Lessons Learned
Although the project is still under development, a number of lessons have already been learned from the project, on the process as well as on the flood protection scheme.
Process
The structure to include all relevant parties in the process has the benefit that public and private parties will complement each other. If the parties are sufficiently motivated, this structure will lead within a short time to a creative and solid plan with broad support. Creativity tends to be enhanced in a positive process with people from different backgrounds, although it may take more time, especially due to cultural differences.
In the beginning of the project, creating commitment is the most important issue, later on a clear distribution of roles and responsibilities becomes more important.
Apart from stakeholder involvement, participation of the public is key to the success of a complex project like this. Continuous communication on the progress, also via personal contacts, has led to broad commitment of the public to the Perkpolder project.
A properly designed cost-benefit analysis, taking a sufficiently wide and long-term perspective, proved very effective to create commitment and help decision making, especially in the public sector.
Flood protection
The Perkpolder flood protection scheme is expected to be successful because it is integrated within the regional development plan. A flood protection plan can have major environmental impacts (space claims, view, groundwater table, etc.), but if it is integrated in a multi-functional framework, it may work out positively. In the Perkpolder case, landfills and new nature areas will enable creating exclusive residential units in an attractive environment.