The perceived value of a collaborative platform promoting a RiverCare community about the effects of riverine management

Riverine measures such as longitudinal training dams, stream restoration, side channels and sediment management are implemented in the Netherlands. Measures aim at accommodating high-water levels while improving the spatial quality of the surroundings. Identifying the actual effects of river measures requires to effectively facilitate the access, discussion and sharing of knowledge between actors of different disciplines or backgrounds. The communication project of RiverCare offers a web-collaborative platform to support knowledge sharing between experts and non-experts actors. RiverCare is a large Dutch research programme studying the riverine and integrated effects of measures towards more collaborative and sustainable management. The knowledge of RiverCare actors is captured in the form of the data, information and modelling outputs. The gathered knowledge is shared through the platform in the form of experiences and stories. The goal is to find more effective ways to discuss the use and interests in RiverCare knowledge with potential end users. The development of a collaborative web platform supports this communication challenge. Intended user groups are researchers, practitioners, authorities and interest groups in the study cases. Before developing a prototype, a vision of the platform has been prepared into a short concept video. The vision is followed up with an interview session to identify: i) experiences of intended users in working with different actors in river management and ii) user attitudes towards the envisioned platform. Here we show the results of the engagement of two of the RiverCare projects as test cases in the design process of the platform. Results are the stated added value, perceived usefulness and related attitudes of the varieties of user groups. Interview results will be analysed by using the theory of planned behaviour. Suggestions of intended users will also provide guidance to our platform design and related functionalities.