Both the National Climate Adaptation Strategy (NAS) and the Delta Programme (DP) agree on climate adaptation goals. Climate adaptation is only partly enshrined in law, namely in the Delta Programme, which is part of the Delta Act (that is posited in the Water Act). The Delta Act is designed to protect the country from risks associated with sea level rise, soil subsidence, drier periods and extreme rainfall. It established the following (so-called 5 Dutch Ds together with the Delta Act): the Delta Programme, Delta Fund, Delta Commissioner, and Delta Decisions.
The Delta Programme (DP) has an overall target for the Netherlands to be “climate-proof and water robust by 2050”. In order to achieve this is is separated into 3 national sub-programmes focused on water-related risk management:
- DP Flood risk management (DPV) focuses on proper protection against flooding from the major rivers and sea
- DP Spatial adaptation (DPRA) focuses on climate-resilient spatial planning, e.g. protection against heat stress
- DP Freshwater supply (DPZW) focuses on issues such as low river discharge, and the growing risk of freshwater shortages in the summer
The Delta Act stipulates that a Delta Programme is created every year and is presented to the Parliament annually on Prinsjesdag, the state opening of Parliament in September. DP2011 was the first to be created. DP2024, titled “Now for later”, was presented on Prinsjesdag in September 2023, and centred around . Here, the Delta Commissioner called for better preparation for flooding, drought, and heat, stating that climate change is continuing, and that its effects can already be felt. The Delta Commissioner also shared his concern whether there is enough money set aside in the Delta Fund until 2050 to implement the measures in the national Delta Programme.
The Delta Fund provides the financial foundation to plan and operate the Delta Programme, with the budget allocated by the Cabinet.
The Delta Commissioner is in charge of the Delta Programme. The Commissioner is responsible for
- Making and submitting an annual proposal of the Delta Programme to co-ordinating members and other members of the administration involved with the Programme
- Promoting consultation with stakeholders (administrative bodies, business community and civil society organisations) and bringing involved parties together horizontally (within the Kingdom) and vertically (between various tiers of government)
- Monitoring, reporting and advising co-ordinating members and members of administration on the implementation progress of the Delta Programme.
- The final political responsibility of the Delta Programme lies with the coordinating Minister of the Infrastructure and the Environment, to whom the Delta Commissioner reports
