The EU Interreg North-Sea co-funded project STORM_SAFE was officially launched on the 29th to the 31st of January 2024 by all partners in The Hague, The Netherlands. We reflected on project objectives and had a lively discussion on the first steps of our journey to the strenghtening of our resilience in response to the rising frequency of extreme weather events.
CIO Ron Kolkman
Strenghtening "Resilience"
At the start of the kick-off, Rijkswaterstaat CIO (Chief Information Officer) Ron Kolkman welcomed all the participants, emphasizing the importance of continuing to strive for a strengthening of our “Resilience” in response to the rising frequency of extreme weather events, particularly in the context of water safety and compliance under the Water Act.
This alignment with the EU ambition for a Robust Resilience, the urgency and relevance of the STORM_SAFE project was echoed by the EU Interreg North Sea Joint Secretariat, Project Officer, Jesper Jönssen.
Haringvliet Barrier
Active discussions, reviews and field visits
We took time to review the project objectives and engaged in active discussions as to the next steps of our journey to increasing this digital resilience of crucial water infrastructure in the North Sea region. These two days were marked by the compelling keynote speakers, interactive workshops, valuable insights, and a site visit to the Offshore Expertise Centre (tour guided by Robert Keupers and Diane Dorreboom from Rijkswaterstaat) and the Haringvliet Barrier – with the weather Gods in our favour releasing a storm to view the crucial purpose of this vital water infrastructure. Our emphasis was on building on the existing and embracing the new relationships and in so doing, continue to anchor the foundations of this dedicated, knowledge rich and productive partnership over the next 4 years.
Unique collaboration of expert’s peers
The Launch Event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders. The agenda illustrated the tenacious desire to foster this unique collaboration of expert’s peers in the arena of Software Reliability of Storm Surge Barriers and other Vital Infrastructure in the Water sector in the North Sea Region.
Meike van Ginneken, Water Envoy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Program Director for Climate Adaptation & Water International
Keynote address Meike van Ginneken
In her keynote address, Meike van Ginneken - Water Envoy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Program Director for Climate Adaptation & Water International - shared important insights of the Dutch international program under her lead, which highlighted the synergies and provided a broader context for the STORM_SAFE project, within the landscape of Climate Adaptation, Water and Safety management.
Partner pitches
Partner pitches
The remainder of the program included engaging presentations in the form of "Partner Pitches," allowing participants to delve into and share their valuable knowledge and expertise in the project Work Packages and initiate discussions on the diverse cases and pilots. The session, facilitated by Yigal Levin, affirmed the consensus of the available collaborative opportunities. Participants immersed themselves in focused group discussions categorized into four groups, each addressing specific Work Packages (WPs) ranging from practical approaches to policy improvements.
Signing of STORM_SAFE Partnership Agreement
Signing STORM_SAFE Partnership Agreement
The event concluded with the ceremonial signing of the STORM_SAFE Partnership Agreement by the Steering Group, giving the “green light” for the project's 4-year implementation.
Now, the STORM_SAFE project has officially taken off and everyone involved can look back on three days filled with enthusiasm, ambition, great questions, and time to get to know each other more. A great foundation for collaboration was established, which will only grow stronger over the next years.