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Understanding Flood Governance in the Dutch‐Flemish Scheldt Estuary: An Evolutionary Governance Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Corinne Vitale

    (Nijmegen School of Management, Radboud University, The Netherlands)

  • Ann Crabbé

    (Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change, University of Antwerp, Belgium)

  • Sander Meijerink

    (Nijmegen School of Management, Radboud University, The Netherlands)

  • Cory Fletcher

    (Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change, University of Antwerp, Belgium)

  • Mafaziya Nijamdeen

    (Department of Environmental Sciences, Open University, The Netherlands)

  • Mark Wiering

    (Nijmegen School of Management, Radboud University, The Netherlands)

Abstract

This article presents a comparative account of the evolution of flood governance in the Dutch (Western Scheldt) and Flemish (Sea Scheldt) regions of the Scheldt estuary through the lens of evolutionary governance theory. Evolutionary governance theory is based on three assumptions: governance is continuously evolving, change is contingent, and discourses are drivers of change. Employing a comparative research design and secondary data analysis, this study examines how institutional, material, and discursive factors, goals, path dependencies, and interdependencies have shaped flood risk governance and influenced the integration of nature conservation goals alongside traditional flood safety objectives. While dike reinforcement prioritizes flood safety, integrated strategies—such as transitional polders and dike setbacks—aim to balance flood protection with ecological restoration. This is particularly pertinent in the Scheldt estuary, where ecological degradation has raised concerns regarding the long‐term loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. A significant challenge in transforming the governance of the estuary is anticipating long‐term risks while pursuing ecological and flood safety objectives. Through a longitudinal cross‐case comparison, this study identifies barriers to the adoption of nature‐based solutions in flood risk management. The findings emphasize the need for a more integrated approach that aligns flood safety and nature conservation development policies for resilient and long‐term climate solutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Corinne Vitale & Ann Crabbé & Sander Meijerink & Cory Fletcher & Mafaziya Nijamdeen & Mark Wiering, 2025. "Understanding Flood Governance in the Dutch‐Flemish Scheldt Estuary: An Evolutionary Governance Perspective," Ocean and Society, Cogitatio Press, vol. 2.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:ocesoc:v2:y:2025:a:10330
    DOI: 10.17645/oas.10330
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Raoul Beunen & Kristof Van Assche & Monica Gruezmacher, 2022. "Evolutionary Perspectives on Environmental Governance: Strategy and the Co-Construction of Governance, Community, and Environment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-18, August.
    2. E. Slobbe & H. Vriend & S. Aarninkhof & K. Lulofs & M. Vries & P. Dircke, 2013. "Building with Nature: in search of resilient storm surge protection strategies," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 66(3), pages 1461-1480, April.
    3. E. Slobbe & H. Vriend & S. Aarninkhof & K. Lulofs & M. Vries & P. Dircke, 2013. "Building with Nature: in search of resilient storm surge protection strategies," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 65(1), pages 947-966, January.
    4. Ali Hussein Samadi & Masoumeh Alipourian, 2021. "Institutions and Institutional Change: Concepts and Theories," Contributions to Economics, in: Nezameddin Faghih & Ali Hussein Samadi (ed.), Dynamics of Institutional Change in Emerging Market Economies, pages 107-132, Springer.
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