The Atelierdag Grenzeloos Weerbaar Waterland, organized by Architecture Workroom Brussels in collaboration with JCAR ATRACE, brought together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to explore cross-border cooperation on water resilience.
Water Challenges Without Borders
A central theme throughout the day was that challenges such as drought, extreme rainfall, and water quality do not stop at national borders. In regions where Flanders and the Netherlands are closely connectedthrough shared water systems, this interdependence is particularly visible. Rivers such as the Mark and the Aa of Weerijs / Kleine Aa connect Flanders with the Netherlands. Retaining water upstream could possibly help address drought, while also contributing to flood safety downstream. Addressing these challenges therefore calls for a shared commitment and ongoing coordination across borders.
Exchange of Knowledge and Perspectives
During the morning sessions, speakers highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration. Contributions included:
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Opening and programme introduction by Bram Vandemoortel (Workroom)
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The importance of cross-border cooperation by Jozef van Brussel (Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Waterstaat)
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A programme update by Kymo Slager (JCAR ATRACE)
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Insights on stress tests and sponge targets by Patrick Willems and Simon Nollet (KU Leuven)
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The role of the Vlaamse Blue Deal for local coalitions by Filip Raymaekers (Vlaamse Milieumaatschappij) and Liesbeth Gellinck (Vlaamse Landmaatschappijk)
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Preliminary conclusions from the area exploration by Bram Vandemoortel and Francis Schoups (Workroom)
Research presented during the day also addressed differences between Belgium and the Netherlands in managing hydrological extremes and explored what both countries can learn from each other. In the afternoon, participants engaged in breakout sessions, exploring possible cross-border coalitions for joint (applied) research on flood and drought mitigating measures in selected river basins.
A Shared Responsibility
The day highlighted the growing momentum for collaboration across borders. Ongoing initiatives include river restoration projects along the Mark and Kleine Aa, joint efforts to address drought in sandy regions, and shared stress tests within JCAR ATRACE.
The main message is that Flanders and the Netherlands are deeply interconnected through a single water system, which means they also share the responsibility of shaping a climate-resilient future together. Several concrete opportunities for cross-border collaboration have already been identified, highlighting the potential to build on the current momentum in a meaningful way.
