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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Recurso digital |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Zenodo
2025
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.17645/oas.10330 |
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Table of Contents:
- <p> This article presents a comparative account of the evolution of flood governance in the Dutch (Western<br> Scheldt) and Flemish (Sea Scheldt) regions of the Scheldt estuary through the lens of evolutionary<br> governance theory. Evolutionary governance theory is based on three assumptions: governance is<br> continuously evolving, change is contingent, and discourses are drivers of change. Employing a comparative<br> research design and secondary data analysis, this study examines how institutional, material, and discursive<br> factors, goals, path dependencies, and interdependencies have shaped flood risk governance and influenced<br> the integration of nature conservation goals alongside traditional flood safety objectives. While dike<br> reinforcement prioritizes flood safety, integrated strategies—such as transitional polders and dike<br> setbacks—aim to balance flood protection with ecological restoration. This is particularly pertinent in the<br> Scheldt estuary, where ecological degradation has raised concerns regarding the long‐term loss of<br> biodiversity and ecosystem services. A significant challenge in transforming the governance of the estuary is<br> anticipating long‐term risks while pursuing ecological and flood safety objectives. Through a longitudinal<br> cross‐case comparison, this study identifies barriers to the adoption of nature‐based solutions in flood risk<br> management. The findings emphasize the need for a more integrated approach that aligns flood safety and<br> nature conservation development policies for resilient and long‐term climate solutions.</p>