The Scheldt Delta, technically an estuary, has been continuously reshaped over millions of years. Climate shifts, rising sea levels, and changing river courses have long challenged both the region and its inhabitants. For thousands of years, this delta has functioned as a living laboratory, where people have constantly adapted to fluctuations in temperature and sea level. Water has always been both a threat and a lifeline. This dynamic remains relevant today, and likely for decades to come, as the delta ranks eighth among the world’s most vulnerable regions to climate change, due to its population density, low elevation, and economic activity.
It’s clear that we face major climate challenges. Heavy rainfall and prolonged droughts are no longer exceptions. Recent studies project a sea level rise of 2 to 3 meters by the year 2100. By looking to the past, we gain insights into how to face the climate challenges of today and tomorrow. More importantly, it puts things into perspective, motivates action, and inspires us to adapt on the tides of time and climate. Because one thing is certain: the landscape we call home will continue to change.
How we should adapt is exactly what we aim to explore through the ‘Climate Living Lab Schelde Delta’.
Through education, workshops and events, we join forces with a wide range of partners to reveal the traces left in the landscape — and how land, sea, people and water have evolved in a constantly changing climate.
By looking back, we gain a clearer view of the future. And through doing, we learn, for ourselves and for other deltas around the world, how this knowledge influences the choices we make today. The battle against water becomes a way of living with water.
There’s a difference between a delta and an estuary. In a delta, the river dominates — carrying fresh water and sediment towards the sea. In an estuary, the sea has a strong influence far inland, with salt water and tidal movement shaping the landscape. The Schelde Delta is, in fact, an estuary. Curious to learn more? Read our blog about estuaries!
In 2017, the idea of the Schelde Delta Geopark as a Climate Living Lab was born — a global showcase for resilience and adaptation. The delta region ranks number 8 among the world’s most vulnerable areas to climate change, due to its low elevation, dense population, and economic activity. Want to know more about the origins of our Geopark? Read the full story in this blog!