Coast and Estuary

Deltas are densely populated and urbanized areas all over the world. The fertile soil, availability of fresh water, and good transportation possibilities make deltas attractive places to live and work. However, they are vulnerable to flooding, storm surges, and intrusion of saltwater. This vulnerability is enhanced by climate change, leading to rising sea levels, and due to excessive human interventions, that cause land subsidence in many deltas.

Deltas are also crucial for nature; millions of birds are attracted to the nutrient-rich waters and intertidal areas migratory fish such as salmon and sturgeon benefit from open connections between the sea and rivers.

Stroming activity in Delta Research

Stroming has conducted extensive research on the underlying causes of the changes occurring in deltas worldwide and the poor state of the ecosystems naturally found there. Based on this knowledge, Stroming has developed various structural solutions to improve livability and safety in deltas. Often, this requires giving space to natural processes that provide protection (such as dune formation, sedimentation, peat growth, mangrove growth, and shellfish beds). A delta that comes back to life offers many opportunities for both the economy and ecology.

The Delta Works have made the Netherlands a global leader in water management. In the coming decades, we will be able to maintain this position by investing in knowledge and experience with the integration of natural processes and technical solutions.