Dutch title: DeltaNet
Period: March 2010 till February 2013
Status: Completed
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- Rhine-Scheldt Delta Cooperation (RSD), more
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| Abstract |
SUMMARY
The Delta-regions present characteristics, problems and challenges in common. To set up a policy and knowledge network of European Delta-landscapes, the Mediterranean, Atlantic/Northsea and Baltic Delta-regions are core areas in future spatial development in a united Europe. In these regions, population and economy concentrate, natural and cultural heritage values are high and major challenges related to climate change are at stake in the near future. A lot of examples can be listed: the geographical frame of these zones (their location, climate, geology,...), the hydrological regimen of the rivers in the Delta’s, the intrusion of salt in the Delta’s, regression and subsidence, the biodiversity of these regions, the socio-economic characteristics, the human activity of these zones (agriculture, aquaculture, breeding, hunting, fishing, industry, ports, urbanism, services sector-tourism), the environment, etc. This is the reason why we propose the realization of common activities at a trans-national and interregional level. Starting point for the network is the acknowledgement of the need for an integrated approach towards the sustainable development of Delta’s. By examining key sectors and research items in Delta-landscapes and possible recommendations in memoranda, the network partners will be able to address (EU) policy convincingly to undertake appropriate action. Fields for an integrated approach are: harbour development and wetland protection, climate change and coastal defence, urban-rural relationships, landscape and leisure, from agriculture to aquaculture, water retainment for flood prevention and draught combating. The network will discuss and exchange relevant issues and expertise and will stimulate innovative research on a number of focal themes: Governance, Leisure and Landscape. The actions foreseen in the framework of this project, focused on the network kind of operation, will be oriented, amongst other activities, to the following actions:
- Exchange of knowledge and experience.
- Realization of seminars and conferences.
- Creation of a common website.
- Exchange of persons.
- Study travels/tourism arrangements.
- Formulate recommendations to address (EU) policy.
- Selective innovative research.
- European atlas of Delta’s.
- Publications.
OBJECTIVE
- Consolidation of a European network of Delta’s.
- Promotion of co-operation and exchange of experience and best practice.
- Promotion of the Delta-zones regarding tourism, sustainable environment, social development and agriculture.
- Guarantee the continuity of the service the Delta’s offer to the environment on the one hand, and help the development of the people living or working there on the other hand. This will all be done thanks to a better natural resources management and in order to channel and minimize the need for government grants.
OUTCOMES
- Integral promotion of the Delta-regions.
- Solve the common problems regarding the climatic challenges to come, through a trans-national and interregional collaboration.
- Improved awareness of threats and opportunities of Delta-landscapes at different policy levels.
- Accumulation and improvement of knowledge and experience.
- An economic growth compatible with sustainable development.
PARTNERS
- El Prat de Llobregat-Generalitat de Catalunya
- Severn Estuary Partnership
- Lohmuller City of Emden
- Univesity of Vigo
- Thames Estuary Partnership London
- Hamburg Port Authority
- Pomeranion Region in Gdansk
- Regional Water Management Board Gdansk
- Center for Ecological safety Sinter Petersburg
- Thames Gateway South Essex Partnership
- Institut supéreur d'énomie maritime
- Danube Delta National Institute
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