26 May 2025, 19.00-21.00, followed by a reception

Aula Group T, GT 00.2.02, Andreas Vesaliusstraat 13, Leuven

(in Dutch)

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Climate change increases the likelihood of both prolonged periods of drought and intense rainfall and flooding. Due to its high population density, urbanisation and urban sprawl, and strong focus on draining excess water, Flanders is particularly vulnerable to these climate changes. Water management needs to be adjusted to better prepare society for the risks posed by alternating water shortages and flooding. The floods of 2023 and 2024, the flash floods of July 2021 and the dry summers of 2018-2020 and 2022 have once again highlighted the urgency of this issue.

There is currently a great deal of research, consultation and action underway within the water sector. Through intensive cooperation between experts such as hydrologists, hydraulic engineers, soil scientists, ecologists, geographers and geologists, in-depth analyses of water management issues have been carried out in Flanders in recent years, resulting in solution-oriented recommendations. However, more is needed to implement this advice. It requires a change in behaviour on the part of citizens, businesses and public authorities as well as guidance on that behaviour. This includes a well-considered pricing policy, appropriate legislation and better coordination with spatial planning, land management, agriculture and food supply, to name but a few.

LIAS brought together several experts with expertise in behavioural and communication sciences, public administration, history, economics, law, spatial planning, agriculture and land management. They formulated a position paper with recommendations.

Programme 

• Presentation of the position paper Water - scarcity and nuisance
  • on behalf of the working group: Patrick Willems and Flore Vavourakis
• Response from policymakers and civil society
• Q&A with the audience

Moderator: Ann De Bie