The Program Manager of Delta Alliance, Mr. Wim van Driel, attended the DeltaNet International Conference ‘Impacts of Global Change on Deltas, Estuaries and Coastal Lagoons - Research, observation and management’, in the Ebro Delta, Catalonia, Spain, from June 6-10, 2011.

DeltaNet is a network of European deltas and estuaries. During the conference it was decided that Delta Alliance and DeltaNet will explore possibilities for closer cooperation with the final aim to connect the DeltaNet network in one way or another to the Delta Alliance network. Some individual deltas have also expressed interest in joining Delta Alliance. The ‘Comparative assessment of the vulnerability and resilience of 10 deltas’ study was presented by Mr. Tom Bucx (co-author, Deltares) and discussed.

DeltaNet is a network of European deltas and estuaries funded by the European Union.  The principal objective of DeltaNet is to set up a learning and policy network of European delta regions. Eight deltas in seven countries are taking part in this project:

Some of these deltas have expressed interest in joining Delta Alliance. 

The European delta regions are geographically sensitive areas sharing many similar characteristics, problems and challenges. The delta and estuarine regions are faced with a dynamic development and are often characterized by both high density of population and economic activities, and natural and cultural heritage values. The many spatial and economic demands often threaten sustainable development. Delta regions are becoming a laboratory where different stakeholders, regions and countries are working together to achieve a sustainable spatial, economic and social development The planned exchange of best practices activities are organised around 5 successive sub-themes: (1) Integrated delta approach, (2) Flood & sediment management, (3) Environmental healthy deltas, and (4) Delta awareness. The 5th phase of activities will gather the results of the sub-themes and integrate them into a Sustainable Coordinated Delta Policy (5). Global climate change and energy scarcity will be integrated in these themes.