Assessing the leapfrogging potential to water sensitive: the Dutch case of Zwolle

Abstract

Urban floods can cause significant damage and are expected to become more common due to climate change. Previous research has identified that climate change adaptation in cities requires the development of blue-green infrastructure (BGI), and it is expected that cities can leapfrog to a water-sensitive state by implementing BGI. However, leapfrogging is context-dependent, and little is known about how governance factors affect leapfrogging, particularly in midsize cities. This paper addresses this knowledge gap, providing empirical insights into leapfrogging by assessing the governance factors that support or restrict BGI implementation in Zwolle (The Netherlands) towards reaching a water-sensitive state. For the analysis, we employ a governance assessment tool and three catalytic factors that promote leapfrogging. The results show that the governance context supports leapfrogging at a moderate to high level. This means that while the governmental levels and stakeholder networks collaborate to support climate change adaptation of the city, new legislation on BGI and citizens’ involvement in climate change adaptation projects could increase the leapfrog possibilities for Zwolle in achieving its goal of becoming climate-proof by 2050. HIGHLIGHTS The three leapfrogging catalysts are present in Zwolle's BGI projects.; Zwolle requires the support of higher governmental levels to become climate-proof.; There is high integration of the climate change adaptation policy.; Actors' networks support the bottom-up implementation of BGI projects.; Collaboration of governmental actors with residents enhances leapfrogging chances.;

Keywords

• blue-green infrastructure
• flood management
• leapfrogging
• medium size city
• urban water transition
• water governance