Under the leadership of Tom den Boer, we have launched a new participatory process to develop a comprehensive program addressing water safety, public spaces, and other challenges in Durgerdam.

On behalf of the Water Board Hollands Noorderkwartier, in 2017, Hans van Zijst and Tom den Boer did a second opinion on the participation process surrounding the dike reinforcement in Durgerdam (a part of the Markermeer Dike on Amsterdam's territory).

A significant portion of the Markermeer dikes had been rejected, and measures were needed to bring water safety back to the norm, including in picturesque Durgerdam (RO status: ‘protected village view’). We advised to repeat the participation process in Durgerdam. The executive board of the water authority adopted this recommendation.

Based on discussions with residents and other stakeholders, we have drafted a participation plan. The plan has been approved by the relevant authorities (the water board, the province, and the municipality). Subsequently, under the leadership of Tom den Boer, a new participatory process was launched to develop a comprehensive program addressing water safety, public space, and other challenges in Durgerdam. That program was officially approved at the end of 2018 and is now being implemented.