About Flanders Environment Agency
The Flanders Environment Agency adopts a position as a solution-oriented partner. Our goal is to have a positive impact on the Flemish living environment and to help make it climate resilient. Together with partners, stakeholders and other interested parties, we focus on achieving tangible results in the field and in policy, so that we can respond quickly to society’s changing needs.
Our mission and vision support our goal. For the current and future generations in Flanders
- we ensure clean, appealing and sufficient water,
- we ensure clean air, and
- we help steer adaptation in response to the changing climate.
In addition, we are committed to open space, smart cities and a circular and climate-adaptive living environment.
Our vision: 'The Flanders Environment Agency is your solution-oriented partner for a climate-resilient living environment.'
About the case study
Ostend has a crucial water infrastructure that is responsible for the drainage of rainwater from both urban areas and a polder area of nearly 100 km2. The plant features an automatic grate cleaning system that removes floating debris to prevent damage to pumps and sluices and prevent marine pollution. The plant operates largely automatically, supported by more than 50 sensors, and can also be operated manually in case of malfunctions. The software of the plant is complex and it requires continues updates and improvements to reduce failure risks.
Contribution to STORM_SAFE
Through the STORM_SAFE project, the Flanders Environment Agency seeks to learn from the experiences of other North Sea region partners to improve its ability and capacity to design and manage water management infrastructure that is modern, resilient, and (cyber)secure in terms of software. Special attention will be given to a location of key importance for coastal water safety, where we can test and apply the transnational best practices.