The aim of the Wageningen UR social focus theme ‘Climate-resistant coastal zones’ is to initiate and perform (applied) research, cooperate and start partnerships with other parties and stimulate and participate in the development of education. The theme (2007-2010) brings together researchers, PhDs and students who focus on sustainable use and climate proofing of our coast.
The social focus theme ‘Climate-resistant coastal zones’ is primarily oriented towards the most sensitive aspect of the delta metropolis: areas in the major river deltas where people, buildings, farmland, and fresh/salt water converge in great density. These are the places where global climate change and the resulting rise in sea level will have a major impact. This impact will be even more significant because delta metropolises are also frequently home to major centres of economic activity. Examples include Southeast China, Malaysia, New Orleans, and, of course the Netherlands.
|
The social focus theme is divided in 5 research subjects:
|
|
Delta metropolises are characterised by multifunctional space usage (agriculture, fisheries, industry, living, recreation) and the intensity of the functions and thus by heavy environmental pressure. The Netherlands is a textbook example of a delta metropolis. Partly due to the location of its home base in this delta metropolis, Wageningen UR has the basic instruments and insights to develop a new vision on sustainable development of climate-resistant coastal zones.
The requisite interrelationship between a range of disciplines is present, and the conditions for international collaboration and international application of the acquired insights are in place. More knowledge is needed to calculate the consequences of changes in use of space, ecosystems, biodiversity and production systems. Knowledge is also needed to be able to quantify resistance and adaptive capacity of ecosystems in coastal areas in order to gain an understanding of the system dynamics of changing soil, biosphere, atmosphere and society. Knowledge of natural systems must also be tied in with knowledge of economics and governance.