
IJburg — Living on Reclaimed Islands
Amsterdam Duration: 3–4 hours Date and time to be defined max. 25 participants per guide on foot, by bike, public transport, bus Contact us for a quote IJburg is
In a country which lies largely below sea level, water management is a crucial aspect of life. The Dutch have been experts in keeping their feet dry ever since they settled in the marshy lands surrounding the Rhine delta. To protect against flooding, the Netherlands has developed an advanced system of dikes, dams, and floodgates. Today, the country is at the forefront of modern and contemporary water management practices, which are essential to protect against the growing threat of climate change and sea level rise.
Since the realization of the Delta Works, a large system of dams, dykes, locks and storm surge barriers in the Southwest of the country, the seafront is considered safe. The Delta Works were built in response to the devastating 1953 North Sea flood, which killed over 1,800 people and caused widespread damage. They represent a comprehensive approach to water management that aims to improve flood protection, ensure sufficient freshwater supply, and enhance spatial planning in the face of climate change. The programme includes a range of measures, such as strengthening dikes and sea walls, creating new nature reserves to buffer against flooding, and improving the management of river systems.
Today, a bigger challenge than horizontal water is vertical water: salty groundwater pushing through the polders, but mainly the increase in precipitation due to the climate change. Therefore an important aspect of Dutch water management are nature-based solutions. These are sustainable and cost-effective measures that harness the power of nature to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect against flooding.
The Dutch approach the water-related challenges in an equally innovative and pragmatic manner, with projects including restoration of wetlands, the creation of green roofs and walls, water retention squares, underground rainwater storage and floating neighbourhoods. The mitigation measures also include the use of green infrastructure, such as natural floodplains and wetlands, which can absorb excess water and reduce the impact of flooding.
Amsterdam Duration: 3–4 hours Date and time to be defined max. 25 participants per guide on foot, by bike, public transport, bus Contact us for a quote IJburg is
Amsterdam Duration: 3–4 hours Date and time to be defined max. 25 participants per guide by bus Contact us for a quote “God created the world, but the Dutch
Rotterdam Duration: 3–4 hours Date and time to be defined max. 25 participants per guide on foot, by bike Contact us for a quote “Amsterdam is a city with
Rotterdam Duration: 3–4 hours Date and time to be defined max. 25 participants per guide public transport or bike Contact us for a quote Due to its location in
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