Delta Life 8

30 What innovative measures are needed for a climate-robust soil and water system in high sandy areas? This is the question that researchers from Deltares and elsewhere are tackling in the Lumbricus knowledge programme. An important principle underlying the program is that water and the subsurface cannot be separated when designing a climate-resilient landscape. The amount and quality of water in streams and ditches is determined to a major extent by healthy soils that work like a 'sponge' and play a crucial role in absorbing water and retaining it for longer. For more information, see www.waterenklimaat.nl HEALTHY SANDY SOILS Andreas Burzel, a Deltares expert on flood risks, has received an award for his paper about spatial modelling in integrated risk analyses for coastal flooding. Decisions about possible action can only be taken when a complete picture has been established of the risks. The research being conducted by Andreas will contribute to the formation of that picture. He has developed a method that makes it possible to conduct integrated risk analyses for flooding in coastal areas. During the study, the approach was actually imple­ mented on the Danish coast in collaboration with the Danish Coastal Directorate. The resulting insights have provided support for the dialogue between the government authorities and local inhabitants about the possible impact of flooding on their communities. CHARTING THE CONSEQUENCES OF FLOODING IN COASTAL AREAS The Water Institute of the Gulf, Deltares and the governor of Louisiana John Bel Edwards have entered into an agreement to use their developments in applied science to further strong scientific cooperation. The areas in which the scientists will be working together are integrated strategic water resource planning, coastal dynamics, nature-based solutions for coastal problems, research into watershed management, improved forecasting tools, training in making models for all kinds of water problems, and real- time monitoring of dikes and water defences. This will allow them to tackle the challenge of finding good solutions to the problems of sea-level rise and coastal erosion. LOUISIANA AND DELTARES TEAM UP TO COMBAT WATER