Thesis research Thijs Hillebrand - approach

Execution

Integrated package or individual measures

Three different spatial measures were chosen within the showcase Yerseke. The impact of these spatial measures was expected to differ from each other due the different origins. However, the impacts of the three spatial measures were very similar; none of the spatial adaptation measures affects the selected indicators of economics and critical infrastructure. The outcome could however be different when assessing an integrated package of measures instead of individual ones. It is therefore important to realize when selecting measures that; the assessment of an integrated package of measures can result in other effects than the assessment of individual measures.

Impact Assessment brings parties together

A knowledge gap is existing between the concept of flood resilience and the decision-making process in which measures from the MLS approach are chosen and implemented. This knowledge gap between academic research and the decision-making process leads to measures which are not designed in accordance with the definition of flood resilience. So the different parties need to be connected to make sure that this gap does not appear anymore. The framework presented can bring agencies together to discuss the measures and link the opportunity of measures to other issues, to have more benefits and integrate society.

Difference in scale

The focus of this research was on several streets in the old centre of the village of Yerseke. As stated in the report these streets have almost no economic activity. This is why it was concluded that the three spatial measures do not appear to have any affect the economic activity in these streets and do not affect the critical infrastructure. However it is important to recognize that this is mainly due to the location and scale of the measures. It can therefore also be of importance to use the tool on a bigger scale and try to observe which effects will appear. This can result in other effects then when focusing on a smaller scale.