Sameness and difference in delta planning. Issue 94 (April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zegwaard, Arjen; Zwarteveen, Margreet; van Halsema, Gerardo; Petersen, Arthur
• Is Part Of: Environmental science & policy. Issue 94(2019)
• Page Start: 237
• Page End: 244
• Publication Date: 2019-04
• Subjects: Delta planning -- Coevolution -- Dutch delta knowledge -- Masterplanning; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Environnement -- Politique gouvernementale -- Périodiques; Sciences de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Environmental policy; Environmental sciences; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.70561
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2019.01.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-9011

Abstract

Highlights: Dutch experts travel the world to support 'other deltas' making delta plans. In the process of making plans, deltas are simultaneously made as objects in need of intervention. The labels "Adaptive" and "Dutch" help mobilize creativity as well as intellectual energies and funds. A closer look proves it difficult to pinpoint what is Dutch about Dutch Delta planning. A co-evolutionary definition of deltaic processes provides a symmetrical basis for understanding travels of delta plans. Abstract: Triggered by an increased awareness of the possible effects of climate change, many deltaic regions around the world are undertaking planning initiatives to address the problems they expect to face in the future. Dutch delta planning knowledge and expertise figure prominently in some of these initiatives. We use this article to ask why this is so. What makes Dutch delta knowledge special, and how does it become generic enough to travel to other places? The pertinence of these questions stems from the realization that deltas do not pre-exist human interventions, but are as much the effect of different planning cultures, trajectories and objectives, as they are their cause. Through a discussion of some telling anecdotes of delta planning, our analysis shows that while the Dutchness of delta planning expertise is a powerful branding, this expertise can only travel through a conscious and simultaneous process of un-Dutching: by packaging and scientizing Dutch Delta planning to turn it into a more generic Adaptive Delta Management approach.