Delta Programme themes and regions

General themes

• Flood risk management ​
  Measures, studies and projects to protect the Netherlands from flooding.
• Freshwater supply
  Measures, studies and projects to ensure adequate supplies of freshwater in the Netherlands.
• Spatial Adaptation
  Measures, studies and projects to ensure climate-proof, flood-resilient use of space in the Netherlands.

Delta Programme Regions

Measures are needed in all parts of the Netherlands to prevent flooding and water shortages and to cope with drought and extremely high temperatures. The Delta Programme has divided the country into 8 regions. Measures will be tailored to each region.

The coast

Protecting the Netherlands against the sea in the next century. See subprogramme coast.

Wadden region

What measures are needed to protect the Wadden region from rising sea level

River Rhine

Increasing the discharge capacity of the river Rhine.

River Maas

Improving flood safety and the spatial and economic development of the river basin. Read more about the river  Maas.

IJsselmeer region

Exploring the feasibility of fluctuating water levels in the IJsselmeer, which would improve flood safety and secure freshwater supplies.

Rijnmond and Drechtsteden

Keeping the Rijnmond and Drechtsteden region safe and liveable in the wake of risng sea level. The rivers’ discharge capacity will need to be increased.

Southwest Delta

Keeping the Southwest Delta region safe and liveable in the wake of rising sea level. The rivers’ discharge capacity will need to be increased.

Elevated sandy regions

Securing sufficient freshwater supplies for the region during drought and using limited supplies more economically.