Governance and policies against floods and droughts in Hauts-de-France
On 24-26 September 2024, the Policy Learning Platform held an onsite peer review for the Hauts de France Region, which requested advice regarding their policy challenge on governance and policy strategies for greater regional climate resilience against floods and droughts.
Alongside Astrid Severin, Katharina Krell and Magda Michalikova, our Thematic Experts on ‘Greener Europe’, six excellent peers participated in the peer review:
- Rene Reisner, National Coordinator for the Green Transition, Ministry of Climate (Estonia)
- Miguel Fernandez Mejuto, Head of the Water Technologies Unit, Provincial Council of Alicante (Spain
- Kris de Craene, Head of Section Water Policy, West-Vlaanderen (Belgium
- André van de Straat, Senior Policy Advisor Water, Province of Zeeland (Netherlands)
- Lucy Shepherd, Flood and Water Manager, Essex County Council (UK)
- Rob van der Most, Coordinator Climate Adaptation, Delfland (Netherlands)
The floods in Pas-de-Calais at the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024 were a poignant reminder of the challenges posed by climate change and the need for concerted action to protect vulnerable populations and ecosystems. These floods created a trauma in the region and were the reason for this peer review.
Several recommendations and key outcomes were established as a result of the discussions and presentations of the peers.
- Policy is too often event-based; we need a long-term strategic approach.
- Policy decisions must be based on expertise and science.
- Policy approaches to climate risk must be holistic, span across silos, involve all levels & stakeholders
- Once the vision and high-level long-term strategy is developed, it requires a better, transformative management system to translate policies into impact (sustainability governance)
- Link all relevant strategies and policies together and work across sectors, departments, policy areas.
- Work with farmers and landowners – build collaborative networks, create value for agriculture
- Listen to the problems before you start sending your message
- Work with the communication department from the start
- Keep it simple - Be clear and consistent
- Survey local citizens to see what the current level of understanding of the issues is
- Visualise and share data, educate, network
- Involve local communities
- Develop nature-based solutions in addition to the existing infrastructure. Hybrid solutions are thought to be most resilient.
- Stress intrinsic value and advantages (advantages for people – flood protection, climate resilience, economic savings, health, biodiversity)
- Develop suitability maps (flood reduction, crop preference, etc.)
- Develop a Regional Nature Recovery Strategy and set targets
The host’s policy challenges, and all the peer suggestions will be available shortly in the follow-up report.
“It is unbelievable how much we have achieved during these three days spent with our European peers. I would like to meet the peers again in one year, to tell them what we did and how we have used the gift that they have given to us.”
Bertrand Coppin - Direction de l'eau et la biodiversité
We have been spending three intensive days, packed with rich experiences and knowledge. I can only recommend this peer review approach!”
Caroline Duriez - Direction Biodiversité
“It was a privilege to participate at the peer review for Hauts-de-France and I look forward to continuing the exchange of knowledge and best practices in climate adaptation across Europe.”
René Reisner - Ministry of Climate of Estonia
“I take home many interesting results from our inspiring peer review. Thank you all for a great experience! ”
Rob van der Most - Coordinator Climate Adaptation - Delfland
Peer review publication
Find more information on the methodology and experiences of previous beneficiaries in our publication.
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