Oceania

Some of the world’s most unique ecosystems can be found in Oceania. These countries are rich in natural resources and biodiversity. With growing populations and economies, the region is also vibrant and diverse with many (indigenous) people and cultures.

However, Oceania's geographical location also makes it vulnerable to the effects of climate change. It has experienced changes in rainfall patterns, extreme weather events, temperature rises, an increase in flood risks due to sea level rise, and ocean acidification and warming.

Natural disasters, such as unprecedented wildfires, extreme rainfall events, tropical cyclones, and storm surges, are also becoming increasingly common. Some of these effects can be exacerbated by human activities and the (over) exploitation of natural resources. This affects biodiversity and ecosystems, local economies and industries, coastal communities, infrastructure, and indigenous peoples and cultures.

Governments are taking action to combat climate change and the reduce the impact of human activity on the environment. Climate change adaptation and mitigation also offer opportunities to drive innovation and green growth.

Integral solutions and local partners

Deltares believes in the importance of working with local partners to develop innovative nature-based solutions to these problems.

We work closely with both the private and public sectors, including national and regional governments, local authorities, and international organisations. With a local representative, based in Brisbane, we have a good insight into the latest challenges facing Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.

Deltares also has strong links to academia in the region. By working together with local experts to build capacity and exchange expertise, we accelerate innovation. Furthermore, our strategic partnerships allow us to further develop and share knowledge to tackle current and future challenges whilst applying integrated solutions.

By combining our knowledge and expertise with that of our local partners, and using our modelling and software tools and our experimental research facilities, we develop integral, long-term, and large-scale solutions.

Expert advice and modelling tools

Our expertise covers a wide range of areas relating to water and subsurface management. An important focus is on integrated urban water management, the management of groundwater resources, and water quality.

We also provide advice on building resilient infrastructure, coastal and delta development, and on harbour management and environmental protection. Our expertise helps build protection for coastal ecosystems and communities, whilst allowing delta areas to remain habitable as a result of sea level rise. This increase resilience for coastal communities.

Our subsurface expertise can help local mining industries. Our focus on morphodynamics and sediment dynamics allows us to combine our geophysical, geohydrological, and geochemical knowledge.

Deltares’ specially developed modelling tools and software, such as Delft FEWS, help with hydrological forecasting and flood risk management. Our experts are also able to develop strategies and (nature-based) solutions for climate adaptation and mitigation. Using our modelling and software tools, decision-makers are able to make informed choices.

Dare to share

Deltares believes in openness and transparency, and that sharing our knowledge and innovative insights worldwide enables delta life. Our dare to share principle applies to all our clients and includes the software and tools we develop, as well as our specialised and tailor-made solutions. We are firmly convinced of the need for our work to be open source.