Michael Theuns

What are the biggest challenges in the WRL programme?

Michael

The biggest challenge is also the greatest strength: the large number of authorities involved. We are not used to working with so many partners at once. After 2021 it was clear that no single authority could manage this alone. But that means reinventing how we work together and dealing with procedures that were never designed for this type of collaboration.


“Water does not respect boundaries, but our procedures often do.”

Why do you also see this as an opportunity?

Michael

Because everyone shares the same sense of urgency and the same goal. That creates momentum. Nationally, WRL is seen as a pilot, not only because of the content but also because of the way cooperation is organised.

How does WRL work with neighbouring countries?

Michael

Although they are not formally part of WRL, we work closely with them. I recently met authorities in the Voer region in Belgium to align research and measures. Much of our water comes from abroad, so cooperation is essential. German parliamentary committees have also visited us to learn from our approach.

Valkenburg in Limburg, with the river Geul flowing through the city.

How can the process be accelerated?

Michael

By balancing short term visibility with long term commitment. Programmes like this take time. The implementation of the Delta Works for example took decades. In Limburg some measures from the 1990s are still being completed. At the same time residents want improvements quickly. You must show clear progress while keeping sight of the full fifteen-year horizon of the WRL programme.

 When will WRL be successful?

Michael

When Limburg is measurably safer within the available frameworks and within fifteen years. In 2021 the works along the Meuse clearly made a difference. Climate change brings more extreme events, but water safety can be improved. Flooding can never be prevented entirely, but risks can be reduced.

What role does spatial planning play?

Michael

A very important role. Limburg is a landscape of valleys and hills. Not everything can be solved with physical measures. We must design the landscape so that water stays where it falls, avoid erosion sensitive cropping on slopes and build new homes in safer locations.

What role can Europe and the Benelux play?

Michael

A significant one. Many European regions face the same challenges. Cross border systems for warnings, planning and cooperation would help everyone. Europe can support this financially, technically and by encouraging regions to learn from one another. We see that Benelux can play a role in developing joint approaches with regards to flood resilience.


“Many regions face the same issues. It makes sense to learn from each other instead of each region reinventing the wheel.”

What can we learn from the chaotic period right after the flood?

Michael

In a flood crisis roles must be clear. In the Netherlands this is the responsibility of the regional authorities responsible for safety (‘veiligheidsregio’ in Dutch), the regional water authority and Rijkswaterstaat. WRL focuses on the long-term planning and implementation and preparing for flood extremes. One year after the flood, the administrative agreement that created WRL was signed. In this one year in between, restoration of infrastructure and cleaning etc. were coordinated by the Municipality and water authorities.