One of the challenges of the North Sea Region is to mitigate and ameliorate the anticipated social and economic consequences of climate change. The development of traditional water management plans and the implementation of water retention facilities can provide a solution to extreme high water and droughts. These are very costly solutions mainly paid by the tax payer.A sound water management and good quality water can on the other hand generate multiple economic benefits. People are willing to pay more for houses with water in their backyard and lakes attract tourists and visitors, enjoying nature and water. The challenge is to find innovative solutions that incorporate not only the costs but also the economic benefits of water projects. This requires a change in approach. Elements of this change of approach are as follows:? the realisation that the use of our ?Green Space? needs to change, within boundaries;? water management is contributory to our welfare;? reducing risks and damage has a positive economical effect also;? living with water in stead of fighting against it;? the creation of a ?together stronger? feeling;? the inclusion of private investors and innovative oriented organisations (such as ?Wetsus? or ?the Carthesius Institute?) and involvement of educational organisations in the earliest stages of projects. The involvement of citizens in projects will be heightened as these organisations can also act as catalysts;? Communication and participation are paramount to create public understanding for European funded projects. Instead of specific, costly water projects, large investments along the waterline will become innovative integral management plans that have the support from the local community and private sector and that provide innovative solutions for the climate change while contributing to socio-economic growth in the area.The project comprises 4 types of activities: research, improving cooperation with regional parties, production of a handbook and pilots.Research- transnational research on effects of climate change in river catchment areas- identifying best and bad practices- research on economic possibilities within project proposals at an early stage by an Economic Team (Universities, Economic Experts)- research on innovation possibilities by an Innovation Team (Universities, Innovation Institutes)Improve cooperation with regional (private) parties- workshops on improving cooperation with local private investors, entrepreneurs etc.- presenting plans on risk management and research results to private parties- workshops with private partners on innovation and economic benefits- individual coaching of private and public organizations on how to involve private stakeholdersHandbook- handbook on developing innovative integral water management projects including how to involve economic partners in project developmentPilotsIn several pilot regions research will be done and methods on cooperation and handbooks will be tested. The results will be disseminated among the partners. A few pilot areas will be chosen to research and to use as a test for best methods for involving local communities and local private parties in an early stage of a water management project.

Contributing to the goals of the Lisbon Agenda by innovative projects along the waterline that combine economic development, water management and implementation of the WFD and the Natural 2000 goals

- Clear insights on effects of climate change in river catchments areas based on transnational research conform Flood Risk Directive.- integrated approach on water management projects accompanying climate change - best practices on incorporation of all relevant stakeholders from the beginning of the process, especially private parties- overview of economic and innovation possibilities in water management projects

University of Groningen, DLG (Netherlands), Intercommunale Leiedal (Be), Municipality Langenhagen (Germany), Telemarken (Nor), Environment Agency (UK),

universities, economic institutes, innovation institutes and partners from other NSR countries Sweden and Denmark.