Adaptation to the changing climate: time to intensify efforts Local authorities are key partners Mr. Luc Martens Chairman of the Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities Mayor of the city of Roeselare

VVSG - This presentation Present action local authorities Private domain Public domain What is needed to intensify the efforts

VVSG - Present action – private domain Use of rainwater for garden, toilet, washing machine (extra storage of water and saving of drinking water) Compulsory for new building Green roofs Possible choice Antwerp – 1th of January 2011 Compulsory for every new building Division of rainwater and sewage Compulsory for new buildings Compulsory for existing buildings if a seperate sewer system is built in the public domain Infiltration of rainwater on private domain Compulsory where possible

VVSG - Present action – private domain Region (Flanders): environmental and building rules communication and sensibilisation Local authorities building rules more in detail environmental and building permits communication and sensibilisation Every permit/plan has to be tested on its consequences for the watersystem

VVSG - Present action - private domain sources Igemo and city of Overpelt

VVSG - Present action - public domain Separate sewer systems Adapting the code for designing of sewer systems (by different stakeholders within the CIW (commission for integrated water policy) Higher security Adaptable security & no regret measures Matching the models for water courses and sewer systems Water courses Restoration Extra storage of water Use the technical conditions in urban design to visualise water

VVSG - Present action - public domain Pas aan bij: Invoegen / Koptekst en Voettekst Water storage – Roeselare (source: city of Roeselare) Sustainable district – De Vloei – Ieper – supported by Future Cities (source: WVI) Water storage – Frilinglei Brasschaat (source: city of Brasschaat)

VVSG - Present action - public domain Lage Kouter Wevelgem (source WVI) Restoration brooks (source CIW)

VVSG - What is needed to intensify the efforts Applied scientific research Projections for the future How to cope with uncertainties – ‘no regret’ adaptation Translation to measures Measures in private and public domain Combination of small and large scale measures Combination of technical demands and urban design – integrated planning Coöperation as partners keeping the river basin in mind: Local, regional and national authorities European Union Scientific and private sector Economic returns of innovation

VVSG - What is needed to intensify the efforts Local authorities are key partners in integrated planning Difference in capacity of local authorities Do support, don’t overrule Supporting framework no rigid rules but room for custommade solutions Support the exchange of experiences (at all levels: EU, national, regional, subregional, river basin/water course based and local) Conferences Website Common research en development Financial resources Tailor made support in finding the resources Regional funds to pre-finance the start of European projects by local authorities in participation with other stakeholders

VVSG - What is needed to intensify efforts Local authorities must provide custommade solutions and need custommade support Pas aan bij: Invoegen / Koptekst en Voettekst

VVSG - See also CEMR statements Resolution on financing local and regional climate actions, CEMR Policy Committee, Oslo, 3 June _financing_climate_EN.pdf CEMR key points on climate change, CEMR response to the Green Paper “Adapting to climate change in Europe, options for EU action”, COM(2007) 354, November

VVSG - They already adapted … Source: Metro,

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