DAY 1 - Trends and Long term Vision
09.30-09.45 hrs	Welcome, Conference Concept Chair: Dr. Gaele Rodenhuis, Chairman Aquaterra International Advisory Committee
09.45-10.10 hrs	Coping with Climate Change in the Dutch Delta until 2100 - Vision The opening of Aquaterra will focus on the Dutch Water Plan; the foundation for the Dutch Delta programme. The plan provides a strong and relliable basis for implementing the recommendations from the 2008 report by the Delta Committee. Tineke Huizinga, Vice Minister for Transport, Public Works and Water Management (NL)
09.50-10.10 hrs	Ecological innovations in Climate Change Proofing J. van de Gronden, Director World Wildlife Fund (WNF)(NL)
10.10-10.30 hrs	Thames Estuary 21 - Vision In early November 2008, she was officially appointed as president of the British Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) and is currently travelling the world to settle in to her new position. Jean Vennables her central message is the need to reinvent the role of civil engineers. Venables is convinced that the rapidly changing society and climate change impel civil engineers to gain a wider perspective on their profession. She appeals to engineers to actively participate in discussions on spatial planning, renewed transport systems and climate adaptation. "Put engineers at the heart of infrastructure policy making," was the heartfelt cry of her presidential address to the ICE. Venables adds that engineers have to accept responsibility for reducing the risks of modern life J. Vennables, chairman Society of Civil Engineerings Regional Flood Commission, President-Elect, Institution of Civil Engineers(UK)
10.30-11.00 hrs	Coffee Break
11.00-12.00 hrs	Moderator's Kick Off Trends Delta Research - Aquaterra Themes Presentation major finding delta research Prof. dr. ir. Huib de Vriend, Director Science, Deltares
	Dialogue with Aquaterra Moderators The format of Aquaterra 2009 is that of a working conference with delegates discussing present day trends, effective modern technologies and innovations, successful practices, as illustrated by cases from the worlds major delta’s and introduced by visionary, thought provoking keynotes. Trends in the development and management of modern deltas are presently being researched by Deltares. The outcome of that research will be available at the conference and will be distributed in an Executive Summary to all delegates.In this Kick-off meeting, points should be raised as input material for discussions during the Case and Theme Sessions the following days. Themes are: Land and water use – development, adaptation Infrastructure – the realization of infrastructure in a complex environment; extension, revitalization Natural systems – management, restoration Governance Master Moderator of this panel discussion: Alex Kirby, former Environmental Correspondent of BBC News (UK) Panel: Prof. P. Goodwin, Professor, Hydrology, Ecohydraulics, Center for Ecohydraulics Research, Idaho Water Center (US) Prof. R.A. Falconer, Halcrow Professor of Water Management Cardiff School of Engineering (UK) Prof. K. Vairavamoorty, UNESCO-IHE and University Birmingham (UK), Prof. dr. ing. G.R. Teisman, Professor Governance Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam (NL) (UK), D. Waggonner, Partner Waggonner & Ball Architects (US) MD. E.H. Dykstra, Professor of International Emergency Management, ICDRM Washington University (US)
12.00-13.00 hrs	Lunch
13.00-14.30 hrs	Case: Mississipi River Delta (New Orleans) Rebuilding New Orleans. After the terrible disaster with Hurricane Katrina New Orleans is getting back on its feet. The coastal city of New Orleans has still not recovered from the Katrina disaster. It was the first time in recorded history that such a large modern metropolis was hit by a flood of this magnitude. 'The damage was unbelievable and gave all coastal cities major food for thought. In reconstructing New Orleans, the main question is what can we and other coastal cities learn from this tragedy? Coastal cities should be more aware of the essential infrastructure such as hospitals and prisons when planning locations. This case on Aquaterra will provide ‘Lessons Learned’. At the same time momentum is gained in creative urban planning processes to make the city more attractive for its residents. Topics that will be addressed in this case are: climate change proofing -adaptive strategies, resilient natural coastal protection, wetlands restoration – beach, risk management - flood risk, risk communication. Spatial planning & zoning Chair: Ir. P.T.M. Dircke - Programme Director of the Water Division, Arcadis (NL) Moderator: D. Wagonner, Partner Wagonner & Ball Architects (US) W. A. Curole, General Manager, South Lafourche Levee District (US) E. Shaw, Planning Director, Louisiana Recovery Authority Colonel A.B. Lee, District Commander, US Army Corps of Engineers (US)
13.00-14.30 hrs	Case: Dutch Delta - Implementing the Dutch Delta Vision “Public-private cooperation in the Dutch Delta”: In the Netherlands, an independent Committee of State (the Delta Committee) has recently given its advice on flood protection and flood risk management for the next century. In their Delta Vision recommendations are made to ‘future proof’ the Netherlands, even over the very long term, securing the country against flooding, assured of adequate fresh water, while remaining an attractive place to live, work and invest. The Committee is most worried about the combination of high water levels in the North Sea and the drainage of the Rhine. The city of Rotterdam will be faced with immense problems if the Rhine is not able to properly drain when water levels are extremely high. The Committee suggests building an ingenious system of storm surge barriers near the city. The nearby city of Dordrecht is planning to build a special neighbourhood that can be flooded without damage. The estimated costs for these new water plans are around 100 billion euros. The Netherlands is challenged to translate the Dutch Delta Vision into multi-functional and cost-effective solutions. Topics that will be addressed in this case are: Multi-functional use of infrastructure, Water quality control and climate change proofing -adaptive strategies, resilient. Room for rivers Chairman: Ir. L.G. Silvis - Secretary Steering group Deltatechnology (NL) Moderator: Prof. R.A. Falconer, Halcrow Professor of Water Management, Cardiff School of Engineering (UK) Dr. ing. F. C.J. Wolf, Directoraat General Water, Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management (NL) J.C.J. Jacobs, Rotterdam Water Plan Programme Manager (NL) Drs. E.H. Th. M. Nijpels, Chairman ONRI, Dutch association of consulting and engineering firms; Chairman Afsluitdijk Advisory Commission (NL)
13.00-14.30 hrs	Case: Yellow River Delta (Beijing) Topics that will be addressed in this case are: Integrity of the ecosystem - biodiversity, environmental, Water quality control, Climate change proofing -adaptive strategies, resilient and Urban development The Yellow River, China's second largest river after the Yangtze, has its delta in the northern Chinese lowland plains on the Bohai Sea. The Chinese government is faced with the enormous task of keeping up with the explosive water demand from the delta’s 200 million inhabitants and a booming economy. Over the past 50 years, China has worked hard to control the Yellow River to prevent floods in the delta. The river increasingly runs dry due to decreasing rainfall, however, and there is an insufficient supply of fresh water for the economic powerhouse, as the region is often called. Moreover, the river water is heavily polluted. The Chinese government is developing a mega-plan to clean up the river and increase the water supply in the delta. The great complexity of the river and its specific sedimentation, the pollution, flood protection and the fresh water supply in the delta will be discussed at Aquaterra 2009. The issues are further complicated by the increasing demand for sustainable energy. The Yellow River already counts dozens of hydropower stations and there is growing pressure to build even more. Chairman: Ir. (MSc) DJ. Kevelam - DHV Water BV (NL) Moderator: Prof. P. Goodwin, Professor, Hydrology, Ecohydraulics, Director Center for Ecohydraulics Research, Idaho Water Center (US) Mao Qizhi, Professor, Associate Dean, School of Architecture Tsinghua University Beijing (CH) Xue Songgui, Chief Engineer of the Yellow River Conservancy Commission (CH) Wang Xinfeng, Vice President, TEDA Investment Holding Co.Ltd (CH)
13.00-14.30.00 hrs	Theme: Governance In this session especially management of delta areas will be handled considering various developments, opportunities, threats and risks. Session moderator Geert Teisman (Prof. Public Management at Erasmus University Rotterdam) will challenge the speakers on their vision to governance issues like centralized versus decentralized steering philosophy, applicable tools and risk management: How getting things done in a multi-stakeholder environment with proper and prompt communication on behalf of a sustainable development and safety in delta areas, facing future climate and spatial problems? Considering aspects of living, building and economic activities in delta areas as well as decision-making on nature, recreation and environment are to be discussed in this session. Chairman: P.H. van der Kolk - Fugro Ingenieursbureau (NL) and Dr. ir. I. Van der Putte - RPS groep (NL) Moderator: MD. E.H. Dykstra, Professor of International Emergency Management, ICDRM Washington University (US) Moderator: Prof. dr. ir. G.R. Teisman, Professor Governance Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam (NL) R. Twilley, Vice Provost for Research at Louisiana State University (US) I. de Boer, Programme Director Room for Rivers (NL) P. Jowitt, Scottish Institute of sustainable Technology, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh (UK) D. Balmforth, Technical Director for Flooding and Climate Change Adaption Strategies, MWH (US) MD. E.H. Dykstra, Professor International Emergency Management, George Washington University, ICDRM Washington University (US)
14.30-15.00 hrs	Tea Break
15.00-18.00 hrs	Hosted Presentations J. van de Gronden, Director World Wildlife Fund (WNF)(NL) R. Posthoorn, Head Projectmanagement Department and Program Manager Climate, Natuurmonumenten (NL) H. van Kersen, Waddenvereniging (NL) G. Litjens, Bureau Stroming (NL)
	Ecological innovations in Climate Change Proofing: Natural Climate Buffers A plenary session where Dutch National Governments together with NGO’s, Knowledge Institutes and Delta Technology Industry will discuss and emphasize the importance of natural (eco)processes to adapt climate change proofing in a sustainable and secure manner. Natural Climate Buffers will support security and improvements in Delta and Coastal development worldwide. This session will also be illustrated with current practices of Natural Climate Buffers that store water surplus, protect coasts and create space in delta and estuary regions. R. Posthoorn, Head Projectmanagement Department and Program Manager Climate, Natuurmonumenten (NL), H. van Kersen, Waddenvereniging (NL), G. Litjens, Bureau Stroming (NL)
	Ecoshape, Building with Nature "Building with Nature" is an innovation program managed and administered by the foundation EcoShape, Building with Nature. This program, funded jointly by a consortium of private companies, knowledge and academic institutes and the Netherlands government, aims at creating innovations enabling sustainable development of hydraulic infrastructure: Building with Nature. Activities include the realization of pilot projects and development of practical tools as well as applied and fundamental research. With presentations in a workshop setting, this session focuses on four innovative cases where the ‘Building with Nature’ concept is being developed. Moderator: C. Broers (NL) Speakers J. van de Meene (NL) W. Dirks (NL) P. Herman (NL) J. Fiselier (NL) T. Minns (NL)
	Flood Control 2015, Goals, pilots and experiences In recent years, significant technological developments have taken place in information gathering, processing, transportation and dissemination in Flood Control. There are opportunities to substantially decrease flood risks by making better use of area wide covering and/or real-time information. In 2008, nine companies and research organisations started collaboration on the "Flood Control 2015" program. The program aims to research and develop the technology required to make the best use of all available information during operational flood management. The program focuses on monitoring, forecasting, decision support, ICT and flood management organisations. In this session, the Dutch experience and the Flood Control 2015 philosophy will be presented using examples of recent developments in these fields. There will be room for discussion on how to apply the Dutch knowledge in the different worldwide deltas. Martin van der Meer, Fugro Water Services (NL) Chairman: Ir. M.T. van der Meer, Fugro Water Services (NL) ir. J. Maccabiani, Business Unit Geo-engineering, Deltares - Enabling Delta(NL)
	Sustainable spatial development in the IJsseldata The river IJssel in the Netherlands is a major branch of the river Rhine, the 3rd largest river of Europe. It discharges its flows to the Lake IJsselmeer, which was a former sea (Zuiderzee) that was closed off in 1932 by a big dam (Afsluitdijk). The IJsseldelta is a low-lying area that is threatened by floods from both the river IJssel and from the Lake Ijsselmeer. This session handles sustainable development plan for the IJsseldelta area, with a strong focus on climate adaptation. Within this plan several spatial developments (housing, infrastructure, leisure, nature) are being combined and integrated, together with the construction of a so-called bypass of the river Ijssel Chair: A. Otten, Spatial Planning and Projects, Province of Overijssel (NL)
	Polders: sustainable solution in urban areas in South-East Asia, pilot Semarang, Indonesia Semarang City, Java, Indonesia, is sinking (relatively) due to ground water extraction and sea level rise to such an extent that a part of the city is already below sea level. Under the 4P-MoU between Indonesia and The Netherlands the effectiveness of the Dutch Polder principle for such situation is investigated. The project contains the technical elaboration/ design of the polder as well as the institutional part of the works and the public embedding. Implementation of the infrastructure and the installation of the operation institution is scheduled for 2010. The project is executed in co-operation with the local government of Semarang (to ensure implementation) and the central government of Indonesia to extend the principle to the other flood prone waterfront cities in Indonesia. The technical design is being financed by Partners for Water programme and the institutional component by VNG International. Speakers: J. Helmer, District Water Control Board of Scheiland and the Krimpenerwaard (NL) A. Kops, Consultant, Witteveen+Bos (NL)
	Planning, Urban Design and Water: Dutch Dialogues in New Orleans After hurricane Katrina the work to repair and upgrade the hurricane protection system is in full swing. The inundated neighborhoods are trying to get back up on their feet as well. To date, in some neighborhoods less than fifty per cent of the population has returned. A sound spatial plan is needed as to get these areas back up on their fee and water has to be a dominant element in this. Since 2006 Dutch urban planners, water managers and landscape architects have been involved to share Dutch best practices on developing a water plan. In this round table urban planning in the US in will be discussed as well as the Dutch involvement in developing a water plan. Moderator: D. Morris, Economic Advisor, Netherlands Embassy in Washington Speakers: P. Farmer, President of the American Planning Association (USA), D. Waggonner – Local planning in New Orleans after Katrina (USA), P. Dircke – Dutch Dialogues for a water plan in New Orleans (NL)
	IBM Global Innovation Outlook Water The preview of the results of the IBM Global Innovation Outlook Water, held in Amsterdam, November 2008. The final report will be ready in April 2009.
	IBM & Watermanagement In response to growing concerns over climate change and its potential impact on lowlying coastal regions IBM has established a Global Center of Excellence for Water Management in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and helps our public sector clients worldwide to develop enhanced prediction and protection systems for lowlying coastal areas and river deltas. By collaborating with partners and clients that have a global presence in water and energy related problems, we bring innovative perspectives the reach across ecosystems to solve problems none of us could have solved individually.
	Integrated field monitoring and modeling to support delta projects Speaker(s) to be announced, IAHR
18.00-19.00 hrs	Reception