News

Food security in countries affected by conflict is not only determined by what happens within their borders. New research calculating a composite drought risk shows that international trade plays an important role: it can reduce local drought problems, but also brings new risks.

At the Hoeve Lotmeer farm in Anna Paulowna, the Zoetwaterboeren project has implemented and tested both a circular water system and a drainage water purification system. In this project, we collaborated with the arable farmer, Wageningen University & Research (WUR), research center Vertify, and installer Pipelife.

In Dikwa, Nigeria, thousands of displaced families are hit by severe flooding each rainy season. In July 2024, heavy rainfall damaged more than 260 shelters and affected over 4,400 people. Working with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Deltares analysed how water moves through 17 camps for internally displaced persons and which drainage solutions can best reduce these risks. The models reveal the main bottlenecks, and the improvements that can make an immediate difference.

Climate change poses an increasing threat to millions of people living in coastal cities worldwide. By 2100, more than 97 million people could face an expanded risk of flooding. Traditional models rely heavily on local measurements, which are often lacking in vulnerable areas, especially in the Global South.

Deltares, the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) and Rijkswaterstaat have jointly announced that their proposal for the intelligent Modelling Lab for Weather, Climate and Water (iML-WKW) has been approved as part of the Facilities for Applied Research (FTO) scheme.

The Deltares proposal for future-proofing hydraulic experimental facilities in GOLFTOP has been approved under the Facilities for Applied Research (FTO) scheme. Over a five-year period €10 million will be invested in making Deltares' wave and flow basins more innovative.

The Dutch river area is vulnerable. The river nature is deteriorating, weather conditions are becoming ever more extreme, and rivers are important transport links. To improve natural resilience, hard riverbanks will be made natural again where possible. The first nature-friendly riverbank defences will be tested in the Deltares Delta Flume in November.

COP30 is taking place in Brazil. This is the largest global United Nations event for discussions and negotiations on climate change. As world leaders gather, the need for climate action is more important than ever to keep the Paris Agreement alive. Deltares echoes the calls for climate action and implementation. Although not on-site this time, we will be present at several sessions over the coming days, focusing on a range of topics and featuring several programmes.

Cities face a major challenge: how to adapt to a changing climate, reduce harmful emissions and create a sustainable and just future for all? Deltares has published two new papers with insights for cities on how to make smart choices for a climate resilient future. We aim to provide practical tools to support decision makers.

Bregje van Wesenbeeck has been appointed as professor Nature-based Solutions for flood risk and climate adapation at the TU Delft.

What is the effect of a shallow foreshore on wave overtopping in hydraulic engineering structures? Deltares is investigating this under the leadership of coastal engineering expert Menno de Ridder. In a test setup in the Deltares experimental facilities, he is testing whether a shallow foreshore can break waves before they reach a breakwater. This could be a climate-adaptive measure that helps engineers and hydraulic engineers design resilient infrastructure.

Deltares has published the final Activity Plan SITO Institute Grant 2026. The Activity Plan outlines the main features of the Strategic Research that Deltares will carry out in 2026.