Delta Life 9

15 a century and that is not a good thing because the tide brings sediment and salinisation deeper and deeper inland. Tackling this problem is an even bigger challenge because the estuary of the Scheldt straddles two countries with different interests. For Belgium, the navigability of the river is paramount. The Netherlands wants to work on the natural values: room for biodiversity and leisure. In short: where one country dredges, the other wants to give free rein to the wind, water and tides. The safety of millions of inhabitants behind the dikes is, of course, equally important for both countries. How can you take all these things into consideration at the same time? Smart sediment management With sound research and smart sedi- ment management. Water scientists from Deltares and the Borgerhout Hydraulic Laboratory in Flanders are mapping out the complex system with other institutes and private bodies, opening up a whole world of possibilities. For instance: you can deposit dredged material from one country in the other if necessary. And lower the dikes where possible to give water free rein.  Because when sand and silt are in the right place, nature can do its job, the land can rise with the sea level, international shipping can navigate unhindered and people are not only safe behind the dikes but also surrounded by beautiful nature. If all goes well, the tide graph will look more reassuring in ten years time.  For more information: marcel.taal@deltares.nl 1 Along the coast: Applying sand to strengthen the coast. The Flemish Coastal Vision is being developed on the Flemish side to use sand nourishment more strategically, as in the Dutch Delta Programme.  2 In the Western Scheldt: Depositing sand and silt taken from the navigational channel leading to the port of Antwerp. In response to research findings, the Netherlands has stopped sand extraction because an estuary with less sand is affected more by the tides: a smart approach to depositing sand enhances ecological values.   3 South bank of the Western Scheldt: Making room for nature, lowering dikes, in conjunction with more leisure facilities. A strong focus on small-scale, local solutions. Precisely this factor explains the success: tourism generates new sources of income for the population. 4 In the port of Antwerp: Dredging silt and sand to keep the ports and navigation channels open for the largest seagoing vessels.  5 Around the Scheldt between Ghent and Antwerp: Creating floodplains in the meandering part of the river so there is more room for the river when water levels are high.  6 Near Ghent: Here, the fresh water of the Scheldt can turn left into the canal towards Terneuzen or carry straight on down the river to Antwerp. When there are droughts or shortages of fresh water, water managers face difficult dilemmas. Who gets the fresh water when there is a shortage? A lot of hard work is still going into solutions for these challenges. Sand Silt 3 4 5 6 2