ABSTRACT
The Netherlands is a densely urbanised country, yet partly below the sea level, and at the estuary of major rivers; it has, therefore, a long history in flood mitigation. Since economic centres such as Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam are located in flood-prone areas, water management has been a critical branch of government activity. In recent years, however, Dutch water management has undergone fundamental changes and renewal. As a consequence of factors such as climate change and a diminished natural resilience of the water system to absorb water surpluses and shortages, the emphasis is gradually shifting from technical measures such as building barriers, heightening dikes and enlarging drainage capacities, towards the acceptance of water on land. There is a strong dedication to ensuring the continued safe existence of major urban centres and their inhabitants, and evading possible flooding disasters such as the recent ones around the Danube River, and New Orleans.
