The Dutch dominant perspective on water; an exploration of present and future support

Offermans, Astrid; Vreugdenhil, H.S.I.; Valkering, Pieter

The Dutch dominant perspective on water; an exploration of present and future support

Journal article (2012)

Authors

Astrid Offermans Universiteit Maastricht

H.S.I. Vreugdenhil Policy Analysis -

Pieter Valkering Universiteit Maastricht

Research Group

Policy Analysis () (TU Delft)

Social support Sustainable water management Perspectives on water Social robustness perspective change

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http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:78a7e1aa-f17d-4440-9ee7-8256470da8da

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Published Date

2012

Language

English

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Faculty

Technology, Policy and Management

Department

Multi Actor Systems

Research Group

Policy Analysis

Abstract

To implement or continue water management strategies social support is needed. Social support highly depends on people's perspectives on water. However, these perspectives are not static and may change over time leading to changes in social support for strategies. Therefore, sustainable water management strategies should be robust. Robust strategies are able to cope with changing social and environmental developments. Lacking robustness runs the risk of losing social support, which may force policymakers into sudden or expensive measures. We use the Perspectives Method to analyze the present Dutch policy perspective and the dominant perspective on water among Dutch water professionals, by respectively studying the Dutch Delta report and questionnaire outputs and distinguishing between Hierarchical, Egalitarian, Individualistic and Fatalistic perspectives. A comparison between the policy and professional perspective shows similarities and differences. Topics regarding drought, water supply, and waters’ relation to spatial planning need serious reconsideration to guarantee enough present and future social support to implement the measures suggested in the policy report.