Antifragile water systems in the Netherlands : Water systems that can grow with the challenges of the future

In the Netherlands, work is ongoing to make water systems more future-proof.Possible questions are: proof against what future?The future in 10, 20 or 100 years, and what are the future scenarios (KNMI)?And what does future-proof mean?That we are prepared for all conceivable hazards and that no more damage will occur?Making water systems future-proof now often leads to more robust and resilient water systems, but can they actually withstand uncertain conditions?In this study, we looked at the future in a different way.A future that we cannot imagine, but for which we can prepare.The concept of antifragility can play an important part in this view.This is a concept that does not aim for 'the final solution' but continuously learns from events to which the system is adapted.This is not only a technological process, but also requires a different approach to dealing with the hazards and opportunities of water.The concept of antifragility relates in particular to people (water manager, user).The physical water system provides optionality and redundancy, which promotes antifragile action.Antifragile water systems are not only resistant to the future but grow with the challenges yet to come.