Towards Integrated Climate Adaptation: A Study on the Collaboration between the Water Authority and Municipalities

Abstract

The success of climate adaptation largely depends on the integration of climate adaptation into other policy domains, what is referred to as climate adaptation mainstreaming. In literature, the role of water authorities in climate adaptation (mainstreaming) has remained underinvestigated. However, given the increasing importance of integrated land and water management in the face of climate change, understanding the dynamics of collaboration between water authorities and municipalities is crucial. Therefore, this study aims to understand better how water authorities and municipalities collaborate for adaptation mainstreaming and how this can be improved. Specifically, the research focuses on the municipal climate adaptation strategy, the process of collaboration, and several policy instruments that water authorities can use to promote climate adaptation further. The theoretical lens combines insights from the literature on mainstreaming, policy integration, multi-level governance, formal and informal stakeholder interaction, and policy instruments. These concepts are used as a guideline for the analysis and expert interviews.

The case study focuses on the Hoogheemraadschap De Stichtse Rijnlanden (HDSR). It employs three data collection methods: desk research, expert interviews with employees from 12 municipalities within HDSR's area, and a reflection session with HDSR's climate adaptation programme team. The results show that the water authority seeks additional collaboration with municipalities to implement necessary climate adaptation measures. Yet, municipalities often view current collaboration levels as sufficient, perceiving the implementation of measures as their responsibility. This can lead to tensions between both executive authorities, making it ambiguous how collaboration should be structured. Despite these challenges, both parties recognise the water authority’s expertise in water management and its potential to contribute through knowledge sharing and funding. Knowledge sharing occurs directly between both parties but primarily through the Network Water & Climate, a collaboration involving the water authority, municipalities and the province. For financing, the water authority has an impulse arrangement through which it contributes to climate adaptation measures, among other initiatives. This contribution is appreciated. However, larger municipalities have less need for this support, while smaller municipalities without their own budgets cannot take advantage of this. Additionally, there is a need for support for green/heat measures that municipalities currently cannot access through the water authority. Lastly, municipalities see value in additional regulations for climate adaptation but do not seek these from the water authority. They prioritise alignment between regulations issued by different governmental bodies.

The interactions between both authorities are predominantly informal, personal, and ad hoc. Therefore, the extent to which climate adaptation is considered depends on the individual. Accordingly, mainstreaming climate adaptation can be better ensured through more structured contact, where plans are discussed to identify collaboration opportunities and areas where alignment is needed to avoid misunderstandings. Whether this interaction should become more formal remains questionable, as doing so could hinder further collaboration. Regardless, being informed about each other’s plans is crucial for better collaboration and improved mainstreaming of climate adaptation.