Texas-Netherlands flood-resilience-talk!

Our Chief Representative, Bee Kothuis, received a warm reception at the Texas Floodplain Management Association (TFMA) Conference in San Antonio this month. She was honored to team up with Reem Zoun, Director of Flood Planning at the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), to present on the Knowledge Exchange on Flood Resilience Trip to the Netherlands last autumn.

We first introduced the Dutch Approach to flood protection and resilience, focusing on Multi-Level Flood Safety principles and the recently released long-term Dutch Delta Scenarios. Then we discussed the visits to Temporary Flood Defenses at Flood Proof Holland in Delft, the Delta Flume’s capabilities at Deltares, the modern flood governance of the Delfland Water Authority (housed in Delft’s oldest building from the 1600s!), and the annual test closure of the Maeslantkering Storm Surge Barrier in Rotterdam.

The Netherlands is eager to continue this knowledge exchange, learning from Texas experts on emergency response and evacuation. We also look forward to enhancing collaboration, developing new approaches for flood resilience in both Texas and the Netherlands.

Would you like to know more about flood resilience in the Netherlands or about opportunities for Dutch delta and water technology in Texas? Contact us!

PS: While in San Antonio, be sure to explore their beautiful waterways!