Introduction
The Municipality has responsibility for planning in coastal areas, management of revitalisation plans, cooperation with public and private organisations, delivering public investment (e.g. flood defence), promotion of natural infrastructure (ecosystem capacity building), and linking people and the natural environment. It has strong links with local flooding organisations and knowledge institutes and has worked extensively on long-term visioning for the area. Through effective dialogue, we actively engage the public in implementing climate adaptation measures.
Adaptive pathway
In this pilot, our overriding goal is to improve public understanding and acceptance of adaptation measures in local development plans and increase public awareness of what people can do in and around their homes. To achieve this, we are experimenting with the design of climate dialogues with the public and decision-makers to collaboratively map major climate-related risks and the actions that should be taken to mitigate them and successfully adapt the municipality in the long-term.
As part of the climate dialogues, our pilot has also involved the creation of a mobile and interactive climate exhibition for all ages, a climate street game to encourage urban adaptation, and a study into the complex relationship between Natura 2000 regulations and climate change adaptation. To learn more about how we have applied an adaptive pathway approach to our adaptation work in Natura 2000 sites, please watch the following video.
Engagement
Through our climate dialogues with the public, we aim to encourage discussion, not simply explain what adaptation measure will be taken having already decided in advance. We see it as an opportunity to listen to the experiences and perceptions of citizens and stakeholders on climate adaptation issues, not just disseminate information from the top down. Adapting to climate change is a joint effort, so our dialogues involve other stakeholders who benefit from adaptation measures, such as housing companies, developers and other government agencies. We use a variety of complementary interventions with different objectives – for example, informing, inspiring or co-creating – adjusted to appeal to different target groups. The foundation of the dialogues is, of course a rigorous, evidence-based assessment of local climate risks that are presented in clear, visual and interactive ways to increase understanding and inspire action.
To play the climate street game and discover how you can make your street climate proof together, visit: klimaatstraatspel.nl.
Click the following links to visit the Schouwen-Duiveland Climate Change Knowledge Database, where you can explore what climate change means for our island.
Partner Organisations:
