The conference ‘Deltas in Times of Climate Change’ will be held in Rotterdam, from 29 September - 1 October 2010. You are cordially invited to join this conference to discuss the most recent scientific insights, to share best practices and to create effective international networks. Registration for this conference is now open.

At this conference, researchers will exchange the latest scientific insights on topics such as flood risk management, salt water intrusion and governance. In addition, sessions will be organised by and for policy makers, senior political officials, the business community and practitioners. Panels of leading figures from the political and business communities will discuss subjects such as international cooperation and financing mechanisms for adaptation.

Two networks are central to this conference. The first is Delta Alliance, which will be launched during this conference. The second network is Connecting Delta Cities. It aims to share best practices between delta cities. Celebrating its second anniversary, it will organise sessions to plan for further cooperation together with the C40 (a group of the world’s largest cities committed to tackling climate change). These networks will link scientists, experts and policymakers, strengthen international cooperation and offer opportunities to develop innovative delta management techniques.

Finally the conference will offer an opportunity for Water Mondiaal, the Dutch program for international cooperation on water management in delta areas, to further elaborate its program in close cooperation with its partners.

Main goals

The three main goals of the conference are:

1. Exchange of up-to-date top science on climate change and delta planning. Discussions in parallel sessions will focus on themes such as: flood risk management, salt water intrusion and fresh water supply, climate in urban areas, health, governance and economics.
2. Strengthening of international cooperation between deltas and delta cities
   By building networks such as Connecting Delta Cities and the Delta Alliance powerful platforms can be developed to share knowledge and experience and draw attention to the needs of deltas under climate change.
3. Exploring and strengthening the links between science, policy and practitioners
   Bridging the gap between science and practice is a prerogative for climate proofing deltas. Cooperative efforts between scientists and practitioners can foster innovations.

Hosts

The conference is hosted by two Dutch Research Programmes, Climate changes Spatial Planning and Knowledge for Climate, and the City of Rotterdam and is supported by C40 Large Cities Climate Leadership Group (a group of the world's largest cities committed to tackling climate change).

Registration

You can register for this conference at www.climatedeltaconference.org.