programme) and Emmy Bolsius, artist and director of the Coast sub-programme. The talks were constructive. There will soon be a ‘national framework’ for the Coast section. 'Wadden' is using quick wins to explore where there is or will be knowledge available for the sub-programme.

On Wednesday I also had an interview with the H2O journal. It was a pleasant talk with a retired director of the Amsterdam drinking water company, a true expert.

On Thursday, we had another larger meeting in the Johan de Witthuis in The Hague, with everyone who is directly involved in the Delta Programme. Three sub-programmes were presented, among other things. Last month, we went through all nine sub-programmes together and we all know what the state of affairs is and what direction we will be taking. In January, we will be discussing the roadmap that is so important for the years ahead as well as deciding on the subjects of the 2nd Delta Programme.

Together, we enjoyed a modest but pleasant Christmas lunch. When everyone arrived back at their homes, there was a personal letter from me awaiting them, together with the 4.5 kilo book ‘Flood' – and a bottle of sparkling wine – to thank them for all the effort and the high-quality work done by all, every day.

My Christmas break will last until 3 January – in any case as far as the web log is concerned. I wish you all the very best for the festive season, and a happy New ‘Delta’ Year for 2011!

week 49, 2010

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:05:29 GMT

Delta Programme with the House of Representatives

Today (monday 13 December), the first General Consultation involving water affairs bodies is taking place in the House of Representatives (Committee for Infrastructure & the Environment, I&M) to discuss, among other things, the first Delta Programme. A new milestone in our work: discussion among the representatives of the people. The decision and my report on the decision regarding the Haringvliet lock complex will be dealt with as well as the National Water Plan and the plans for the Afsluitdijk (Closure Dike). It is now parliament’s turn to speak.

Last week, I continued my introductory meetings. I spoke with two members of parliament who are important for the Delta Programme: on Monday with Stientje van Veldhoven (D66), whom I know from her time at Economic Affairs and from the Inter-ministry Committee for Spatial Planning Investments. On Thursday, I spoke with Lutz Jacobi of the PvdA. Both members of parliament are relatively new to this subject but they radiate a commitment and a desire to make progress. It was good to discuss the Delta Programme in an informal atmosphere and to exchange ideas about the position of the Delta Commissioner.

In addition, my staff and I had an internal meeting to evaluate, among other things, the 1st National Delta Conference (that took place on 4 November 2010). Over 2,100 invitations were sent out and more than 1,000 people were present in the Fortis Circus Theatre in Scheveningen. The conference met with high acclaim. That was good to hear. Over half the participants indicated that an annual conference would be recommendable. There was widespread appreciation for the in-depth content, alongside the networking and informative opportunities offered. There is a need for meeting one another. “Next time, a plenary session to close and somewhat more ‘devil’s advocacy’” was what we learned from the evaluation. And that is what we will do. But we will not go overboard. If we have sufficient content-related subjects, the 2nd National Delta Conference will be held on Thursday 3 November 2011. Once again in the Circus Theatre which we will rename ‘The Delta Theatre’ for the day. The location is very well suited to the deltaparade, the format in which the sub-programmes are presented.

Subjects like 'updated safety standards', the first guide to 'freshwater analysis’ and the first steps towards the future path of the New Urban Developments and Restructuring sub-programme could be discussed – subjects that lend themselves to in-depth examination and discussion. Including the impact they have on the six areas of the Delta Programme and on more high-lying ground. The second national Delta Programmewill be published on Prinsjesdag(the state opening of parliament) 2011 and a parliamentary debate will once again probably follow. A good date. We will make sure that we have our final plans and proposals ready in good time.

On Wednesday I spoke with JoostSchrijnen, director of the South-western Delta sub-programme. We discussed his complex task for the short and longer term. I also caught up with the Secretary-General of I&M, my successor SiebeRiedstra.

On Thursday I had a meeting with the programme directors and I also paid a visit to the management and members meeting of the Vewin (the association of drinking water companies). The association is an important partner, especially in the Freshwater sub-programme. It has a great deal of knowledge, and a high degree of commitment and innovative strength. It was a constructive meeting.

On Friday I exchanged ideas with the director of Alterra, KeesSlingerland, about theDelta Alliance international network that is being established. It already comprises ten large deltas from across the globe that are affiliated with one another – with the exchange of knowledge as the major driving force. An interesting development, for the Dutch Delta Programme too.

We are now slowly getting close to the Christmas break. But first we have a busy week ahead. El Niño, our 'Christ child’,is having quite an impact, as we can see – and read about on the website of the RoyalNetherlands Meteorological Institute (the KNMI).

week 48, 2010

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:05:04 GMT

Saint Nicholas in the Delta

Delta Commissioner’s weblog - week 48 2010

Saint Nicholas in the Delta

This week was rather special,
Frightfully cold, snow covering country and all.
What sort of tricks the climate on our weather doth play
What surprises it has in store for us, day after day!

In Parliament, this week, the Ministry was working hard
Until well into the night, we tried to make a card.
Occasionally, the Delta Programme was the subject of the debate
Focused on safeguarding our funding and fate.

This is an issue the government will need to re-raise
Because money is hard to come by these days.

Meetings galore for the Delta Commissioner this week
A great many people lined up to introduce themselves and speak.

A visit to the State Secretary of Economics, Agriculture and Innovation
For the Delta Commissioner a welcome occasion
To have a heart-to-heart talk, clear and keen
Collaboration will be our motto, just as it has always been.

And consultations with the programme directors as well
Lots of discussions about cohesion, this I can tell.
The Water department and legal advisers talked about the Bill
The reply they are crafting put every one of them through the mill.

The Rivers director arrived for the meeting over milk and bread
Every director is treated to, as the Delta Commissioner has always said.
And let’s not forget the staff, who the DC appreciates so very much
On 6 December a poem and a chocolate letter, from Saint Nicholas

week 47, 2010

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:04:37 GMT

Report on the Delta Act received

The report of the Lower Houser Infrastructure and the Environment Committee has been received. It is clear about which aspects the Lower House has questions, a lot of questions, by the way. Important themes are: the integrality, the Delta Fund and the exact (constitutional) position of the Delta Commissioner. The memorandum of reply is currently being drafted under the direction of the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment.

Last week, I was engaged in various activities. I spoke with the Chair, Annemarie Jorritsma, and member of the board Kees Jan de Vet,of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) about the role of municipalities in the Delta Programme. Ms Jorritsma, a former Minister of Transport, Public Works and Water Management, is committed to and has insight into my task. The VNG is an important, committed and constructive partner. Many mayors, aldermen and staff are active in the area-specific sub-programmes.

I also met member of the Lower House Liesbeth van Tongeren. On behalf of the GroenLinks parliamentary group, she will be devoting attention to the Delta Programme. I noted a large degree of involvement with this subject and the integrated nature of the approach. It turned out that we knew one another from the VU, where we had both studied at the end of the 1970s and been active in the student association.

Last week, I again spoke with two programme directors about the progress of the sub-programmes. This time it was with Harry van Huutwho is temporarily directing the Rhine Estuary-Drechtstedensub-programme and Bert Naardingwho is in charge of the Safety sub-programme. This latter programme in particular will be important for the Delta Programme in the years ahead. Updated safety standards, the results of the third assessment and the outcomes of the study into high water programme will then come together. Bert’s team is making good progress.

On Wednesday, I spoke with Chris Buijink, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation, about the organisation and involvement of this Ministry as the second most-important government partner in the Delta Programme. This will be taken into account when designing the new main structure. Economic structure, knowledge&innovation, agriculture, nature andland development are all important for the Delta Programme.

On Wednesday evening, I was guest speaker at a meeting of the now 64-years-old Association for Water Management &Land Development. The core of the approach under the Delta Programme, so to speak. The association has thus succeeded in its task. “What next?” is the question that was discussed at the table at a high level.

On Thursday, the commissioning Directors-General and I synchronised our watches. On Friday, a working visit to Flevoland: in Lelystadstaff member Jos van Alphen and I visited HKV Consultants. A company with a great deal of knowledge about safety and water and one that is closely involved in the work on the Delta Decisions. Afterwards, we together visited the Geomatics Business Park in Emmeloord. This park houses collaborating companies that are active at the interface of earth observation, physical processes in the air, on land and in water and participation/decision-making. Very interesting and innovative.

In the interim I also did an interview for the Chinese TV channel CCTV, that is filming a programme on climate adaptation in anticipation of the climate summit in Cancun. A large audience for the Dutch approach with the 5 Dutch Ds (Delta Act, Delta Programme, Delta Funds, Delta Commissionerand Delta Decisions). Our exportproduct.

week 46, 2010

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:04:12 GMT

Delta Act being debated

After the hearing, last week saw the submission of written input from the parliamentary groups in the Lower House. The Socialist Party (SP) and the Christian Union (ChristenUnie)have already published their commentary.

In addition, last week I said farewell to two Secretaries-General: André van der Zande (formerly of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality) and Hans van der Vlist (formerly of the Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment). Wonderful colleagues, substantive and dedicated – to the Delta Programme too. I shall miss them.

At the Dutch Construction and Infrastructure Confederation (Bouwend Nederland)I spoke with Elco Brinkman and his director Jan van Tuinen? about the issue of investment in general, and investment in the watersector in particular. This often creates the conditions for economic growth. We exchanged thoughts on the possibilities and lack thereof regarding public-private financing.

At the end of the week, I visited two major partners in the Delta Programme. On Thursday the Government Service for Land and Water Management (DLG) celebrated its 75th anniversary. Some 100 guests were present and I spoke about water and area development, in the cold of a brick factory in Dodewaard (the government is going through tough times!). It was a pleasant and constructive gathering. I was also presented with the first copy of an original anniversary book.

On Friday, in the company of staff member Pieter Bloemen, I spoke with the management of the Directorate of Public Works and Water Management (RWS), including the chief engineer. The subject: fleshing out the ‘adaptive deltamanagement' concept. It was a very satisfying meeting. We will be doing this more often, with other partners too. RWS is important to our programme as a manager, knowledge supplier and implementer; nationally and regionally.

On Thursday, together with all the programme directors, staff members and other Delta Programme partners, we were informed about the content of 'Natura 2000' and 'natural climate buffers'. Good presentations. Both will be followed-up after further elaboration and work on the ‘safety’ priority.

Finally, at my home base the NieuweUitleg, I held the first of the bilateral informal lunch talks with the programme directors regarding their particular tasks. Last week, the lunch was with Jos van Dalen (who is leaving Freshwater) and Hans ten Hoeve (New Urban Developments and Restructuring). Very enjoyable and informative.

week 45, 2010

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:03:51 GMT

Enjoying the memories and moving on

This week, my staff and I focused on the follow-up of the Delta Programme. We evaluated the conference: what improvements can we introduce next time, are we going to organise this conference once a year or once every two years, are we going to retain this formula for success, did we miss certain people or groups? And as a token of our gratitude and memento of the conference, we will send each participant a copy of the conference poem by Niels Blomberg, the official poet of the Zuiderzeeland water board.

This weekend, I browsed Kees Slager’s masterpiece 'Watersnood' [Flood disaster]. This impressive work tilts the scales at no less than 4.5 kilos.

Last week we also had the administrative consultations on the Multi-year Plan for Infrastructure, Spatial Planning and Transport (MIRT), in which the Delta Commissioner participates when required.

Another event that took place last week was the hearing on the ‘draft Delta Act’ by the Lower House committee for Infrastructure and the Environment. The committee had invited representatives from national and local authorities, interest groups, the business community, advisory councils and the science sector to present their views on the Delta bill. Many involved parties had their say. It is good to hear that within a good six months the Delta Programme, the Delta Fund and the Delta Commissioner have already taken root. It goes without saying that the other water topics remain of paramount importance as well.

We now have to wait for written input from the Lower House. Of course, Vice Minister Joop Atsma will be advised by his staff regarding the required response. Attention will no doubt be given to the administrative reforms involving the role of the government commissioner to be laid down in the Act. This role is a continuation of a Dutch phenomenon, rather than imported from abroad as is sometimes suggested. For example, the Netherlands already had government commissioners for the Constitution, the General Administrative Law Act and the Reorganisation of Public Services. It has now been proposed that the government commissioner for the Delta Programme be anchored in the Delta Act on account of his supra-administrative mission and its structural, long-term nature (‘existential’, as one of the speakers commented during the round-table consultations).

Finally, this week I looked into the progress made with regard to the ‘Sand Engine’. This innovative sea wall off the Dutch coast, between Ter Heijde and Kijkduin, will be put out to tender in the very near future.

Just before the weekend, I learned that my web site attracts quite a fair amount of attention: more than 17,000 visitors this month. That is a good sign.

week 44, 2010

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:03:24 GMT

1100 people attend the Delta Conference

For me, and for my staff, this week was devoted to the 1st National Delta Conference held on Thursday 4 November in the Circustheater in Scheveningen (click here to get an impression and see videos and photos (in dutch)). Every day, Esther Rijken (who was responsible for the project) and l went through the latest status of the preparations. From the detailed programme and managing the stage, to receiving and seating the guests. Finally, all the preparatory work was rewarded with a glittering result of which all ‘delta workers' can be proud. The staffs of the sub-programmes and my own staff delivered a truly top-class performance of which I am very proud. Responsibility was shared by all and together we created a smoothly-run success. And we will achieve the same in ‘real life’ on a ‘larger scale’ in the Delta Programme in the years ahead. It was a good exercise and will serve as an example. A calling card.

On Monday morning (1 November) I went to a successful Water Board Day in Rotterdam. In the afternoon I participated for the first time in the Management Advisory Council of 'Knowledge for Climate' under the direction of Director-General Chris Kuijpers. On Tuesday I spoke extensively with Vice Minister Atsma about his tasks in the field of our delta and on Wednesday the two of us made a working visit to the work being done on the Weak Link in Scheveningen. Friday was for rest, reflecting on a job well done and reading the 4.5 kg masterpiece Watersnood (Flood) by Kees Slager. A unique historical work.

week 43, 2010

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:02:36 GMT

Delta conference in sight

After an enjoyable autumn break, it’s back to work on the Delta Programme. The 1st National Delta Conference to be held on 4 November in the Circus Theatre (Scheveningen) has attracted a lot of attention. The number of participants has grown steadily and by 29 October it came to 1150. We will modify the layout of the hall so that everyone can be received properly. Expectations have been exceeded. Every section of the conference programme is ready. The detailed schedules of activities have been printed. The Delta Commissioner’s staff will be actively deployed to make sure everyone is well looked after. I am really looking forward to it!

On Thursday afternoon, we said farewell to former Minister Verburg of LNV (Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality) and in the evening I met with Cees Veerman to run through recent developments in the Delta Programme and to bring him up to date. It was a pleasant and constructive talk.
In addition, I made two interesting working visits. On Wednesday, Delta Director Bart Parmet and I visited the WUR (Wageningen University and Research Centre) in Wageningen, where I was received by Aalt Dijkhuizen and his staff. I gained lots of substantive insights and I was very impressed by the scope of the WUR and its work on many aspects of the Delta Programme. For example, Alterra is actively involved in several sub-programmes, together with other knowledge institutions.

On Friday, within the framework of our freshwater strategy, I visited Evides, the water supply company for the south-western Netherlands. Director Peter Vermaat and his staff explained how supplying freshwater works and the aspects specific to the south-western delta. I also made a visit by boat to the storage basins in the Biesbosch. A successful visit. And now, on to the conference!

week 41, 2010

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:01:47 GMT

Water Affairs for the Vice Minister, working for and with Joop Atsma

The most important news this week was the appointment of Joop Atsma (CDA) as Vice Minister at the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment. He will be responsible for water affairs, among other things. Given that the Minister will be dealing with spatial planning, I will be in direct contact with both of them regarding the Delta Programme, as well as with Henk Bleker, Vice Minister of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation (EZLI). I am looking forward to it.

There were many activities and developments this week. Farewells and welcomes. We said farewell to the Prime Minister in the Little Tower on Monday. We had worked together for four and a half years at the Ministry of General Affairs. We were also at the Vrije Universiteit together. Jan Peter always gave his full support to the Delta Programme. It was good to be able to talk for a while.
We also said farewell to Camiel Eurlings at an especially warm dinner on Wednesday. Saying goodbye to a fine minister and a fine man, together with his partner Eniko. It’s always a special time: intensive contact with the ‘former’ minister switches in 24 hours to intensive contact with and being in service to new members of the government. We are professionals, through and through.

This week I also had talks with Director Hans Smits and his staff at the Port of Rotterdam about our shared visions and interests. I spoke with Rudy Stroink of TCN in Utrecht about the approach of the Delta Programme. A wise man from whom I can and want to learn a great deal. A lovely ‘delta cake’ to say thank you to the management and staff of the Communications Department at Infrastructure and the Environment for their fantastic support over the past year. On Wednesday I addressed the safety association Veiligheidssociëteit Zuid-Holland Zuid, an initiative of my former colleague at General Affairs, Paul van de Beek, Chief Public Prosecutor in Dordrecht. An impressive gathering of many leaders in safety (physical and social safety). Good to have been part of it.
On Thursday I opened the academic year at the UNESCO-IHE in Delft (cf. the press release elsewhere on the site). It was an honour.

Celebrations on Friday because my loyal driver Richard has been driving me and ever at my service, for exactly 10 years. And afterwards: time for the autumn break. I’ll be taking a week off.

week 37, 2010

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:01:24 GMT

Programme, map and film completed and ready to roll!

On Tuesday 21 September 2010, at 3.15 p.m. it will be time: the first national Delta Programme will be released!

A milestone for all the directors and staff who have worked within the nine sub-programmes and at the ministries on the first Delta Programme, and for the civil society organisations that are so involved in the future of our delta. And for companies and citizens because they are actively participating in determining the physical future of our country. A subject that binds us together, that is positive and one that we can tackle together.

I see signs of this during my many working visits – and my discussion partners in these orientation talks also repeatedly emphasise this. For example, on Wednesday this week when I was with Jaap Smit, the new chair of the CNV trade union federation, whom I met in Utrecht and with whom I talked about our respective tasks and challenges. Regardless of how different the content is, there is a commonality in the desired approach: commitment to a common goal and the same shared values.

On Tuesday, I made a working visit to the Government Service for Land and Water Management (DLG). Guided by Director Peter Heij – with whom I worked closely at the Ministry of the Interior and later at V&W – and his staff, I made an interesting working visit to Schouwen-Duiveland. I saw the work of the DLG in practice and we discussed the role the service can play in the Delta Programme with its knowledge and experience. On Thursday, I had a very pleasant orientation talk with member of the Lower house Anne-Wil Lucas (VVD), who will have space and water in her portfolio in the new Lower House. She is an involved and expert member of the house. I offered her assistance and support during her induction programme.

On Saturday night, the current affairs programme Nieuwsuur devoted attention to the work currently being done on the Delta and the work that will be needed in the future. In the report, I explained what working on the delta already entails in order to also protect the Netherlands from high water in the future. We are facing important decisions for the longer term. Later cabinets will make choices regarding the measures. The current cabinet has agreed to invest at least 1 billion euros per year from 2020. This is, by the way, unique. Decisions will have to be made for the longer term. We will see if the resources are sufficient. No one knows that now. Every cabinet will have to make choices. In as far as necessary, I will make well-substantiated proposals about such choices.

On Sunday, the NOS Journaal (Dutch national television news) also reported on the Delta Programme. A fitting lead-up to Prinsjesdag (the state opening of parliament).

This week, Director Bart Parmet and I acquired our newest staff member: Pieter Grinwis, the former political assistant to Tineke Huizinga. Within my staff he will be in charge of the Administration & Finance portfolio. I am very satisfied with this 'acquisition'.

Just one night to go. The Delta Programme, the overview map and the film about the Delta Programme are all ready to roll!

week 36, 2010

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:01:00 GMT

The 1st Delta Programme: 9 days to go

In just 9 days, on 21 September 2010 at 3.00 p.m., the 1st National Delta Programme will be made public. Those directly involved will receive the first copies at a lunch on the day that parliament is officially opened. Will the Queen let something slip beforehand in her speech from the throne? We’ll have to wait and see.

In the past week there were again many developments. On Monday, I consulted internally with my staff. On Thursday, I attended a very interesting theme meeting on ‘the power of the design’ together with the programme directors, staff members and policy directors. Speakers like Dirk Simons, Maarten Hajer (Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency), Jan Dirk Hoekstra and Anky Woudstra from the Wadden Society guaranteed high-quality input and discussion. There was a lot of information for all those involved in order to customise the design (visualisation and integration) of the Delta Programme. Afterwards, an introduction by Julie Köler, Deputy Director of Communications at V&W, about undercurrents in society based on various studies. Very useful. The Delta Programme is in good keeping with the modern approach that society is demanding.

This week I also spoke with the Secretaries-General of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment (VROM) and Economic Affairs about developments in The Hague and their involvement in the Delta Programme. On Wednesday I had lunch with Roel Bekker, to mark his stepping down as Secretary-General. In November we (and others) will be making a working visit to Japan within the framework of the Atlantic and Pacific Exchange Programme. Many ‘delta subjects’ will be treated there including ‘super levies’. I had another interview with an Australian magazine with a readership of 50,000. More international interest in the Delta Programme. On Wednesday I spoke with Queen’s Commissioner Leen Verbeek of Flevoland about the involvement of his province in the IJsselmeer sub-programme which the Prince of Orange visited on Thursday.

Last Friday, I made a special working visit to the Rivers sub-programme, the River Rhine. We set sail in Arnhem and, in the format of a symposium, discussed the short and long-term developments like IJsselsprong and Waalweelde with many parties involved. The three executive councillors involved were present. We sailed along the beautiful rivers of the Lower Rhine and the IJssel to Zutphen. Gelderland is performing extremely well.

The formation of the new government will be continuing this week and I will be continuing too.

week 35, 2010

vr, 17 jun 2011 10:00:41 GMT

The Delta Programme in print, the Delta Commissioner on the road

Last week the designing of the Delta Programme was completed and the document went to the printer’s. The script for the accompanying short film was finished and this week the result will be ready for viewing. The invitations for a lunch on Prinsjesdag (the state opening of parliament) with all the main players in the Delta Programme have been sent out. Together, close to the Ridderzaal (Knights’ Hall where the state opening of parliament takes place), listening to and seeing the speech from the throne and then receiving the first copy of the Delta Programme; it will become a new delta tradition.

Last week, I had many talks with the major stakeholders of the Delta Programme. On Monday, talks about the recommendations on ‘de Kier’ (Haringvliet locks). The recommendations will be completed in the weeks ahead. I will try to analyse this complex situation and find a path that leads to a wise solution.

On Tuesday I had extensive talks with the Director of Natuurmonumenten (Society for the Preservation of Nature) Jan Jaap de Graeff. On Wednesday, I met with landscape architect Dirk Sijmons and we had an inspiring discussion about ‘Aquade’, the quality of the Delta Works and involving people in our work. I had lunch with Annemarie Moons, Chair of the Eemvallei Water Board and Mayor Melis van de Groep (Municipality of Bunschoten). After discussing the latest football news, the plans for ‘de blauwe as’ (southern lakes referred to as ‘the blue axis’) were explained and further agreements were made.

On Thursday, I made two working visits. The first was to the pumping station in Gouda with its important freshwater inlet for Rijnland. I talked through the freshwater situation with farmers and the water board. Afterwards, it was on to Lekdijk to see the progress made in the innovative strengthening of the dikes. NOVA (current affairs TV show) was there to film and hold an interview with a view to an item in a new news programme.

On Friday I met the new section head of the Government Finance Inspectorate. It was a constructive and open talk. The Ministry of Finance will be participating in our programme and sharing views about financing for the short and long term.
And in the evening…the forming of the Cabinet enters yet another new phase.

week 34, 2010

vr, 17 jun 2011 09:59:58 GMT

From Delta Plan to Delta Programme

The focus of the past week was almost totally on the developments in the Northern Netherlands. On Tuesday 24 August it was my honour to close the sea retaining wall in Harlingen for the first time. The completion of the flood defence retaining wall in Harlingen constitutes the final piece of the Delta Plan. It ties in with the Delta Programme in a visible and noticeable manner, “the Delta Works of the Future”. The work on our delta is after all never done.

Later, I attended a very successful evening – despite a strong wind – on the rugged tugboat ‘De Holland'. Also present were several chairs of water boards and chief engineers / directors of departments of the Directorate-General of Public Works and Water Management (RWS) – our two water authorities. We spoke about the new water standards with people from the Safety sub-programme.

The two days that followed were focused on a working visit to the Wadden organised by the Wadden Region sub-programme. A very interesting visit with many of the features that are hallmarks of the Delta Programme: safety with economy in the Eemshaven, nature on Ameland, and urban development in Delfzijl in Holwerd and at Lauwers Lake. Safety with sand suppletion along the North Sea beach of Ameland where RWS will be laying 9 million cubic metres of sand over an 11-kilometre stretch of beach. In the presence of the Mayor of Ameland, I was honoured to use a shovel to place the first of this sand on the dunes.

Social involvement was visible through the participation of the Wadden Society, the organisation of embankment managers, the Society for the Preservation of Nature and the State Agency for Nature Conservation and Forestry Management. The power of the design created by using the innovative schetsschuit studio method particularly caught my attention. Once again, I learned a lot.

I was unable to visit Vlieland due to bad weather. I will do so at a later date. Three executive councillors were present. The Chair of the Wadden Region steering group Tineke Schokker (Fryslân), and also Rinske Kruisinga (Noord-Holland) and Douwe Hollenga of the province of Groningen. The chairs of three water boards were also there: Paul van Erkelens, Henk van 't Land (who in passing failed a further 22 kilometres of sea dike in the third assessment) and Luc Kohsiek, together with several members of the management boards of the water boards involved. During the dinner on Wednesday evening in Nes, we said farewell to Wim Schoorlemmer, programme director of the Wadden Region sub-programme, and I introduced Hans van der Kooi as his successor for this sub-programme. Tired but satisfied, on Thursday afternoon I drove from Delfzijl back to The Hague, that was by now partially submerged in places due to the heavy rain. The extremes are rising... I cannot even be away for just a few days.

On Friday morning I made a rather bumpy inspection flight over the South-Holland section of our delta with the Coast Guard. And saw a very wet Netherlands from the air with a cameraman from the TV current affairs show Nova on board to get some nice shots, hopefully. All this in preparation for the launch of the 1st Delta Programme... Just 22 days to go! And, given that the new Cabinet will not take office until after the 3rd Tuesday of September, the 1st National Delta Programme will be the hottest news on Prinsjesdag (the state opening of parliament) – after the hats, of course. I’m more than ready.

week 33, 2010

vr, 17 jun 2011 09:59:28 GMT

Living in the Delta

This week I was present at the impressive Sail In Parade in Amsterdam. I wasn't on a boat with officials but rather on a sloop with the organisers of Kunst- en Energieroute (Art and Energy Route) exhibition that it was my pleasure to open on Thursday afternoon at the former NDSM shipyard. Very interesting and well worth visiting. Especially the designs for 53 self-sufficient houseboats. Completely sustainable and ready to be built and lived in. Do take a look on www.opgewekt.nu.

A day later, on Friday, I gave an introductory talk on the Dutch Delta Approach at the international Day of the Deltas conference at the Sail grounds in Amsterdam. The conference was well organised by the province of Noord-Holland and in particular executive councillor Rinske Kruisinga. I was able to inform the conference participants that Minister Eurlings has decided that the solution for strengthening the last two weak links along the coast of Noord-Holland (Petten and Kop van Noord-Holland) will be 'sandy' and hybrid in nature. A maximum of 250 million euros has been made available. The province will draw up a plan that can be realised within this budget. Good news, also for the Delta Programme, because the chosen solution is in line with the coastal vision we are aiming for.

This week I also made a working visit to the Deltares knowledge institute in Delft. Good presentations and talks chaired by the institute’s director Harry Baaijen. I also spoke with the chair of the FNV Trade Union Federation Agnes Jongerius, who holds the Delta Programme close to her heart as a positive and binding programme for our country.

At the start of the week, with my staff, I went through the weeks ahead leading up to Prinsjesdag (state opening of Parliament) and the 1st National Delta Congress on 4 November. Next Tuesday I have been invited to close – for the first time – the sliding gate in the new water retaining wall in Harlingen. The last part of the Dutch coast to be brought up to the old delta level. On Wednesday and Thursday a working visit to the Wadden sub-programme is on the agenda. I am looking forward to it.

week 32, 2010

vr, 17 jun 2011 09:59:03 GMT

The Delta Programme on the verge of publication

Back from a wonderful holiday at home in the Netherlands. I made what you might call “private working visits” to the Wadden islands and Friesland, visiting the IJsselmeer and Wadden regions. Next year I might visit two other areas involved in the region-specific programmes.

In the weeks ahead, I will make an official, two-day visit to the Wadden region. This time I’ll be wearing a suit and tie.

Hard work has been done in recent works on completing the Delta Programme: the focus was on design and layout and a short film was made to be included with the programme. We went through the script thoroughly. We would like people to give people a clear visual impression of what we are doing. The power of images, certainly for this subject, is important. This week I caught up with various people. First, of course, with my own staff who had continued working during my holiday break. I also spoke with Water Affairs General-Director Annemieke Nijhof and the secretaries-general of the ministries of General Affairs and Transport, Public Works and Water Management.

I also prepared several articles and speeches for the coming weeks. For example, the ‘Day of the Deltas’ during Sail Amsterdam and for in Harlingen at the completion of bringing all our primary sea dykes up to the level of the delta. This will take place on 24 August. The completion of this additional barrier actually marks the end of the Delta Works project. It is a good time for me as Delta Commissioner to link the past with the present and future. I am really looking forward to it.

week 28, 2010

vr, 17 jun 2011 09:58:36 GMT

70 days to go...

After Brazil came Uruguay. And before it was Spain’s turn, on Friday 9 July, the Council of Ministers discussed the 1st Delta Programme that had been so diligently and interactively prepared. A milestone along the path to the historic moment of release on the third Tuesday in September.

What exactly the Council of Ministers decided is still secret, although insiders are aware of what went on in the Trêveszaal. I am proud that together we drew up a robust and sound programme that will form the basis for many years of further cooperation on our delta. The summaries of the action plans of the nine sub-programmes are already available on this website to inform everyone of the principles of the Delta Programme.

Good news in this regard was the assessment of the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) of the work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (regional studies). The PBL concluded that the approach in the Netherlands using the Delta Programme is the correct approach and a fitting answer to climate changes and related uncertainties.

Furthermore, last Tuesday I paid a working visit to the Hunze en Aa's water board (Chair Alfred van Hall and colleagues) in the north east of the Netherlands. It was interesting because all the elements of the Delta Programme could be seen there. Safety, (the Dollard and Eems dikes; new model calculations), international harmonisation (Germany; effects of the Sperrwerk on the Eems estuary), the freshwater issue and drought (agriculture), nature and the national ecological network as well as water storage in the areas designated that will be completed in 2015. The instruments that the water board has to this end may have to be changed. I gained a good impression of the issues facing the water board and the Directorate of Transport and Water Management, our major allies in managing water nationally and regionally.

I also visited Voorne-Putten, Goeree-Overflakkee and the Haringvliet sluices in connection with my recommendations regarding the Kierbesluit (the decision to leave the Haringvliet sluices partially open). On Monday I consulted with the principals. On Wednesday I went on a field trip and spoke to several stakeholders and obtained information about what has been going on (for many years) in the area. Afterwards, a trip through the Oosterschelde National Park and I was received by the Chair of the Consultation Group, John Lilypali and his staff. I went sailing on a ship of the Directorate of Transport and Water Management and saw and heard a lot, including about sand starvation in the area – a serious problem. The delta is truly beautiful!

On Friday evening it was Delta Drinks and a barbecue at the beach for all those who worked so hard on the Delta Programme. And afterwards we welcomed the start of the summer holidays. So dry…! It will happen more often. The Delta Programme is here for a good reason.

I’ll be back in the second week of August.

week 27, 2010

vr, 17 jun 2011 09:58:13 GMT

The Delta Programme as an export product

It was hot in the Netherlands and in Singapore too. Last week I was there to attend the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) at the invitation of the organiser PUB – the national water agency of Singapore.

During the plenary opening session of the SIWW, I spoke about our Delta approach. In addition to the water conference, the World Cities Convention was also being held here. A full house with the Prince of Orange in the hall. It was most enjoyable to participate and to shine the spotlight on our approach.

In a separate workshop on Delta and River Basin Management, I was able to explain in detail what the Netherlands can do to make its Delta future-proof. I also visited the University of Singapore and learned about four research projects related to our work. I spoke to top researchers from four different countries. The Singapore-Delft Alliance is a success, for our knowledge institute Deltares too. I spoke with Permanent Secretary Tan and his staff at somewhat more length and in more depth about the approaches of our two countries to climate change and involving the population in these approaches. A lot of support, from the Dutch business community as well.

Naturally, I visited the Marina Barrage (modelled on the Oosterschelde Dam) and I had a meal with some of the local people in China Town. Two full, productive and interesting days with a top performance by our embassy under the direction of Ambassador Hans Jansing. Attention from abroad is growing. At the SIWW, I gave two interviews for Asian media. This week in The Hague I also gave interviews for Finnish and Australian radio.

On my return I had several talks at my home base, on the structure of our 1st Delta Programme, among other things. And then, along came Brazil – on the hottest day of the year so far...

week 26, 2010

vr, 17 jun 2011 09:57:47 GMT

First Delta sub-programme on its way to the Council of Ministers

Just before leaving for Singapore, where I will be speaking at the International Singapore Water Week (during the plenary session and one of the sub-sessions) about delta management and the Dutch approach, I am proud to announce that last week we made significant strides towards the adoption of the first Delta sub-programme by the Council of Ministers.

The Committee on a Sustainable Living Environment (the official gateway to the Council of Ministers) as well as the National Administrative Water Committee for the Delta Programme made positive recommendations regarding the 100 percent version of the Delta Programme submitted to them. The discussions involving content and support will lead to slight amendments to the text. Everyone was enthusiastic about the realistic content and the open process. All the (involved) staff members can be proud. On 9 July, the final version will be discussed by the Council of Ministers, introduced by Minister Eurlings – also on behalf of his colleagues Huizinga (VROM) and Verburg (LNV). On that evening we will surely enjoy a ‘Delta drink’ at the beach!

On Monday, I met with the parliamentary group leader of the Partij voor de Dieren (Animal Welfare Party), Ms Thieme. We had a very enjoyable and open talk about, among other things, the political choices to be made and the desire to discuss the entire Delta Programme in the Lower House.

On Tuesday I spoke with Robbert Dijkgraaf, President of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), in particular about the scientific aspects of the research for the Delta Programme. We both noted that for the Netherlands, this domain (water and delta) is of preeminent significance, from the international perspective as well. We agreed to examine the possibility of organising a collective meeting of top experts in this field, from climate studies to civil engineering. The Delta Programme links many aspects, involving both fundamental science and applied science. We had a valuable meeting in the lovely premises of the KNAW on the Kloveniersburgwal in Amsterdam. This is a neighbourhood where I spent six years of my student days and it therefore felt a little bit like ‘coming home’ for me.

On Tuesday, I took part in an ‘About Climate’ round-table talk led by Inge Diepman and organised by DHV. A publication will follow. It was a constructive talk with many different points of view and approaches. In the evening, I spoke about the Delta programme and sustainability to the Soroptimists in Nieuwkoop (that lies some 5 metres below normal water level). An inspiring meeting with a great deal of involvement.

On Thursday, I talked with the programme directors about the Delta Programme knowledge agenda and we evaluated the past six months. This week I also exchanged ideas about making a photograph album about the Delta Programme and consulted about making a film on the Delta Programme. The power of images should not be underestimated.

Finally, I spoke to my staff about the progress of the recommendations on/research into the Kierbesluit Haringvliet, the decision to leave the Haringvliet sluices partially open, that the ministers involved and the executive councillors of Zuid Holland have requested me to draw up. Once again, it was an exciting and colourful week with a lot of orange...

week 25, 2010

vr, 17 jun 2011 09:57:21 GMT

Decision-making comes closer

The theme of the past week was further cohesion now that the 100 percent version of the Delta Programme has been completed. The broad lines for the coming weeks and the Cabinet’s decision-making were set out with the four Director-Generals concerned (Spatial Planning; Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality [LNV]; Water Affairs; Public Works and Water Management) and the Council Advisor to the Prime Minister. Funding was discussed with LNV.

On Tuesday evening, we had organised an evaluation dinner in Diner Thuis. It was attended by the principals including the four Director-Generals and the nine programme directors. It was enjoyable and especially constructive and pleasant. It was also a reward for all the hard work done on the first Delta Programme. And more than adequate compensation for the time spent watching the Netherlands vs. Denmark play their World Cup football match on Monday.

I also had an open and inspiring talk with the chair of the Economic and Social Council of the Netherlands (SER), Alexander Rinnooij Kan. He is very involved in the sustainability agenda which is in good keeping with my work on the Delta.

On Wednesday, we attended a brainstorming session with several regional managers and the Deputy Director-General of Water Affairs about safety standards as treated in the Safety sub-programme. We exchanged views on the current standards, the cost-benefit analysis risks of victims and the form of the standards. It was good and constructive to explore this complex playing field together at such an early stage. We will certainly be doing so more often.

On Thursday, I had a meeting with the chair and secretary of the Advisory Committee on Water (AcW) and the Director-General of Water Affairs. We discussed the involvement of this high-quality advisory committee in the Delta Programme and explored a sound approach. The Delta Programme provides important input for the AcW’s 2011 work programme.
I also spoke to Professor Pier Vellinga and his staff on Thursday regarding the relationship between the knowledge agenda of the Delta Programme and the important work of the Knowledge for Climate programme, into which the government has pumped 50 million euros via FES resources (FES = Economic Structural Reinforcement Fund). We will work closely together to avoid doing the same work twice and to be able to give questions that arise from the Delta Programme their correct place in the research studies of the Knowledge for Climate programme. Several practical work agreements were made to anchor ties with one another – at the regional/area level as well as centrally.

On Friday I was presented with the 75th anniversary book of the Association of Contractors in Dredging and Shore and Bank Protection. A source of pride for the Netherlands for 75 years! I spoke briefly about my work on the Delta. A festive occasion!

week 24, 2010

vr, 17 jun 2011 09:56:53 GMT

Towards 100 percent

100 Percent was not the voter turnout for the Lower House elections, those figures were slightly disappointing (because of the rain?). 100 percent is, however, the version of the Delta Programme that I am now going to draw up.

What a week! Shaken up by the election results, we worked hard on the First National Delta Programme. After all, the Netherlands must remain protected – now and in the future – no matter what coalition government is formed. ‘The Delta Commissioner has a missionary capacity,” said Vice Minister Tineke Huizinga when she transferred to the Ministry of VROM.

In the past week I discussed the 90 percent version of the Delta Programme with Minister Camiel Eurlings. We made agreements about the main message of the first Delta Programme and about the possible Cabinet response to several concrete proposals of the Delta Commissioner. Today (Monday), the final version (100 percent) will be completed for submission to the National Delta Programme Administrative Committee. This will take place on 23 June. One day earlier, the Committee on a Sustainable Living Environment (the “gateway” to the Council of Ministers) will meet to discuss the final draft. On 9 July, the Council of Ministers will have the Delta Programme for finalising with a view to the de Prinsjesdag (state opening of Parliament) documents and then our “Delta holiday” will start.

Last week, my staff and I also met to discuss the 1st National Delta Conference, that is to be held on 4 November. We discussed the programme, the venue, the chair for the day and the speakers. It promises to be a special conference with top speakers and a “Delta parade” past the sub-programmes. The Delta Conference will be held annually on the first Thursday of November.

This week I also spoke more extensively with Maarten Hajer, Director of the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) about the involvement of the PBL in the knowledge agenda of the Delta Programme. A constructive talk and a great deal of involvement on the part of the agency: a fine group of people!

At the PROVADA (large real estate trade fair in the RAI) in Amsterdam, I spoke with a panel on ‘the beauty of the Netherlands’ and the power of this topic in area development. Something special was that our Chief Government Architect, Liesbeth van der Pol presented her glossy magazine Vastgoedpersonality (Real Estate Personality), for which she had interviewed me in the Zeetoren in Hoek van Holland on a windy and rainy day. It is a wonderful magazine by an exceptional and inspiring woman.

Finally, last Friday I paid a working visit to the Stichtse Rijnlanden water board in connection with the New Construction Plans and Restructuring sub-programme. I saw and heard a lot about building outside the dikes, building in low-lying areas and about the safety objective of dike rings 14, 15 and 44 where the Delta Programme is in conflict with cultural history in places like Oudewater and Montfoort, for example. Excellent insight gained into, among other things, the plans for a climate-proof and sustainable Rijnenburg at the intersection of the A12 and the A4 and the security of the “back door” of the Randstad.

In the week ahead, the next step towards the first Delta Programme. It’s looking good!

week 23, 2010

vr, 17 jun 2011 09:56:13 GMT

Closer to the first Delta Programme

My working week kicked off with a successful visit to Harlingen, where I had a meeting with the Wadden Delta Programme Steering Group. The group is led by Friesian councillor Tineke Schokker. After the summer I will return here for a two-day stay and tour of this lovely area.

I also talked with the Communication Department of the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management about cooperation. Henk Brons, Director-General of the State Information Agency, and I discussed the media strategy for after the summer. I received useful and constructive tips. In my view, all the meetings were most valuable.

Furthermore, my staff and I discussed the request of the Ministers of Transport, Public Works and Water Management and Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality and the Provincial Executive of Zuid Holland, for advice regarding the (delayed) implementation of the Kierbesluit Haringvliet, the decision to leave the Haringvliet sluices partially open (cf. elsewhere on this website).

Last week, several staff members and I made a working visit to the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, KNMI. The management, led by Frits Brouwer, informed us about the KNMI’s climate scenarios, developments at the weather and climate institute as well as scientific developments. Agreements were made to cooperate closely with this wonderful knowledge institution – that delivers top quality in its climate studies – on the knowledge agenda of the Delta Programme.

In the past week, important steps were taken towards making the final decisions within the framework of the first Delta Programme. On Tuesday 1 June, we had an exploratory discussion with the Committee on a Sustainable Living Environment, the gateway to the Council of Ministers. Director Bart Parmet of my staff and Director-General of Water Affairs Annemieke Nijhof (V&W) explained the annotated table of contents in an open and cohesive way to the meeting. The comments made will be taken into consideration.

There were compliments for the (writing) process up until now in which everyone put in their best efforts. On Thursday 3 June, the Delta Programme Steering Group met for the first time under my direction. We discussed the 70 percent version of the Delta Programme. The managers of the sub-programmes who were present (councillors, chairmen of water boards and mayors), together with the three Director-Generals, spoke for one and a half hours about the main outline of the first Delta Programme. We made pragmatic agreements about the division of costs across the sub-programmes.

On Friday 4 June, after collaborating in a constructive and concerted manner, we were able to present the 90 percent version for the last harmonisation round. We will be discussing this version with Minister Camiel Eurlings this week. He is becoming more and more of a “Water Minister” given his impressive performance on 1 June, at the completion of the weak link protection elements in the coast at Kijkduin. This bodes well for our first Delta Programme.

week 22, 2010

vr, 17 jun 2011 09:55:43 GMT

Further progress on the Delta Programme

On 25 and 26 May, I made a working visit to the IJsselmeer region. It was a highly interesting visit in which I spoke with the IJsselmeer Region programme organisers, the managers in the region, civil society organisations, “innovators” and the media. The visit began and ended in Lelystad and took me to Enkhuizen, the IJsselmeer coast of Noord-Holland, the Afsluitdijk (Closure Dike, including the Stevinsluizen lock complex), Makkum (in Friesland), Kampen (in Overijssel), the Veluwe Randmeren and Flevoland. (You can find a report and a video about this visit elsewhere on this website).

At all the locations mentioned, one of the possible options for securing the freshwater supply for the future will mean a perceptible rise in water level. However, we have not yet reached that point. We are first going to set out the consequences and determine a preferred strategy for freshwater. Last Thursday, I spent the greater part of the day with the programme leaders and principals of the sub-programmes. We discussed all nine action plans and questioned one another about them. My staff and I mainly contributed to their cohesive integration into the Delta Programme. The state and regional stakeholders in the sub-programmes did a lot of very good work in a short space of time. I expressed my sincere appreciation for their efforts.

On the last day of the working week, I discussed several subjects with the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Transport, Pubic Works and Water Management (my successor there). Directly afterwards I ran through my visit to and speech at the International Singapore Water Week (at the end of this month) with our ambassador in Singapore Johannes Jansing, and a member of his staff. I am very honoured to be representing the Netherlands as a speaker during the plenary session and in one of the workshops; it will enable me to explain our “Delta approach” to thousands of participants. It would be a good thing if the knowledge institutions and business community were to join in this.

And then the working week was over – once we had dealt with the mail.

week 21, 2010

vr, 17 jun 2011 09:54:54 GMT

Widespread support for the Delta Programme

In the week after the May holidays we were hard at work again, paving the way for the first Delta Programme.
The draft texts of the Delta Programme were assessed in the May holidays to be sent to the civil service staff of the ministries and the representatives of the Association of Water Boards, Association of Netherlands Municipalities and the IPO (Association of Provincial Authorities). This group, together with the programme directors and my staff, met in the morning on Thursday 20 May to discuss the draft of the 70 percent version of the Delta Programme text. It was a very fruitful meeting. There was a high degree of involvement in our ‘assignment’, from the Ministries of Finance, Economic Affairs and The Interior and Kingdom Affairs as well.

Within a few hours we had together achieved clarity regarding the essential points. We set down the key message of the Delta Programme more clearly, we clarified the role and position of the Delta Commissioner – particularly for ongoing projects and programmes within the Delta Programme. We provided a better explanation of what exactly the first Delta Programme involves as well as what the annual cycle means. And we will indicate that the second Delta Programme (2012) will comprise a further and concrete elaboration of two issues: the 'logistics' of the Delta decisions in 2014 and the adaptive strategy that needs to link short and long-term activities.

In addition, the Delta Commissioner will place several items on the agenda of the first Delta Programme to which the Cabinet will respond. It was thus a very productive morning and in keeping with the innovative working method of the Delta Programme and the Delta Commissioner’s Staff. We have take another step along the path to the (inter-administrative) Delta Programme Steering Group meeting (3 June) and the meeting of the Committee on a Sustainable Living Environment (1 June). The 90 percent version of the Delta Programme will then be available and will be sent to the National Administrative Organisation on 23 June and to the Committee on a Sustainable Living Environment (2nd round) on 22 June, preliminary to the Council of Ministers meeting on 9 July. In the mean time, the content and direction to be taken will be further coordinated and discussed with Minister Camiel Eurlings and the other Ministers. By then, the Lower House elections will be finished and we will thus know more about the prevailing political climate. A climate in which the Delta Programme will fit in well. Working on the present and tomorrow for a safe and attractive Netherlands. It’s what everyone wants!

This week I also had a very good meeting with Bernhard Wientjes, Chair of the employers’ organisation VNO/NCW. He gives his full support to our work. I will clearly set down the economic factor because this Delta Programme is of great significance for the short and long-term economic development of the Netherlands. The support of this important representative body is a very good thing!

This week I will be making a two-day working visit to the IJsselmeer region. I am looking forward to it. But more about that later.

week 17, 2010

vr, 17 jun 2011 09:54:09 GMT

The importance of climate buffers in the Delta Programme

It was an interesting and varied week. On Monday 26 April I launched the so-called ‘acceleration week’ for the Delta Programme, together with my dream team (as I like to call my DC Staff). We decided on the tone of voice of the programme, its contents and the subjects to be treated. Not a new policy paper but rather a realistic programme focused on implementation in order to keep the Netherlands safe and liveable, now and in the future. This week, my staff continued working on this together with colleagues from the Ministries of V&W, VROM and LNV.

On Thursday 29 April, we closed the successful acceleration week in the Zeetoren in Hoek van Holland, the homebase of the Delta Programme. Those present were members of my staff, representatives from the ministries – including the ministries of Finance, Economic Affairs, and the Interior and Kingdom Relations – and representatives of regional authorities (but where were Association of Provincial Authorities [IPO] and the Association of Netherlands Municipalities?) and the programme directors of the nine sub-programmes. Each of the chapters was run through in an interactive way; comments were made and questions asked.
In the afternoon I left for a meeting of the ‘natural climate buffers coalition', at the offices of the National State Forest Agency in Driebergen. My former colleague Chris Kalden received me there. It was an inspiring and constructive meeting at which I was informed about the importance of climate buffers for the Delta Programme. I could see just how well the nature organisations involved are cooperating pro-actively in this coalition. We made agreements for being involved in each other’s work in the future.

I had already encountered climate buffers during my working visit to the Delta-Meuse programme (part of the Rivers sub-programme). On Tuesday evening I met informally with the Limburg councillor Bert Kersten and his staff. On Wednesday we had a further, very constructive meeting at the provincial hall in Maastricht in which we talked freely about involvement and cooperation at the Rivers programme office in Nijmegen. Full of confidence, I then went on a working visit to Ooijen-Wanssum, where councillor Ger Driessen, the two chairmen of the water board and the alderman informed me about and took me on a tour of a 10 kilometre-long area along the Meuse that can be developed in the interests of safety by restoring an old branch of the Meuse River. A true model project for the Delta Programme. I also spoke to concerned residents in the area.
My next stop was Ravenstein/Oss. The alderman and chairman of the water board told me about the plans for developing this lovely spot along the Meuse, with a view to increased safety in the future. I spoke to a great many involved civil society parties. A fine plan. All these plans, however, still have to be funded. I made it clear that the necessary funds are not yet available and cannot be drawn from the Delta Fund alone.

Finally, the Noord-Brabant councillor Onno Hoes, the water board chairmen Lambert Verheijen and Peter Glas and alderman Van Heusden provided an explanation of the development of the Den Bosch green river project (another climate buffer). This is a true integrated area development, that includes the A59 motorway and the realisation of a new watercourse to the west of Den Bosch, in order to protect the city in the future against high water from the Dommel and the Aa. A good visit during which I once again learned a lot.
And then... free until 17 May. In the mean time I will be reading the draft texts that my dedicated staff and others will be drawing up during the May holidays.

week 16, 2010

vr, 17 jun 2011 09:52:27 GMT

ON THE WAY TO THE FIRST DELTA PROGRAMME

This week, I made no regional working visits – it was a ‘The Hague’ week.
On Monday, my staff (my 15-strong dream team) and I discussed the ‘acceleration week’ for realising the Delta Programme. The week is my staff’s idea. In the week from 25 to 29 April, we will work together on the structure of the first Delta Programme. At the end of the week, we will have set out a 50% version. 'Writers' from the Ministries of V&W, VROM and LNV will be participating. It is a collective product. In May, we will expand the texts into a 90 % version. The month of June has been designated for completing the job as well as for various harmonisation rounds with regional partners, civil society organisations and the ministries. In early July, the Council of Ministers should receive a flawless and inspiring product to use in the decision-making process.

The first Delta Programme that I will be proposing is important because in terms of policy it represents the follow-up to the innovative recommendations of the Veerman Committee.

On Wednesday, I had an open and inspiring talk with Messrs Balk and Van Duijn. Roelof Balk is known for his work for Fondsenbeheer Nederland (public/private funds management) and has publically urged for a new structure for the Delta Fund (DF). Jaap van Duijn was a member of the Veerman Committee and is a supervisor of the Green Fund. Together with several members of my staff and the Director-General of Water Affairs (Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management), we explored the realistic possibilities for having fewer constraints on the fund and allowing other parties to be eligible for funding. How can we link a programme-based fund (which is what the DF is) with a financing fund? We set out the pros and cons.

At the end of the afternoon in my round of ‘getting to know’ the Ministers in the Delta Programme Ministerial Steering Group, I spoke with the Minister of Finance for half an hour. I informed him about my work, my special and innovative position and the preparations for the first Delta Programme. He was very interested and is looking forward to a practical and realistic document.

Thursday saw the weekly meeting of all the programme directors of the nine sub-programmes. This time, the policy directors of the three ministries were also present. We are drawing up the Delta Programme together. Once again, we discussed and explored everything collectively. The subjects were financing, the legal translation of our 'delta work', the method of organisation (flat, linking and horizontal) and the annotated table of contents of the first Delta Programme. The Director General of Water Affairs and several staff members were present for part of the meeting; the discussion was constructive and we made useful agreements. A lot of expertise, energy and involvement; a good atmosphere.