Resilient Economies Strategies for Sinking Cities and Flood Risks 2025

–Innovative urban planning and design: Micro- scale innovations such as the Benthemplein water square serves as a flood retention basin during heavy rain and a public plaza. Supported by the RCI and local water boards, agencies collaborate on funding, design and maintenance to ensure the space serves functional and social purposes.122 While Eendragtspolder, a major water storage site, has been transformed into a recreational area, blending flood management with community amenities.123,124 These projects ease pressure on traditional sewer systems and reduce surface flooding.125 –Stakeholder collaboration: The Rotterdam Adaptation Strategy (RAS) and RCI unites public agencies, utilities, research institutions and citizens around shared adaptation goals.126 Coordination between municipal agencies and regional water boards ensure sustained funding, ongoing maintenance and community involvement. These efforts signal a shift from reactive flood control to proactive, integrated strategies. Moreover, governance has shifted from a top-down model to one that empowers community-led initiatives, supported by tools like the Climate Game and incentives for green infrastructure.127,128 –Knowledge and technology: A consortium consisting of government agencies, private sector and other stakeholders have developed a programme on subsidence. They focus on advancing measurements to improve understanding, evaluating control measures and developing legal strategies for effective implementation. Outputs include satellite-based monitoring, predictive models and integrated approaches that strengthen the governance, finance and legal capacity.129 A rowing facility in the Eendragtspolder water storage facility for flood prevention: Rotterdam, the Netherlands Resilient Economies: Strategies for Sinking Cities and Flood Risks 24