Attendees on their way to Valkenburg
From 9 until 11 September 2024 the first edition of the Future Flood Risk Management Technologies Summer School took place at Buitenplaats Vaeshartelt in Maastricht. For three days, the attendees were caught up to speed in all relevant disciplines with regard to flood risk. TU Delft presented about engineered solutions such as levees, while TU Twente introduced the concept of nature-based solutions, how they work and how to design them. Furthermore, the concept of flood risk and how to calculate it was explained by VU Amsterdam. Lastly, water governance in the Netherlands and Germany was explained by Utrecht University and Hemholtz Institute.
The attendees went on two field trips to get to know the Geul catchment a bit better. Major Daan Prevoo talked about his experiences during the July 2021 floods and its aftermath. During the second excursion, Vicent van der Linden (Waterboard Limburg) took the group on a trip around the catchment to show several locations where the water board has implemented measures: ranging from water buffers to infiltration strips. Even though the days were not free of rain, the attendees learnt a lot from the practitioners.
Meeting with mayor Daan Prevoo of Valkenburg aan de Geul
On the last day, the researchers brainstormed how the Geul can be protected against flooding. Even though not all problems can be solved in one morning, the researchers clearly outlined their preferred adaptation pathway. The suggested to first start taking building level adaptation measures, so that inhabitants of the area are better protected against the next flood. They propose to mainly take nature-based solutions upstream. The remaining risk can be decreased by taking technical measures, which are usually more time-consuming and expensive. Overall, the attendees got to know the Future Flood Risk Management Technologies program and one of its case studies (the Geul) a lot better.
Last modified: 03/10/2024