for instance, take the form of dialogues on drought adaptation and could involve
discussions on impacts and possible solutions.
7.5.3 Mainstreaming Drought Risks and Preparedness
With an integrated central vision for Flanders, drought management could be
integrated in different environmental and related policies and could lead to a
multi-objective planning of VMM but also a guidance for collaboration between
Flemish Ministry of the Environment and Nature and other relevant ministries such
as the Flemish agricultural ministry. Furthermore, mainstreaming into private
actors’ activities is missing in Flanders. Based on risk communication to private
actors, the aim could be for a voluntary agreement or code of best practices for
drought adaptation within and between sectors. The willingness of some actors
seems to be possible. A requirement of drought contingency planning could initiate
a process in the water-relevant economic sectors. Companies of these sectors could
be required to prepare contingency plans for their operations during drought periods, thus increasing preparedness and reducing economic damage during drought
periods.
7.5.4 Engagement with Other Public Actors
The relationship with other relevant authorities at the Flanders political level, e.g.
with the Flemish Ministry of the Environment and Nature and the Flemish agricultural ministry could be improved by initiating further dialogues. A centralized
strategic vision could also help for the cooperation with other ministries. All large
Flemish rivers come from other regions. When addressing drought issues, the whole
river basin should be taken into account, because Flanders is depending on activities of the upstream regions. Especially, discussions with the neighbours Germany
and France should be focused. The discussion should take care of water quantity
and quality. The engagement of municipalities seems to decrease; interviewees do
not see it as a major problem due to the good connection between municipalities,
the district and provincial level. Nevertheless, the impact of the disengagement
cannot be foreseen at the moment; therefore we suggest observing the consequences
this has on water management over time. Furthermore, the municipalities should be
involved in the local showcases which are implemented on the ground and are also
kept on board of the drought management process.
156
J. Tröltzsch et al.
discussions on impacts and possible solutions.
7.5.3 Mainstreaming Drought Risks and Preparedness
With an integrated central vision for Flanders, drought management could be
integrated in different environmental and related policies and could lead to a
multi-objective planning of VMM but also a guidance for collaboration between
Flemish Ministry of the Environment and Nature and other relevant ministries such
as the Flemish agricultural ministry. Furthermore, mainstreaming into private
actors’ activities is missing in Flanders. Based on risk communication to private
actors, the aim could be for a voluntary agreement or code of best practices for
drought adaptation within and between sectors. The willingness of some actors
seems to be possible. A requirement of drought contingency planning could initiate
a process in the water-relevant economic sectors. Companies of these sectors could
be required to prepare contingency plans for their operations during drought periods, thus increasing preparedness and reducing economic damage during drought
periods.
7.5.4 Engagement with Other Public Actors
The relationship with other relevant authorities at the Flanders political level, e.g.
with the Flemish Ministry of the Environment and Nature and the Flemish agricultural ministry could be improved by initiating further dialogues. A centralized
strategic vision could also help for the cooperation with other ministries. All large
Flemish rivers come from other regions. When addressing drought issues, the whole
river basin should be taken into account, because Flanders is depending on activities of the upstream regions. Especially, discussions with the neighbours Germany
and France should be focused. The discussion should take care of water quantity
and quality. The engagement of municipalities seems to decrease; interviewees do
not see it as a major problem due to the good connection between municipalities,
the district and provincial level. Nevertheless, the impact of the disengagement
cannot be foreseen at the moment; therefore we suggest observing the consequences
this has on water management over time. Furthermore, the municipalities should be
involved in the local showcases which are implemented on the ground and are also
kept on board of the drought management process.
156
J. Tröltzsch et al.