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Hydraulic engineering in the social-ecological delta: understanding the interplay between social, ecological, and technological systems in the Dutch delta by means of “delta trajectories”

M. V. Staveren,J. Tatenhove

Published 2016 in Ecology and Society

ABSTRACT

Several of the world's largest deltas have recently been conceptualized as social-ecological delta systems. Although such conceptualizations are valuable in emphasizing complex interaction between social actors and ecological processes in deltas, they do not go into specific dynamics that surround technological developments in the hydraulic domain. By drawing from concepts originating in socio-technical systems research, we stress the importance of technology, particularly the domain of hydraulic engineering, in shaping a delta’s future. Based on two geographically distinct cases of flood management infrastructure in the Dutch delta, we demonstrate the influence of existing hydraulic works, in mutual interaction with social responses and environmental processes, on the development of the congregated delta system over time. The delta trajectory concept is introduced as a way to understand the interplay between social, ecological, and technological systems in deltas. We discuss options to realign unsustainable pathways with more desirable ones. Adaptive delta management presents a policy environment where these messages may be picked up.

PUBLICATION RECORD

  • Publication year

    2016

  • Venue

    Ecology and Society

  • Publication date

    2016-01-14

  • Fields of study

    Sociology, Computer Science, Engineering, Environmental Science

  • Identifiers
    DOI 10.5751/ES-08168-210108
  • External record

    Open on Semantic Scholar

  • Source metadata

    Semantic Scholar

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