Antifragiele watersystemen: Watersystemen die kunnen meegroeien met de uitdagingen van de toekomst

In the Netherlands, a lot of work is carried to make the water system more future proof. The questions asked are: “what future”? Is that in 10, 20 or 100 years, and what are the future scenarios (KNMI)? And what does future proof suggest? That we are prepared for all conceivable dangers and that there will never be damage anymore? Future-proof now often leads to more robust and resilient water systems, but can they cope with uncertainties? In this study, we looked at the future in a unique way. A future that we do not know, but a future for which we can prepare. The concept of antifragility can play a key role. A concept that does not strive for “the final solution” but continuously learns from events and to which the system is adapted. This is not only a technological process but also requires a different approach to dealing with the dangers and opportunities of water. The concept of antifragility relates to the human being (water manager, user). The natural water system offers for instance optionality and redundancy, which promotes antifragile action. Antifragile water systems are not only resilient but grow with the challenges that are yet to come.