Deltares

In 2008, the Netherlands gains a new and independent institute for applied research and specialist advice. Deltares has a unique combination of knowledge and experience in the field of water, soil and the subsurface. It is the frontrunner in the development, distribution and application of knowledge for meeting the challenges in the physical planning, design and management of vulnerable deltas, coastal areas and river basins. Deltares works for and cooperates with Dutch government, provinces and water boards, international governments, knowledge institutes and market parties.

Delta technology

Interventions in water and earth interact. That is why water and the subsurface in deltas cannot be viewed separately. There is growing pressure on delta systems: economic development and demographic changes make the management of deltas increasingly complex. Shortage of space means that we are moving out more and more into areas that are less suitable for living in. Extreme fluctuations in water levels require us to focus more on management and safety and falling land and rising sea levels accentuate that process. It is not enough to concentrate solely on coastlines or rivers. We need to look at catchment areas in their entirety. We tackle safety issues by assessing risks in advance using models and other research methods. Questions about water and the subsurface involve not only technological issues, but also natural processes, spatial planning and administrative/legal processes. We apply knowledge about those processes in an integrated way to develop and improve the habitability of deltas, coastal areas and river basins. The integrated approach allows us to come up with innovative solutions. We call this approach ‘delta technology’.

Enabling Delta Life

Nowadays, more than 50% of the world’s population live, work, and spend their leisure time in deltas, coastal areas and river basins. Delta areas have major economic potential because of their strategic location close to the sea and waterways. The ground is fertile and rich in minerals and raw materials. However, delta areas are also vulnerable: soft soil subsides, the sea level is rising, river levels are unpredictable and pressure on space and the environment is on the increase.

The Netherlands is renowned for its struggle against the water. We know how to make the most of the available space in densely populated deltas with soft soils and, at the same time, provide protection against the dangers of the water. As a result of that experience, Dutch experts are very much in demand, both at home and far beyond their own borders. There is increasing global demand for knowledge and technology in the area of water and the subsurface in relation to delta issues. Deltares provides innovative solutions to make living and working in deltas, coastal areas and river basins safe, clean and sustainable. This intrinsic commitment is expressed in Deltares’ strategic principle – ‘Enabling Delta Life’.

Widely applicable consultancy and research

Deltares stands for the right balance between consultancy and research at both the national and international levels. Our focus is on complex delta issues, but our expertise is equally applicable to coastal areas and river basins. We are also concerned with areas where economic development and population pressure are high, where space and natural resources – both above and below the surface – have to be used and managed in multi-functional and intensive ways.

Background of the participating institutes

WL | Delft Hydraulics is actively involved with water related issues worldwide, while GeoDelft focuses on issues in the field of geoengineering. TNO Built Environment and Geosciences - Subsurface and Groundwater is active in groundwater management, subsurface/soil remediation and the management and use of the subsurface domain. Rijkswaterstaat is engaged in providing flood protection and safeguarding adequate supplies of clean water for all users. Rijkswaterstaat has transferred knowledge development from RIZA, RIKZ and DWW for delta issues to Deltares. The institute will employ more than 800 people.

W: www.deltares.nl