National Programme for Spatial Adaptation to Climate Change (ARK) (Netherlands)

In 2006, on the initiative of the national government, the National Programme for Spatial Adaptation to Climate Change (ARK) was launched. For this programme several ministries worked closely with the umbrella organisations of the provincial authorities, municipal authorities and water boards. They formulated an adaptation strategy to climate-proof spatial planning in the Netherlands (over a time horizon of the next 100 years). The strategy focused on climate proofing location options, spatial planning and building design. Resistance, resilience and adaptive capacity were key criteria. Flood protection, living environment, biodiversity and the economy were the main social themes motivating spatial adaptation. The relationship between climate change and public health became a special attention point. The 2006/2007 policy already addresses some of the above mentioned tasks. Current flood protection policy (for the coast and major rivers) takes account of the effects of climate change for the next 50 to 100 years (rising sea levels, increased river discharge volumes). Making use of the characteristics of natural systems has also already become a focal point of water policy. For example, a sand replenishment strategy was already used for coastal defences. And providing more space for water was already a cornerstone of river policy, including spatial reservations for higher standard flow rates in future. Flood protection was and still is a focal point of policy development and legislation, as are developments in the field of flood disaster management. The national adaptation strategy generated many local and regional initiatives focused on climate proofing regions.

A new Delta Commission had been formed in 2008, as the current approach taken to coastal defense may no longer be viable in future and the approach needed to be scaled-up. On September 3rd, 2008 the Delta Commission presented their advice to the Dutch Cabinet. The Delta Commission formulated twelve recommendations for the short and medium term. The Dutch government responded to the advice of the Delta Commission with the start of the Delta Programme in 2009/2010. With the Delta Programme the Dutch government formulated new priorities in the field of adaptation to climate change.