About LIFE UrbanAdapt

LIFE Urban Adapt is working on:

An increased risk of flooding due to intensive rainfall and rising sea water levels.
Elevated temperatures caused by the urban heat island effect (UHI).
Damage to flora and fauna on land and in water.

ROTTERDAM

Our climate is changing. As a world port city in the Dutch delta, Rotterdam will notice the effects of this. The sea level is rising, which will eventually have consequences for the safety of our dykes. River discharges will become more extreme, increasing the risk of flooding and thus increasing the risk of casualties and (economic) damage. Very intensive rain showers will also occur more often, which the current sewer system can no longer handle and that will lead to water on the streets and other nuisances. At the same time, the chance of prolonged periods of drought and heat increases, which can affect the liveability of the city.
Rotterdam is a forerunner in the field of climate adaptation and in 2001 was the first major European city with an EU-approved climate strategy. The elaboration of this strategy is already visible in several small-scale public locations, such as the water squares.
From 2013, the Rotterdam Adaptation Strategy (RAS) will chart the course along which we will adapt to climate change. Implementation of measures in the city is progressing steadily, but in order to make great strides, climate adaptation must be integrated on a larger scale. This requires commitment not only from the municipality, but also from residents, companies and other social organisations.

EU & CLIMATE CHANGE

To protect the European economy and society from the negative effects of climate change, the EU is looking for sustainable solutions that can contribute to this. That is why the importance of urban adaptation strategies is high on the European policy agenda. Rotterdam is known as a front runner in the field of climate adaptation and was the first major European city with an established adaptation strategy. This complex process requires good cooperation with all relevant stakeholders, where mutual interests are sought and found to implement effective climate adaptation measures together. LIFE Urban Adapt wants to show the potential of this participatory approach for implementing urban climate adaptation strategies and measures. Click here for more information about the European LIFE program.

News

First floating homes in Nassauhaven

April 15, 2020

On 15 April, six Havenlofts were placed in the Nassauhaven. These are the first six water houses of the eighteen that will be in the Nassauhaven in total this year. The floating houses in the harbor are extra special because they move with the ebb and flow. That means a difference of 1.5 to 2 meters twice a day….

Sharing knowledge: study visit World Bank

October 10, 2019

As part of a World Bank study tour with the theme 'Nature Based Solutions', a delegation of different nationalities visited a few projects in Rotterdam. The delegation consisted of government officials from Albania, Georgia, Ghana, Liberia, Romania and representatives of the World Bank working on various WB coastal programs such as the West Africa Coastal Areas Management Program…

TIDES PARK: Oever Nassauhaven ready

July 2, 2019

The Nassauhaven is turning into a place with floating homes and a nature-friendly bank. The bank will be ready on 3 July and the mooring posts will be driven for eighteen Havenlofts. This festive moment is celebrated with residents from the neighborhood and the future residents of the Havenlofts. Wet and dry feet To get more nature in…

ZOHO: expert table presents advice

17 May 2019

On Monday evening, May 13, 2019, the Expertise Table presented its advice to the Neighborhood Community Agniesebuurt (the Wijkraad, Municipality of Rotterdam, HHSK or Havensteder). The Expertise Table has set to work with the wishes, requirements and criteria that exist when it comes to new sewage systems (waste water) and the prevention of nuisance caused by (rain) water. These points are…

Visit NEEMO Rotterdam

9 May 2019

On 9 May, the LIFE organization paid another visit to Rotterdam to examine the progress of the Urban Adapt project. In the morning, NEEMO and partners were updated about the current projects: ZoHo and the tidal park in the Nassauhaven. Two possible new locations were also discussed, with which the impact…

Last plants natural shore Nassauhaven

April 24, 2019

At the beginning of this summer, the last plants will be planted in the natural-friendly bank. The previously placed planting was applied in 2018 on the part between the two bridges. All plants that can withstand the effects of ebb and flow and brackish water. Under the supervision of the municipal urban ecologist, it has been established that these plants are taking off well….