This international study weekend has been organised as part of the celebrations for this year’s 70th anniversary of the CIWEM Rivers and Coastal Group. The study weekend will take place in Delft in the Netherlands, allowing delegates to visit the area’s innovative defences that are unlike any in the UK.
The theme of the weekend is Planning and Innovation within the water sector, using some Dutch case studies, to stimulate discussion about how we might adopt these ideas in the UK. The weekend will include a series of lectures, workshops, site visits and social activities. Confirmed speakers include senior figures from Delftares and AECOM, more details to follow.
During the weekend we will travel firstly to the Sand Engine, located off the coast of Delftland, and secondly to the Maestlantkering storm-surge barrier, near Rotterdam. The Sand Engine was constructed in 2011. It is an example of working with natural processes to reduce flood risk. The Maestlantkering storm-surge barrier automatically closes when flooding is forecast in Rotterdam. Delft lies around 50km southwest of Amsterdam. It is easy to reach, with a regular train service from Schiphol airport.
RCG’s study weekends are always popular and fully subscribed - book soon for this year’s event.