In Nyeri County, Kenya, a team of Dutch and Kenyan partners is testing a water technology innovation that could transform local fish farming. Supported by Partners for Water, the Affordable Recirculating Aquaculture System pilot project (A-RAS-2) is led by the Food Systems and Poverty Alleviation (FOSPA) Foundation in Africa, in collaboration with FOSPA-Kenya and Systemic Consultancy. The project addresses Kenya’s severe protein deficit and the recurring challenges of drought. Project leads Katrine Soma and Charles Mbauni share how it works.

A systems approach

At its core, A-RAS-2 offers small-scale fish farmers a water-efficient, nutrient-reusing, solar-powered alternative to traditional ponds. The pilot project aims to demonstrate that these systems can produce up to 25 times more fish while using only 2–5 percent of the water required in conventional ponds and providing manure for the farmer’s mixed farming systems.

But A-RAS- 2 is more than just a new water technology, it adopts a systems approach built on a deep understanding of the local food system and its interlinked challenges. Beyond addressing farmer’s needs, the project strengthens multiple links in the chain. It stimulates local entrepreneurship in producing technology components and fish marketing and improves consumers access to affordable, nutritious food. On a wider scale, it contributes to climate-neutral, resource-efficient food production with the potential to save over 216 million cubic metres of water per year across Kenya.

From research to practice

For nearly a decade, social scientist Katrine Soma has studied Kenya’s food systems with a particular focus on fish. She works at Wageningen Social and Economic Research and is the chair and founder of the FOSPA-Africa Foundation in the Netherlands. Working closely alongside her is Charles Mbauni, chairman of the Nyeri Fish Farmers Cooperative Society and co-founder and chair of FOSPA-Kenya.

“I have worked in Kenya since 2018, researching bottlenecks in the fish food system,” explains Soma. “Through FOSPA-Africa, Charles and I combine research and implementation hand in hand.”

Mbauni adds: “As chairman of the cooperative, I saw first-hand the challenges in water use, fish growth and costly technology. That is how the idea of an affordable recirculating aquaculture system was born.”

Transforming challenges into innovations

“Kenya, like much of the Horn of Africa, faces chronic food insecurity, mostly driven by climate change and recurring droughts,” says Mbauni. “Protein is in particularly short supply. When drought strikes, traditional sources such as beef and sheep are no longer sustainable due to their high water footprint.”

Recognizing this, the government launched the ‘Eat More Fish’ campaign to promote fish consumption,” explains Soma. Mbauni adds: “Demand for fish is high and far exceeds local production. In fact, 70 per cent of fish consumed in Kenya is imported.”

Against this backdrop, A-RAS offers a breakthrough. “Traditional ponds are about 300m2 and stock no more than five fish per cubic metre, producing around 280 kilograms per pond,” notes Mbauni. “By contrast, A-RAS can reach densities of nearly 200 fish per cubic metre, producing more than 7,000 kilograms in the same space.”

“This is an enormous difference,” says Soma. “It means more fish, more protein, and at the same time we release land and water for other purposes”.

Practical, affordable and circular water technology

The technology is both innovative and pragmatic. “Recirculating aquaculture systems are usually expensive,” says Soma. “We focused on affordability – using local materials, cheaper or second-hand parts and high quality components where essential.” The result is a mix of simple tanks and advanced yet affordable water management.

“The tanks are made locally and in a simple yet durable manner,” explains Mbauni. “At the same time, the air and water pumps are high quality and supplied by Dutch entrepreneurs.” A settling tank filters solid waste, which is reused as fertiliser. A nitrification tank with microorganism removes nitrogen. Different oxygenation technologies are being tested, including nano and microbubbles.

Mbauni continuous: “Each system has six tanks with fish at different growth stages, allowing farmers to maintain a steady income throughout the year. This enables them to reinvest in quality feed essential for water and fish health.”

Soma concludes: “In the end, it is high-tech translated into practical, affordable solutions. And because the system runs on solar energy for water recirculation, it is climate neutral,”

Consortium and partners

The pilot project builds on a feasibility study carried out by FOSPA-Africa together with AquaFarmingConsult and Wageningen University & Research, supported by Partners for Water.

In this second phase, the consortium consists of FOSPA-Africa, FOSPA-Kenya and Systemic Consultancy. FOSPA-Africa brings together research, implementation and technical and financial expertise to refine the water technology and develop accessible business models for scaling.

Engaging stakeholders

From the start, farmers have been at the heart of the project. Mbauni represents a cooperative of around 1,000 fish farmers whose feedback informs every stage of the process. To ensure diversity, five farmers were involved in both the feasibility study and the pilot, among them women, young farmers and a disabled farmer.

“Working with the cooperative means we know immediately what works and what doesn’t,” says Soma. “Farmers tell us: this is a good idea, that is not. This direct communication saves time and ensures solutions are truly practical and acceptable.”

This bottom-up approach goes beyond farmers. In Kibera, Nairobi’s largest informal settlement, local leaders, consumers and women vendors co-created solutions for fish distribution. “Our solution is not an external, foreign thing,” says Mbauni. “It’s embedded in the community, where people trust and support each other.”

Next steps

To advance the project, the consortium has built a new A-RAS-2 facility in Nyeri County. “This enables gathering of reliable data and refining oxygenation technologies, with the first results expected next year,” says Soma.

On this basis, the project aims to scale up across Kenya, moving from fish production to a complete food system with feed, fingerlings, processing and training hubs. “We’re developing financing models to make the systems accessible for small-scale farmers,” notes Mbauni. “The long-term goal is to turn proven pilots into a nationwide movement, with potential expansion to neighbouring countries such as Uganda and Ethiopia.”

Innovation in progress series

The Partners for Water 5 programme (2022 – 2027) follows several projects that received the Partners for Water subsidy from start to finish. Over the next few years, these projects will take you on their journey of testing the feasibility or application of innovative solutions to enhance water safety and water security abroad. You’ll be able to gain insights into their processes, collaborations with local partners and their potential solutions; as well as their struggles, challenges and their lessons learned. Discover all projects. 

What do you do when a city floods during the monsoon, yet faces water shortages in the dry season? Or when you aim to build resilient infrastructure but are confronted with challenges such as informal settlements? For many cities, climate change is exposing these urban vulnerabilities, particularly in delta and coastal areas. Yet it also presents an opportunity to make cities not only more resilient, but also more liveable. We explored what makes a climate-resilient city, and the experiences of five delta cities on the front line of climate change: Semarang, Thủ Đức, Cartagena, Chennai and Beira.

Climate change poses a direct threat to the wellbeing of billions of urban residents. In all cities, climate-related risks are on the rise. At the same time, urbanisation continues to intensify. By 2050, nearly 70% of the world’s population will live in cities. This growth is putting increased pressure on infrastructure, water, space and public health. Mitigation alone is no longer enough. We must adapt to a climate where extremes are the new normal: too much, too little, or polluted water, as well as heatwaves and droughts.

Without action, damage to urban infrastructure could reach $415 billion per year. The urban poor are hit hardest, often living in high-risk areas without adequate protection. Yet urgency also brings opportunity. By approaching cities as interconnected systems, and working with water and nature, we can build climate-resilient cities that are not only robust, but also greener, healthier and more inclusive.

What is a climate-resilient city?

A climate-resilient city can absorb shocks, adapt to changing conditions, and recover quickly from extreme weather events such as sea level rise, heatwaves, flooding or drought. Resilience goes beyond physical structures – it also applies to institutions, governance systems, and communities. Increasingly, cities are moving from a mindset of control to one of working with change. With smart design, risks can be turned into opportunities: rainwater is captured and reused, urban heat becomes a driver for green and shaded spaces, and nature is integrated as vital infrastructure. Cities that plan ahead and reduce future risks can remain liveable, even under pressure.

Nature-based Solutions and climate-resilient cities

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are approaches to societal challenges that harness natural processes, such as vegetation, soil and water. For cities, they offer an important alternative to traditional ‘grey’ infrastructure such as drainage systems and concrete flood barriers. Because they evolve with changing conditions and deliver multiple benefits simultaneously, NBS are particularly well suited to strengthening urban resilience. Examples include green roofs that reduce heat stress and retain rainwater, or city parks and mangroves that buffer water and slow down flooding. When they are well integrated into urban planning and policy, NBS can create synergy between climate mitigation and adaptation, while also enhancing liveability and biodiversity.

Despite their proven value, NBS are still applied on a relatively limited scale compared to grey infrastructure. Upscaling is essential to ensure cities can withstand increasing pressure from heat, drought and extreme rainfall. Partners for Water works from a systems perspective to maximise the benefits of these solutions, developing sustainable approaches with a strong focus on operation and maintenance.

Five climate-resilient cities around the globe

Semarang

Semarang is a fast-growing coastal city on Java’s north shore that faces some of Indonesia’s most pressing climate challenges. The city’s population has grown from around 1 million to about 1.7 million over the past twenty years. Severe land subsidence – in some areas up to 20 centimetres per year – combined with tidal flooding, flash floods and water scarcity affects residents’ daily lives. Rapid urbanisation and reliance on groundwater extraction further worsen the risks. But the tide is turning: the city aims to become climate-resilient by 2045 through long-term, integrated planning.

To tackle its water challenges, Semarang applies a mix of measures. These include rainwater harvesting in homes and shared spaces to mangrove rehabilitation along the coast, vetiver planting to prevent landslides, and early warning systems for floods and vector-borne diseases. Building on these efforts, the Water as Leverage programme, supported by Partners for Water, pilots integrated, multi-stakeholder solutions that combine NBS with conventional infrastructure and smart data technologies. By bringing together Dutch and Indonesian expertise with strong local involvement, these projects support Semarang towards becoming a climate-resilient city. Read more about Semarang.

Cartagena

Colombia’s historic port city Cartagena is under pressure. The city is growing rapidly but faces rising sea levels, flooding and extreme heat. Most of its one million residents live in low-lying areas, making them especially vulnerable to flooding. By 2050, projections suggest that sea levels around Cartagena – amplified by ongoing land subsidence – could rise by more than 30 centimetres. These predictions put even greater pressure on coastal neighbourhoods. Through the Water as Leverage programme, with support from Partners for Water, residents, local experts and city officials are working together on plans that address both climate risks and socio-economic inequality.

The projects are small in scale but strategically placed, and include water plazas, elevated walkways, mangrove restoration, and improved access to drinking water. This approach integrates all the relevant aspects: design, nature, the social and environmental aspects, as well as the economic and financial ones. By placing local ownership at the heart of the process, the city is building a strong foundation for lasting, inclusive change. Read more about Cartagena.

Thủ Đức City

Thủ Đức City in Vietnam is a city in the making. Today it has just over one million inhabitants, but by 2050 it is expected to grow to around three million residents. Situated between the Saigon and Đồng Nai rivers, the new city is highly exposed to flooding. Extreme rainfall, high river levels, land subsidence and the interaction of these factors make water management a central challenge for its development.

With support from Partners for Water, a blue-green vision has been developed. It combines natural buffers, flood retention zones and smart urban design to better manage excess water. This vision has been translated into spatial plans and policy recommendations focused on working with water, alongside digital systems that support real-time water management. Without adaptation, annual flood-related losses are estimated at nearly USD 67 million and could more than double by the end of the century. By embedding Nature-based Solutions and digital water management systems into its spatial planning, Thủ Đức aims to grow into a resilient metropolis that can withstand both climate pressures and urban pressures. Read more about Thủ Đức City.

Chennai

Chennai is a fast-growing megacity in southern India. It faces a paradox of water extremes: severe flooding during the monsoon followed by extreme drought. Simultaneously, the city is steadily losing its capacity to retain water due to paved-over infrastructure, unregulated urbanisation and polluted waterways. Chennai’s traditional water bodies, known as ‘tanks’, once held around 188 million m³ of water. Urbanisation since the early 1900s has reduced this capacity by about 7%. The remaining 93% is located mostly outside the city and is increasingly threatened by encroachment, pollution and poor maintenance. To reverse this trend, the Water Resources Department aims to triple the city’s storage capacity by 2050.

The City of 1,000 Tanks project, supported by Partners for Water, supports this goal by drawing on the city’s ancient water infrastructure. The project restores these systems and links them to new NBS such as infiltration fields, retention ponds and other green infrastructure. By capturing, filtering and slowly recharging water locally, the project tackles both water scarcity and excess. The approach is modular, scalable and rooted in local collaboration with schools, businesses and communities. Chennai shows that climate adaptation is not only about innovation, but also about reviving and revaluing traditional knowledge. Read more about City of 1000 Tanks.

Beira

Mozambique’s port city of Beira is on the front line of climate change. In 2019, it was devastated by Cyclone Idai, which damaged around 70% of the city’s housing stock. Two years later, Cyclone Eloise in 2021 left another 20,000 homes – roughly 17% – damaged or destroyed. Together, the two storms caused over USD 2.4 billion in losses. But rather than focusing solely on recovery, Beira is pursuing structural transformation. Through the Masterplan 2035, developed with support from Partners for Water, the city is investing in climate-resilient urban development: from improved drainage and wastewater treatment to coastal protection and stronger local governance.

Through public and private partnerships, Beira is building climate-resilient homes with minimal construction costs or rent-to-buy schemes. This makes safe housing accessible to residents for whom home ownership would otherwise be entirely out of reach. Simultaneously, the city is updating its municipal cadastre to improve property registration and enable the collection of property taxes. This is a long-term strategy, focused on system change in order to become a truly climate-resilient city. Read more about Beira’s system change approach.

Seven building blocks for a climate-resilient city

1.        Systems thinking and integrated approaches

Climate adaptation only works when water, infrastructure, public health and governance are seen as part of an interconnected system. It must be addressed across all spatial scales, from the pavement to the metropolitan region.

2.        Making space for water

When cities actively allocate space for water through buffers, temporary retention zones and natural systems, rainfall becomes a manageable design element. It can even become a resource for future droughts.

3.        Flexibility and adaptive capacity

A resilient city is flexible and evolves as the climate and associated risks change. This requires future scenarios, room for experimental development, phased planning, and the ability to adjust course when needed.

4.        Monitoring and data analysis

Digital tools and modelling software can help detect risks early and support an effective response. Data collection and management form the foundation for improved policy and governance.

5.        Participation and local ownership

Solutions only have lasting impact when they are supported by the local community. Local engagement ensures context-specific solutions and fosters long-term ownership.

6.        Collaboration and governance

Coordination between governments, public and private organisations, knowledge institutions and residents are crucial for implementation and lasting impact.

7.        Working with nature

By cooperating with the natural processes of vegetation, rivers or mangroves rather than trying to control them, cities can develop sustainable and flexible solutions that support both climate adaptation and urban liveability.

Partners for Water for climate-resilient cities

When we view cities as interconnected systems and choose to work with nature rather than against it, we can build urban environments that are more resilient, greener, and more liveable than ever before.

Partners for Water supports cities around the world in building climate resilience through an integrated, systems-based approach. We promote the use of NBS and advise cities on innovative and sustainable water management. In doing so, we not only address water security, but also biodiversity, food security and healthy living environments.

Our support spans strategic guidance, from policy advice and planning to capacity-building within local governments. We also fund and facilitate pilot and feasibility studies that test scalable, sustainable and innovative water solutions.

On Monday 7 July, Partners for Water hosted the India Water Platform Meeting in The Hague. The well-attended session brought together professionals from across the Dutch water sector to discuss the latest developments in Dutch-Indian water cooperation and to explore upcoming opportunities for collaboration.

Key highlights

The meeting was opened by H.E. Mrs Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to India. She shared valuable insights into the evolving partnership between the Netherlands and India, with a focus on the Strategic Partnership on Water. Two major new initiatives were announced:

• The upcoming launch of the International Centre of Excellence on Water, in collaboration with the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD). This initiative will open new doors for Dutch and Indian water organisations alike.
• Dutch involvement in the Coalition for Disaster and Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), including the development of a capacity-building programme on urban water resilience, that will become publicly accessible later this year.

Two ongoing initiatives were also presented, offering practical insights into current bilateral cooperation efforts. Mr. Jasper Leuven of the Dutch engineering consulting firm Haskoning explained about improving flood resilience in the Sundarbans.

Ms. Esmee van de Ridder (RVO – Netherlands Enterprise Agency) and Mr. Hans Gehrels (Deltares) gave a presentation about the Water as Leverage initiative for Resilient Cities in India. And last but not least, Mr. Leon Weisscher explained about Invest International and its work in India.

Upcoming activities

Participants were informed about several opportunities to stay engaged:

• A Dutch sector visit to IFAT India trade fair, taking place in Mumbai from 14–16 October 2025.
  If you are interested to visit IFAT, please contact Ms. Mirjam van Buchem for more information and registration.
• A delegation programme around the opening of the Centre of Excellence on Water, in New Delhi, planned for 17 October 2025 (date to be confirmed), aimed especially at water technology companies.
  Water technology companies can contact Mr. Steven van Rossum directly in order to express an interest and participate in a visit during the planned opening of the Centre of Excellence.

Download the presentations

The presentations shared during the meeting are now available for download:
📥 Download the presentations

Want to stay involved?

Partners for Water regularly organises platform meetings and matchmaking opportunities focused on priority countries and themes. Interested in joining future events or connecting with the India water platform? Visit our events page.

Furthermore, the Delta team in India is working on developing the Centre Of Excellence on Water. More information about this can be obtained from Mr. Sander Carpaij (Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management), Ms. Fernanda van der Velde (RVO – Netherlands Enterprise Agency), and Ms. Nishi Pant (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

Partners for Water will share its knowledge and experiences in sustainable water management at the 7th International Symposium on Knowledge and Capacity for the Water Sector, taking place from 2 to 4 July 2025 at IHE Delft Institute for Water Education. Our team will contribute to two key sessions, focusing on breaking the build–neglect–repair (BNR) cycle and implementing landscape-based solutions for long-term water security. 

The water sector is undergoing rapid and complex changes, driven by climate change, digitalisation, and socio-political dynamics. Addressing these developments requires interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative thinking, and new skillsets. Strengthening the capacities of current and future professionals is essential in order to ensure sustainable and resilient water systems worldwide.

The symposium explores how such changes influence the way we build and share knowledge, and how knowledge and capacity strengthening efforts can be better aligned with these emerging developments. It brings together an international community of practitioners, researchers and policymakers to foster collaboration and exchange. Core themes include identifying knowledge gaps, analysing capacity development trends, exploring sustainable water solutions, and shaping a forward-looking agenda for the sector.

Partners for Water’s Programme Coordinator, Liliane Geerling, will moderate Session 1, together with Ilyas Masih, Associate Professor of Water Resources Planning at IHE: ‘Assessing and bridging the knowledge and capacity gap’, held on 2 July. In addition to this session, Partners for Water will present two thematic contributions that reflect our integrated approach to sustainable watermanagement, namely a session on breaking the BNR cycle and adopting landscape-based solutions.

Breaking the build-neglect-repair cycle

The persistent BNR cycle affects water security globally. This cycle emerges when water infrastructure such as embankments, drainage canals, sluice gates, or water treatment facilities are developed without sustainable asset management in place. Ensuring long-term operation and maintenance requires not only adequate budgets, but also strong organisational capacity.

Root causes of the BNR cycle include gaps in institutional capacity, lack of clear procedures, insufficient technical expertise, inadequate tools, poor urban planning, and unaligned community behaviour. During this session, we will highlight practical strategies and encourage participants to discuss how to break the cycle effectively.

Landscape-based solutions for water security

Integrating Indigenous and local knowledge into landscape-based conservation strategies offers a powerful opportunity to reshape water governance. This session highlights how Indigenous-led approaches can inform water and land management policies. Traditional knowledge – refined over generations – can be combined with modern practices to develop solutions that are both culturally meaningful and ecologically sound, particularly at river basin scale. Participants of this session will gain insights into aligning landscape-based solutions with long-term water security goals and be encouraged to explore inclusive, place-based governance strategies.

Stockholm World Water Week 2025

These themes also serve as preparation for Partners for Water’s upcoming workshops during Stockholm World Water Week (SWWW), where they will be explored in greater depth with international water professionals.

Symposium details

The 7th International Symposium on Knowledge and Capacity for the Water Sector takes place from 2–4 July 2025 at IHE Delft, in a hybrid format allowing both in-person and online participation. Together with an international community of practitioners, academics and policymakers, we’ll explore how changes in the water sector impact knowledge and capacity strengthening and reconsider capacity strengthening approaches.

From the swampy mangroves of Ghana to the salty coastlines of Vietnam: in the new podcast ‘Waterproof’ from Partners for Water, journalist and podcast maker Tracy Metz delves into solutions that are shaping our water future. This six-part series, filled with stories from the frontlines of water management, is a must-listen for anyone seeking both information and inspiration.

Why the Waterproof podcast?

‘Bring in the Dutch’—although the Netherlands is globally renowned for its water management, we also recognise that we do not have all the answers. In ‘Waterproof’, we explore new techniques and developments worldwide for a Waterproof future.

In ‘Waterproof’, Tracy highlights the challenges and versatile solutions being implemented globally to tackle water crises. Each conversation and episode offers unique insights into how different cultures and experts approach water management issues. From restoring natural habitats that protect coastlines from erosion to developing innovative techniques that make agriculture more resilient against saltwater intrusion, ‘Waterproof’ demonstrates how global collaboration and local knowledge come together in the fight against water-related challenges.

A journey through global water challenges

The first podcast episode goes live on 21 November, focusing on Nature-based Solutions with an inspiring project in Ghana. In each episode the Dutch approach is featured. Over the coming weeks, Tracy will take you to:

• Ghana: Focusing on Nature-based Solutions such as the conservation of mangroves crucial for protection of the waterways, yet also economically exploited by local communities.
• Vietnam: Tackling increasing soil salinity that threatens agricultural production, with innovative farming techniques and salt-tolerant crops.
• The Netherlands: Challenges of water abundance and rising sea levels, where advanced water management techniques and infrastructure are employed.
• Egypt:The battle against water pollution and managing water resources in a country where water is scarce and the population is rapidly growing.
• Bangladesh: Solutions for flooding and cyclones through improved prediction models and community-focused emergency plans.
• Indonesia: Insights into how traditional knowledge is integrated with modern techniques to address water issues in an archipelago of thousands of islands.

Waterproof discusses the need for system change

Tracy shares: “It was impressive to see how in Ghana, they handle mangroves as natural coastal protection. But I also saw these mangroves being cut down for charcoal for local fish dishes. Without focus on sustainable management, this nature-based solution makes no sense. From a systems approach, separate mangrove plantations are now being set up for wood production. Do you help with the planting of the coastal mangroves? Then you can pick up a bundle of mangrove branches here. Research into alternative smoking techniques that spare the mangroves but still offer that beloved taste is also being conducted. System change is necessary for feasible sustainable Waterproof solutions.”

With ‘Waterproof’, Tracy does more than narrate; she inspires action. Whether you are a water professional or someone eager to understand more about global water challenges, this podcast is a fusion of information and inspiration.

Launch on 21 November

From 21 November 2024, the podcast will be available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, with subsequent live meetups after each episode for further discussion. Mark this date in your calendar!

Tracy Metz was a member of the second Delta Commission, chaired by former Minister Cees Veerman. She is the author of the book ‘Sweet & Salt: Water and the Dutch’ and previously produced two podcasts on water, ‘Nattigheid: Opbeurende verhalen over ons water’ and ‘Water Talks’ following the UN Water Conference in 2023.

The Welang River in East Java, Indonesia, is a vital resource for the nearby communities providing water for daily use and supporting local agriculture. However, as cities expand and populations grow, the river has faced increasing problems such as flooding, erosion and pollution. In response, the Governments of Indonesia and the Netherlands, through its Partners for Water programme have initiated the Welang River Basin Transformation Project to tackle these challenges and protect both the river and the people who depend on it.

The Welang River in East Java, Indonesia, is a lifeline for the people who live nearby, providing water for daily use and supporting local agriculture. However, as cities expand and populations grow, the river has faced increasing problems such as flooding, erosion, and pollution. In response, the Governments of Indonesia and the Netherlands invest in the Welang River Basin Transformation Project to tackle these challenges and protect both the river and the people who depend on it.

The project is built around a central idea: collaboration. Local communities, government officials, and environmental experts are all working together to develop smart water management solutions that address the river’s problems. What makes this project unique is its focus on local ownership by involving everyone in the process, ensuring that solutions are created by listening to the needs and ideas of the people who live near the river.

The Welang River Project adopts a collaborative, step-by-step approach to co-create practical and sustainable solutions that meet community needs. It begins by engaging with local residents to understand their issues, such as flooding or limited access to clean water. With these insights, local residents, government officials, and experts work together to develop solutions. After initial testing, community feedback is used to refine these ideas, enhancing their effectiveness. The final, improved solutions are then implemented in coordination with government plans to ensure they can be scaled for broader impact.

Miniseries on the Welang River Basin project

This is the first article in the miniseries on the Welang River Basin project, highlighting the role of youth in sustainable waste management. Below you can find the links to other articles in the series:

Article 1: The role of trusted advisors
Article 2: Practical implementation of Nature-Based Solutions
Article 3: Empowering youth for sustainable waste mangement
Article 4: A participatory design approach

From 21 October to 1 November, representatives from 196 countries gathered in Cali, Colombia for COP16 on Biological Diversity. Together, they discussed progress and the protection of global biodiversity.

The Netherlands made an active contribution with its own pavilion, hosted by Partners for Water, where new insights, lessons and collaborations emerged on biodiversity, water, food, landscape-based approaches and greening finance. Keep reading to discover the key insights from two weeks of dynamic discussions.

Insights from the Netherlands Pavilion at COP16

The Netherlands Pavilion emerged as a dynamic hub where greening finance, the water-biodiversity-food nexus, and landscape-based solutions for bio-cultural diversity seamlessly came together. Throughout the week, engaging discussions and workshops generated fresh insights and fostered valuable collaborations. A significant milestone was reached when the WWF and the European Investment Bank (EIB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding, pledging to promote Nature-based Solutions (NBS) across Europe to tackle both climate change and biodiversity loss.

The Netherlands Water Envoy Meike van Ginneken visited the Netherlands Pavilion and highlighted the importance of bridging the gaps between different practitioners in the water, biodiversity and food sectors. A key insight? True capacity building happens when we openly discuss challenges, share practical lessons learned, and collaborate on solutions. When we move beyond presentation mode to problem-solving mode, we create lasting impact. “Landscape binds people, binds knowledge, binds nature.” – the Netherlands Water Envoy Meike van Ginneken

The Netherlands Pavilion welcomed UN Youth Representatives on Biodiversity, who shared their insights on their work at COP. Find out what they have to say in the video below.

COP16’s key insights on biodiversity, water, food and more

Finance and biodiversity
At COP16’s Netherlands Pavilion, the message was clear: If we want to see real change, we need to think beyond traditional funding models. While public funding alone can’t solve biodiversity challenges, blending public and private investments opens new possibilities for nature. For instance, government and philanthropic support can help reduce risks for private investors, though new financial structures are still evolving. “Public funding alone is insufficient to tackle the biodiversity challenge. Blended finance is key to unlocking private investment for nature.” – Caroline Van Leenders, Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)

Value chains and biodiversity
The dialogue on value chains at COP16 challenged conventional thinking. Rather than hard contracts, experts advocated for soft approaches. A communal vision emerged to push towards localised food systems. Rather than maintaining the status quo of global supply chains, the focus should shift to celebrating and protecting local diversity while sharing risks across the entire value chains.

Biodiversity assessment tools
ASN Bank’s portfolio analysis revealed unexpected insights about groundwater impact, highlighting a crucial lesson: assessment tools can uncover hidden environmental impacts, encouraging organisations to begin measuring their biodiversity footprint. A key message that emerged: starting with available information is better than waiting for complete datasets. “Don’t wait for perfect data to measure biodiversity impact. Even with limited data, you can start assessing with what you have.” – Lucian Peppelenbos, Robeco

Localised landscape restoration
“Return on Inspiration (ROI) is where landscape restoration begins,” noted Willem Ferwerda from Commonland, reflecting the belief that local communities must believe in a better future to make restoration succeed. He emphasised that true change requires a 20-year commitment. A key insight? An area-based approach is essential; let nature define the project’s scale while ensuring long-term stakeholder engagement. “If you truly want to regenerate landscapes, focus on the most degraded areas rather than those that are easy to showcase success with.” – Daan Groot, Nature Squared

Indigenous knowledge, water and biodiversity
Ancient wisdom offers modern solutions, as demonstrated by the Zenu case study where historical canal systems combat flooding while supporting agriculture and aquaculture. These discussions at COP16 highlighted how traditional practices can effectively restore biodiversity and water systems, and repeatedly highlighted the power of collective thinking over individual approaches. Indigenous voices are crucial guides in our journey towards better biodiversity management; their perspective isn’t just valuable – it’s essential for creating lasting change.

Liliane Geerling from Partners for Water discussed incorporating Indigenous knowledge into landscape-based approaches with various experts present at COP16. Watch the video below to learn more.

“Like salsa dancing in Cali – the world’s salsa capital –, COP16 was all about making meaningful connections!” – Martine van Weelden, Capitals Coalition

Moving forward with nature

COP16 demonstrated that protecting biodiversity requires long-term commitment, collective thinking, and innovative funding models. As shown at the Netherlands Pavilion, success lies in bridging sectors, incorporating indigenous knowledge and turning discussions into action. “The way forward is not through war but through working with the other party,” emphasized Colombia’s Minister of Environment Susana Muhamad. So let’s start working together with nature to create a water, food and biodiversity-secure future.

Watch the recap video for a glimpse of the vibrant atmosphere.

As a child, Ylva Veldhuis dreamed of working for the Red Cross, helping people in crisis zones. “I always imagined myself in crisis situations offering relief and making a difference for people in need,” she recalls. But as her career progressed, her focus shifted from immediate response to prevention and long-term solutions. Today, in her role at Partners for Water, she works on sustainable systems and methods that aim to prevent crises altogether. Nice to meet you Ylva!

From theory to practice: hydrology and asset management

Ylva’s passion for disaster prevention led her to study Earth Sciences, followed by a master’s degree in Earth, Surface & Water at Utrecht University, where she specialised in hydrology. “I found that water management and understanding systems came naturally to me,” she explains. Her internship at Rijkswaterstaat (the executive agency of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management) allowed her to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application. There, she researched seepage along the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal. “I went out to speak with farmers about their experiences, which helped me connect theory to real-world challenges,” she says.

Learning from experience: risk management in South Limburg

Following her internship, Ylva took on a traineeship at Rijkswaterstaat. One of her first assignments involved risk management and water safety in South Limburg. It was during this period that the devastating floods in Valkenburg occurred. “It was heartbreaking to witness, but incredibly insightful. Everything I had learned about risk management came into play,” she reflects.

From crisis response to crisis prevention

In her final assignment at Rijkswaterstaat, Ylva was tasked with community building to tackle drinking water crises as part of the Departmental Coordination Centre for Crisis Management. This role paved the way for her next move to the Dutch Risk Reduction Team at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency. Here, she found a perfect blend of her childhood dream combined with her academic background in water management: working internationally, crisis coordination and responding to natural disasters.

International collaboration: learning from global perspectives

At Partners for Water, Ylva had the chance to focus on international collaboration and long-term solutions. She began by organising international events such as the Singapore International Water Week and the World Water Forum in Bali. “It’s incredibly inspiring to meet people with such diverse challenges and ideas, but all with the same goal: making the world more sustainable through water management. I loved creating a space at the Dutch Pavilion where people felt welcome and at home,” she shares.

Sustainable solutions: Nature-based Solutions and asset management

Ylva’s work now centres on a thematic approach to Nature-based Solutions (NBS) together with Matthijs Zijlmans. She and her colleague Tamar Meibergen are also working on the Build Neglect Repair Cycle, a programme designed to ensure the long-term maintenance of water infrastructure is planned from the start. “It’s not just about building something; it’s about making sure it’s maintained over the long term. Without proper maintenance, even the most impressive dykes or mangroves are only temporary fixes,” Ylva explains.

Collaboration and making an impact

One of the aspects Ylva values most at Partners for Water is the opportunity to work with equally passionate and more experienced colleagues. “Collaborating on both Nature-based Solutions and the Build Neglect Repair Cycle has given me so many new insights. I’m constantly learning and gaining a better understanding of how we can make a lasting impact,” she says.

The future: aiming for systemic change

In the coming years, Ylva hopes to contribute to systemic change, where long-term solutions become the standard. “I want us to take significant steps and open doors to discussions about different alternatives and measures. The key is to find what works best for the long term,” she explains. Ylva believes these efforts will lead to meaningful, structural shifts in the way we manage water resources. With her technical expertise, practical experience, and forward-thinking approach, Ylva Veldhuis is set to play a crucial role in the success of Partners for Water.

With the Human series, we showcase the people who are involved in and benefit from the Partners for Water projects. The Human series sheds light on the stories of the people with whom and for whom Partners for Water works and on how water affects their lives. Discover how Rob Goodliffe’s love for water has inspired him to help preserve the coastline for future generations.

Meet Rob Goodliffe

In this Humans of Partners for Water series, we introduce Rob Goodliffe, the Coastal Transition Manager for North Norfolk District Council. Growing up in the ceremonial county of Norfolk in East Anglia, England, he experienced first-hand the powerful sea and vulnerable coastline, which profoundly shaped his life and career.

A lifelong connection to the sea

For Rob Goodliffe, the sea has always been a source of wonder. He has long been fascinated by how the moon and sun can move vast volumes of water twice daily—a phenomenon he describes as “absolutely incredible.” Growing up in North Norfolk, he became acutely aware at a young age of the coastline’s vulnerability. After storms, he would rush to the beach, where the sand had been swept away, revealing coins, fossils and other treasures washed ashore.

These early experiences shaped his career path. Today, he serves as the Coastal Transition Manager for North Norfolk District Council, focusing on preparing for storms and managing their aftermath to protect the fragile coastline.

“Water means a great deal. It has always fascinated me, especially the sea here.”

The devastating North Sea storm surge of 2013 significantly impacted the coast, flooding many homes and destroying others in the wake of powerful waves. In response, Rob and his team developed a sandscaping project inspired by the Dutch technique known as zandmotor. They deposited 1.8 million cubic meters of sand along key beaches to raise sea levels, protect coastal defences and safeguard infrastructure and homes from unrelenting waves. By building a digital twin, they gained a comprehensive understanding of how the sand they had placed has shifted and moved.

Through these efforts, Rob aims to preserve the coastline for future generations while dedicating his life and work to his passion for water.