Malawi is increasingly grappling with severe flooding. As climate change intensifies, rainfall is becoming more extreme, leaving communities with little time to prepare. While early warning systems exist, they fall short when it comes to dealing with flash floods. Processing takes too long, predictions lack precision and crucial data is often inaccessible due to licensing restrictions and costly software. The result? People receive warnings too late or not at all, resulting in potential loss of life and damage to infrastructure and possessions.

Time for change. With support from the Partners for Water subsidy scheme, an effective collaboration between Royal HaskoningDHV (RHDHV), Malawi’s Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS), the Department of Water Resources (DWR), Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) and the Netherlands Red Cross’ data and digital team, 510 (NLRC 510) has developed a revamped early warning system. By integrating improved forecasting models into the open-source Impact-Based Forecasting Portal (IBF), this initiative is setting a new benchmark for flood management in Malawi and beyond. The new system expands on what was already in place, enhancing key aspects that needed strengthening.

Building on the foundation of early warning systems

Malawi has long recognised the importance of early warning systems in protecting communities from flooding. However, many of the existing tools faced limitations that reduced their effectiveness, especially in the case of flash floods:

• Generalised predictions – Global datasets often lacked the local detail needed for accurate, on-the-ground forecasts.
• Delays in processing – In rapidly changing weather conditions, timely data delivery is critical. In the case of flash floods, most warnings arrive too late.
• Limited access – Many systems require costly licenses or are too complex for widespread use.
• Communication gaps – Even when warnings are issued, they do not always reach the right people, or be clearly understood at the community level.

By identifying these areas for improvement, the project team was able to develop a system that is faster, more accurate and inclusive.

The solution: IBF with advanced forecasting models

The team recognised the potential of NLRC 510’s Impact-Based Forecasting Portal (IBF) and wanted to expand its capabilities. Unlike many other tools, the IBF System does not just provide raw data; it offers an intuitive digital environment where all relevant information is consolidated. This enables disaster managers to make timely, well-informed decisions.

To make a real difference, IBF required an upgrade: A Flash Flood Forecasting Module. This new feature integrates local flood models with external rainfall data, significantly improving accuracy. The team had already developed advanced hydrodynamic and hydrological models for Karonga and Rumphi, two flood-prone cities, but they lacked a way to integrate these models into a functioning early warning system.

Partners for Water then stepped in on request, co-financing further development. As a result, IBF can now handle flash floods more effectively and is scalable for other regions facing climate-related challenges.

From forecasting to action: making warnings work

A high-tech forecasting system is great, but if people do not act on its warnings, it is useless. That is why IBF was designed with accessibility and usability in mind. In collaboration with UNICEF, MRCS and NLRC 510, several strategies were developed to ensure warnings lead to action such as:

• WhatsApp alert groups – Local meteorologists and disaster responders send daily updates and emergency warnings in real time.
• Local early warning systems – Megaphones, radio broadcasts and motorbike couriers ensure that even those without smartphones receive timely alerts.
• Warnings in local languages – By translating alerts into regional dialects, everyone can understand what is happening and what they need to do.

Thanks to this combination of digital and traditional communication channels, the system reaches even the most remote villages. People can now take precautionary measures and better prepare for extreme weather events.

Impact so far – and what comes next

With the new IBF System in place, Malawi is now far better equipped to handle flash floods. The system has already proven effective, issuing timely warnings that allowed authorities and residents to take preventive action.
However, there is still work to be done. The next steps for the government and local organisations in Malawi include:

• Expanding IBF to include more cities and rural areas.
• Further improving sensor networks to enhance real-time data accuracy.
• Securing long-term funding and full government adoption.

A system that endures

Where previous projects have struggled due to financial or technical constraints, IBF has been designed with sustainability in mind. The system is open-source and freely accessible, eliminating the need for costly software licenses. Additionally, the project has installed multiple monitoring stations equipped with rain gauges and water level sensors that continuously collect and process data.

However, funding remains a challenge. Sensors require maintenance, SIM cards need replacing and without structural resources, the system’s long-term effectiveness could be at risk. Herman de Jonge (RHDHV) stresses the importance of long-term financing, whether through government support, humanitarian funds, or the Early Action Protocol of MRCS, which releases emergency funding when critical thresholds , such as number of people at risk are reached.

A model for the future

The impact of this project extends well beyond Malawi. The technology behind IBF is scalable and can be deployed in other climate-vulnerable regions. Moreover, the system is flexible and can be adapted to forecast other disasters, such as droughts, cyclones, or even diseases like malaria and dengue. This aligns closely with the United Nations Early Warnings for All programme, which aims to ensure that all communities worldwide have access to reliable early warning systems.

With an innovative approach and targeted investment in technology and accessibility, this project is setting a new standard in disaster prevention. With sustained resources, its impact could reach far beyond Malawi helping thousands, if not millions, of people prepare for an increasingly unpredictable climate.

To address this issue, Element15 deployed its unique BAR system water solution in Ghana’s Northern Region, in partnership with Partners for Water, and with initial support from Invest International. It contains an innovative filtration process that removes all harmful substances from the water, making it safe for consumption. In addition, the BAR filtration systems eliminate the need for boiling, allowing families to drink safe water straight from the source.

This water solution not only provides safe drinking water but also prevents releasing emissions from the open fire. These avoided emissions are converted into carbon credits, certified by Gold Standard. Revenue from these credits keeps the systems running, funds maintenance, creates local jobs and allows us to expand operations and impact – at zero cost to the communities.

“Water touches everything – it’s the most fundamental resource for our planet and it connects many sectors. That’s what I find truly fascinating about working in this field.” Matthijs Zijlmans joined Partners for Water six years ago, after a traineeship in the water team at the RVO (Netherlands Enterprise and Development Agency) and having worked for the former water programme Dutch Surge Support.

With a background in public administration and economics, he often focuses on the governance and international relations aspects of water projects. He works as a project adviser for Vietnam and Nature-based Solutions. Nice to meet you Matthijs!

Innovative international water projects

“Over the past years, I’ve worked on various projects internationally. Current examples are our collaboration with Thủ Đức City on urban flood resilience, the Mekong Delta Living Lab, and developing a coastal protection pilot in the Philippines. What makes these projects truly exciting is the real momentum and their practical innovation.”

“In Thủ Đức City, we’re developing Nature-based Solutions to address urgent flooding challenges. We’re working together with the World Bank, the City government and a consortium led by Royal HaskoningDHV’s Vietnam office. And in the Living Lab, led by TU Delft with Vietnamese partners, we study the restoration of mangrove ecosystems.” Matthijs explains that Vietnam has seen many mangrove reforestation efforts over the past thirty years, with mixed results. “This project studies the coastal system to understand why some projects thrive while others fail, building a knowledge foundation for sustainable interventions.”

Systems approach to water challenges

“Both projects incorporate a systems approach,” says Matthijs. “Which means they look beyond immediate water management issues to understand the broader social, economic and environmental contexts.” Matthijs shares that taking on a systems approach has been one of the most valuable lessons he has learnt over the past years. “Understanding how systems function has helped me identify which aspects we can actually influence. Rather than working on solutions that might never be implemented due to economic or political barriers, it helps me focus on interventions that will be most effective.”

Essential elements for good collaboration

“Another crucial aspect of effective solutions is creating equal partnerships with our international partners, where we listen to their needs without imposing solutions,” explains Matthijs. “Equal partnerships are important for creating solutions that truly fit the local context, but also for enabling local partners to take ownership of the projects. This is essential in order to sustain solutions long-term.”

“In the Philippines, we’ve developed a coastal protection pilot in Malolos City that combines underwater shell-based breakwaters, bamboo sediment traps, and green dykes,” shares Matthijs. “While we provide technical advice and support by financing the preparation phase, the local partners make the decisions.” The city also invests its own funds in the project. “This financial commitment demonstrates their dedication to the project’s success.”

Future perspectives

“What makes this work rewarding is the freedom we have to find innovative approaches to complex problems that aren’t getting smaller,” says Matthijs. In September he will take a break from PfW to participate in a leadership track at RVO, but afterwards he’ll return to the PfW team. “I’m looking forward to continuing co-creating innovative projects that create lasting positive change in water management worldwide.”

Rapid urbanisation, industrial expansion and agricultural runoff are all contributing to deteriorating water quality around the world. According to a recent report from the European Commission, global urbanisation is the leading factor in landscape changes that are responsible for declining water quality. Rivers and lakes that once provided clean water are now at-risk due to unchecked pollutants entering water systems.

Traditional testing methods rely on periodic manual sampling, which lead to delays in detecting contamination. By the time pollution is identified, it has often already spread, making it difficult to trace its source and to take timely action. However, Planys Technologies (Planys), a company specialising in underwater inspection and monitoring solutions, is set to change that. Through the Partners for Water (PfW) subsidy scheme, Planys is pioneering real-time water quality monitoring, providing authorities with instant data, allowing them to swiftly detect, track and respond to pollution at its source.

Innovative pollution detection: real-time monitoring for cleaner water

At the heart of this innovation is a network of sensors that measure critical indicators such as nitrate levels, chlorine, pH, oxygen content and biochemical and chemical oxygen demand. These sensors transmit data instantly to a cloud-based dashboard, enabling real-time alerts when contamination levels exceed safe thresholds.

This simple, yet ground-breaking solution helps authorities to detect contamination in real time, significantly reducing response time and preventing pollutants from spreading unnoticed. Unlike many existing sensors, which are costly and often come with proprietary software that limits data accessibility, Planys is addressing these constraints by developing a fully integrated, end-to-end solution that is both affordable and scalable.
The system includes:

• Fixed in-situ sensors – Strategically placed in rivers and lakes for continuous water monitoring.
• Solar-powered systems – Providing reliable operations even in remote areas.
• Cloud-based dashboards – Delivering real-time alerts and visual data for swift decision-making.
• Customisable deployment – Adapting installations to meet location-specific challenges.

As Tanuj, the founder of Planys, says: “The biggest challenge is not just developing the technology, but ensuring its seamless deployment—making it accessible, affordable and effective for long-term monitoring.”

Selecting the right location

One of the biggest challenges in implementing such a system is not the technology itself, but rather its deployment and integration. The pilot project in India, will test the system at five carefully selected sites, chosen for both their pollution risks and potential for future scaling-up the technology. “Together with our counterparts we are selecting stakeholders who are serious about long-term adoption,” Tanuj explains.

The selection process takes into account a range of water bodies, including major rivers like the Yamuna and Ganga, which are undergoing extensive clean-up efforts. Additionally, smaller industrial zones and municipal water systems are also included to examine the technology’s adaptability across different contexts. Planys ensures that the solution is tested under a range of conditions, making it more robust and scalable. “The first five sites are critical,” says Tanuj, “as they will serve as a model for future deployments and demonstrate real-world impact.”

A three-way partnership for impact

Planys is leading the initiative in collaboration with:

• Planys BV (Netherlands): A subsidiary of Planys Technologies, specialising in marine robotics and underwater inspection for infrastructure owners in ports, municipalities and industrial plants.
• Varya Tech (India): An experienced player in marine, oil & gas and metallurgical industries, providing sensor deployment, logistics and quality assurance.
• Planys Technologies (India): A leader in marine robotics, holding 25+ patents and developing customised solutions for complex underwater inspections.

This collaboration combines technological innovation, field expertise and operational capabilities, enabling an effective and scalable solution adaptable to diverse environmental conditions.

Looking ahead: deployment and future scaling

The project is currently in the design and procurement phase, with sensor production underway. Over the next 3-4 months, the team will finalise the site selection and prepare for installation. By Q3 2025, the sensors will be fully deployed, followed by a 2-3 month testing and optimisation phase to ensure the system functions effectively in real-world conditions.The entire system is expected to be ready (including problem corrections) by Q4 2025.

However, implementing technology alone is not enough – making sure that authorities can act on the data is equally as important. To make real-time monitoring truly effective, Planys is working closely with local stakeholders to train users, integrate the data into existing regulatory frameworks and provide decision-making support. This ensures that when contamination is detected, authorities have the knowledge, tools and protocols in place to take immediate action, prevent further pollution and improve long-term water management strategies.

“By providing authorities with real-time, reliable data and the ability to act on it, we empower them to enforce regulations more effectively and ultimately improve water quality for millions of people,” says Tanuj. If successful, this initiative could serve as a model for other countries facing similar water quality challenges, paving the way for smarter, faster and more effective water management worldwide.

Innovation in progress series

As part of the Partners for Water 2022 – 2027 programme, several projects that received a Partners for Water subsidy will be followed from start to finish. Over the next few years, they will share their transformative journey providing insights into their promising solutions, innovative processes and collaborations with local partners, as well as their struggles, challenges and valuable lessons learned. Stay tuned and follow their journey through the Partners for Water website and LinkedIn page!

Systems approach to international water and food security

Geerling illustrates the importance of a systems approach with an example from food production: “Improving water security within the food industry requires a chain-wide approach. Consider a river basin where different avocado growers are operating, all using significant amounts of water. A transition to sustainable water use requires change throughout the entire chain.”

She explains: “Farmers switching to water-inclusive methods may temporarily produce less per square metre, so intermediary suppliers must be willing to pay a higher price. They must realise that without these adjustments, nobody will have a business in ten years. And ultimately, consumers must accept that ‘the most for the least money’ is not sustainable for our water supply in the long term.”

Integral, sustainable coastal protection

Another clear example that demonstrates why a systems approach is so important is coastal protection. “If you build a hard dyke, it only fulfils one function: protecting the land from water,” says Geerling. She explains that Nature-based Solutions (NBS) – solutions that work with nature – can bring so much more. “Mangroves can be deployed to protect coastlines in tropical regions,” she explains. “These natural systems not only strengthen coastal defence but also increase biodiversity, serve as nurseries for fish and other animals, and provide local communities with food and income.”

To make this succeed, a system-wide approach is essential. An approach where governments and dyke builders think and act differently, but also where local populations are actively involved. “For the protection of these mangroves, local communities play a crucial role,” Geerling emphasises. “They must be central to the management and sustainable use of mangroves, and be able to benefit directly from them. That requires a mind shift among all stakeholders.”

Co-creation on all fronts

Geerling explains that co-creation and financing play a crucial role in system change. “The only way to realise these changes is through co-creation with local partners. You must genuinely work together and develop solutions with the right local partners that fit the local culture and context. Otherwise it won’t work,” she emphasises.
And for large-scale impact, a shift in the financial world is necessary. “Financiers must stop financing projects that are not water inclusive. Greening Finance is essential. We can carry out pilots with natural solutions in a single river basin, but ultimately, the big financiers must take over to truly scale up.”

Success factors for systems change in water security

According to Geerling, bringing all those different themes together is key to systems change. And that is precisely what the Waterproof podcast aims for. But where does a water professional start to implement these approaches? “Keep it close to home and make it digestible,” Geerling advises. She indicates that it’s best to start with projects that are local and manageable. “Also, when scaling up, a project can never be copied one-to-one,” she emphasises. “A proven concept can be valuable, but the implementation must be adapted to the local context. That’s why you always need local partners.” These success factors are also reflected in the podcast episodes.

Collaboration is crucial

“A systems approach requires collaborations between different companies,” Geerling explains. “Collaboration between innovative companies, knowledge institutions, NGOs, and end users is increasingly emerging within the Dutch water sector. But in some places, it could be made even stronger.” To stimulate this, Partners for Water organises matchmaking events. “At these events, organisations are introduced to each other to learn from one another and share experiences.”

Co-creation and knowledge sharing

With the Waterproof podcast, PfW is trying out a new method to share knowledge, provide tools for systems changes and stimulate co-creation. “We combine it with meetups where deeper discussions take place and we involve a broader network of experts,” Geerling explains. “We see a diverse audience at these meetings: from people just becoming inspired by the themes to professionals who want to discuss how they can concretely contribute to solutions.”
This approach strengthens international knowledge exchange around water security. “We’ve even received responses from international lecturers who want to use the podcast in their lessons. That’s exactly what we hope to achieve: broader reach, deeper impact, and developing solutions together.” Conversations about these crucial themes continue at events organised by PfW, such as Waterproof 2025, or attended by PfW, like Stockholm World Water Week and UN meetings.

Systems change for a water-secure future

“The way we currently handle scarce resources like water and biodiversity is not working, so we must find other ways. With the Waterproof podcast, we hope to further stimulate that conversation and development.” Geerling closes with a hopeful message: “Change doesn’t have to lead to something worse. On the contrary, it can lead to innovative, sustainable solutions that make our world more beautiful and resilient. It will take some effort to get there, but the potential impact is absolutely worth it.”

In 2019, Cyclone Idai destroyed large parts of the Mozambican port city of Beira. Two years later, a second cyclone struck the city. 70% of Beira’s buildings were damaged in these events. Without thoughtful urban management and water management, the city remains vulnerable to flooding and increasingly extreme weather. In order to build resilience, Peter van Tongeren from the Association of Netherlands Municipalities, in collaboration with Partners for Water and the municipality of Beira, has been working on a better functioning land registry. Van Tongeren explains how this is forming the foundation for a climate-resilient city.

“Beira, partly situated below sea level, is administratively an exception within Mozambique,” begins Van Tongeren. While the country has been governed for almost 50 years by the Frelimo party, Beira has been in the hands of the opposition party Movimento Democrático de Moçambique, founded by former mayor David Simango, for 22 years. “This city administration has a strong motivation to demonstrate that democratic governance and transparent service delivery are indeed possible.” Their vision is supported by a long-term delta cooperation with the Dutch government. This cooperation is financed and managed through the Partners for Water (PfW) program and the Dutch embassy and is locally implemented by VNG International and Kadaster International.

The Beira Master Plan 2035: The foundation for climate-resilient water infrastructure

Beira’s vision for the future is laid out in the Beira Master Plan 2035. This plan was developed in collaboration with the Netherlands and former mayor Simango, to make the city climate-resilient and economically robust. It focuses on crucial themes like drainage and water treatment, coastal protection, waste management, urban planning, economic development and improving living conditions for citizens. However, to maintain and further develop the services delivered and the governance of the city, a solid financial and administrative foundation is needed. And all this begins with a properly functioning land registry.

‘Our man in Beira’

A key figure in the long-term collaboration between the Netherlands and Beira is Peter van Tongeren, known as ‘our man in Beira’ among his Dutch colleagues. A professional HR and organisational consultant by training, he came to Mozambique in 2017 via VNG International to strengthen the municipal government. He found a city with great ambitions, but without the essential foundation of a land registry and clear urban planning to convert that potential into sustainable development.

“When I arrived in Beira, the land registry was stored in the basement of the town hall – and that basement regularly flooded,” explains Van Tongeren. “Files were lost or illegible. People received duplicate land licences, which led to conflicts. Without a proper land registry, you cannot properly plan a city, collect taxes, or manage water infrastructure.”

This realisation led to the start of a large-scale digitalisation project, funded by PfW, the Dutch embassy and others. The project was implemented in collaboration with Kadaster International and the municipality of Beira.

Transforming a flooded basement into a digital database

“The project began with the digitalisation of land registration. A team of twenty local staff was trained to scan and register 40,000 plots. A new database was developed in which all land and property data were correctly stored,” explains Van Tongeren.

With an organised land registry, property rights could be better guaranteed, and urban planners could gain an overview of the available space. But perhaps even more importantly, the municipality gained a means to efficiently collect taxes for water management needs.

“The land registry is the foundation,” explains Van Tongeren. “You can only have a well-functioning climate-resilient city if you are able to maintain essential water infrastructure through taxes. Property tax has the biggest potential for own source revenue. However, in order to collect it, you must know who lives where, which buildings exist, and who needs to pay property taxes.”

From land registry project to sustainable water infrastructure

One of Beira’s major problems is the lack of financial resources. The city is largely dependent on contributions from the national government, which are often delayed or sometimes not paid at all.

“By linking the land registry with the tax collection system, the municipality has been able to triple its income from property tax. It increased from €600,000 in 2018 to €1.8 million in 2023,” explains Van Tongeren. “And that’s just the beginning. We expect that this amount will increase further to €10 million per year in the coming years – equal to the current city budget.”

“With this income, Beira can maintain and expand its water infrastructure,” explains Van Tongeren. “That means money for drainage, sewerage, and coastal protection – essential aspects in a city that is so vulnerable to flooding.

Long-term international delta cooperation

The success of the land registry project is no coincidence. It’s the result of years of consistent cooperation between Beira and the Netherlands. In this effort, PfW and the Dutch embassy work with the local government to provide technical solutions, but also to build governance capacity for sustainable water management.

This cooperation has been made possible in part by the long-term vision of Beira’s previous mayor, Daviz Simango. When he came to power in 2003, he found a city in decline: widespread open defecation, poor waste management, cholera outbreaks, and barely functioning services. “Simango had a clear mission to transform Beira into a prosperous, climate-resilient city and saw cooperation with international partners as essential,” explains Van Tongeren. Under his leadership, the Beira Master Plan was established in 2013, and it still serves as a guide for urban development.

“His unexpected death in 2021 had a significant impact,” says Van Tongeren, “but his successor, Mayor Albano Carige, is continuing his work with the same vision.”

Initiating system change for sustainable water management

“What began as a cadastre project developed into true system change. It has now altered many other areas – from urban planning to governance structures – all working together to sustain Beira’s urban development and water infrastructure,” explains Van Tongeren. “New neighbourhoods are designed in advance rather than emerging spontaneously, and there is also a strong connection with water and sanitation management. For example when new homes are built, flood-prone areas are taken into account.” The PfW-funded VNG project also strengthens Beira municipality’s IT capacity, communication skills, leadership skills and donor coordination, all essential to improving and maintaining quality water infrastructure.

Beira as a model for the climate-resilient city

Beira has now become a role model for other Mozambican cities. “During a seminar in December 2024, multiple municipalities showed interest in the digitalisation model,” says Van Tongeren. “There is much admiration for what Beira is doing. Hopefully, this approach will also be applied in other cities.”
Yet there are challenges. Many municipalities are overwhelmed by day-to-day problems, preventing them from developing long-term resilience strategies. But if one thing is clear, it’s that a well-functioning land registry lays a foundation upon which a climate-resilient city can build.

From reconstruction to climate resilience

What began as a collection of wet papers in a flooded basement is now the backbone of Beira, which is rebuilding itself into a prosperous, resilient and climate-proof city. Thanks to the combination of local vision, international delta cooperation and water management cooperation, and a long-term strategy focused on system change, Beira is becoming a truly climate-resilient city with sustainable water infrastructure.

On 28 January 2025, water professionals from the Netherlands and Colombia gathered in The Hague for the Colombia Platform Meeting. The event was an opportunity for discussions on strengthening bilateral water cooperation and exploring future possibilities in sustainable water management.

Water Envoy Meike van Ginneken opened the meeting by reflecting on the key takeaways from the COP16 Biodiversity Conference, held in November 2024 in Cali, Colombia. She emphasised the importance of integrating biodiversity into Dutch-Colombian water management practices, highlighting the need for sustainable Nature-based Solutions.

This was followed with an engaging panel discussion featuring industry experts who shared their experiences and insights on managing Colombia’s water sector. Speakers included Jeroen Klooster (Arcadis), Eduardo Marín (Felixx Landscape Architects & Planners), Evelyn Aparicio Medrano, PhD (Future Water) and Betsy Romero (Deltares). They spoke about recent collaborations, lessons learned and emerging opportunities for Dutch expertise in Colombia.

Key insights from the panel discussion:

• Working with the government on policy and planning: Jeroen (Arcadis) stressed the importance of working with governments to establish effective governance structures. He highlighted how essential it is to involve local knowledge in project planning in order to look at water issues from a different perspective.
• Designing inclusive and integral projects: Eduardo (Felixx) focused on the need to reassess the costs of water management consequences and to design projects that align with long-term urban and delta development, with a particular focus on flood prevention.
• Supporting project implementation: Evelyn (Future Water) encouraged the group to cooperate with like-minded people and continue consulting with local stakeholders. She also emphasised that solutions should be based on the actual needs of the community to ensure effectiveness.
• Improving water management for agriculture and biodiversity: Betsy (Deltares) highlighted the importance of engaging local people, understanding their needs and working collaboratively to improve water management practices in agricultural systems that would enhance both biodiversity and water use efficiency.

A longstanding partnership for water security

Colombia is one of the seven delta countries within the Partners for Water programme 2022–2027. Through long-term partnerships, we aim to enhance water security and climate adaptation in Colombia’s delta cities and agricultural regions. Our collaboration with national and local governments, private sector stakeholders, NGOs and knowledge institutions focuses on:

• Implementing master plans: Supporting Colombia’s national government in areas such as coastal erosion, dredging and river transport through case studies and innovative solutions.
• Strengthening the water-biodiversity-food nexus: Facilitating sustainable water use in agriculture, with a focus on palm oil, coffee and banana production in the northern Magdalena region.
• Water as Leverage: Engaging in the Water as Leverage Cartagena Initiative, developing inclusive and innovative climate adaptation projects with Colombian, Dutch and international partners.

The Colombia Platform Meeting was another step towards strengthening Dutch-Colombian cooperation, highlighting opportunities to employ Dutch expertise in sustainable water management.

Are you involved in water projects in Colombia or looking to collaborate? Visit our Deltacountry page to explore partnership opportunities or reach out to Partners for Water’s Project Advisor for Colombia, Robert Proos.

Bangladesh’s coastal polders were built to prevent flooding and saltwater intrusion, but poor governance, weak maintenance, and disjointed coordination have led to waterlogging, erosion, and reduced agricultural productivity. This cycle of inadequate upkeep and recurring failures forces costly reinvestment, perpetuating the Build-Neglect-Rebuild (BNR) pattern.

The Polders of the Future – Sustainable In-Polder Water Management and Resilient Livelihoods in Polder 31 project is an inception phase designed to lay the groundwork for long-term improvements in water management and climate resilience. It builds on findings from the BNR Root Cause Analysis Report and aims to develop a scalable, coordinated approach for better water governance in Bangladesh’s coastal polders.

This six-month inception phase (January – June 2025) is supported through a €300,000 subsidy under the Partners for Water Bangladesh Delta programme. The key outcome of this phase is to secure financing and partnerships for the longer term, full-scale implementation of solutions.

Laying the foundation for sustainable water management

The inception phase will focus on:

• Defining a functional institutional model: Designing an institutional model for in-polder water management, which is locally-led, and at the same time, well-connected with implementing agencies like BWDB.
• Developing a pilot implementation plan: Designing targeted interventions for improved in-polder water management, drainage and salinity control.
• Identifying financing pathways: Engaging relevant stakeholders to secure additional funding for full-scale implementation and long-term sustainability.
• Fostering co-learning and advocacy: Establishing a knowledge-sharing platform to support policy reform and drive systemic change in polder water governance.
• Engaging local actors for long-term maintenance: Ensuring that those who will ultimately be responsible for managing and maintaining water infrastructure are part of the co-creation process.
• Devising an effective and functional coordination mechanism: Establishing a coordination mechanism between different departments like BWDB, DAE, DoF, etc.; and between other institutions like Local Government Institutions (LGIs) and Water Management Organisations (WMOs) to ensure effective coordination.

Who is involved?

This project is funded under the Partners for Water programme and implemented by:

• Centre for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS) (Lead Applicant)
• Institute Water Management (IWM) – Technical expert in water resources modelling and management
• Uttaran – NGO with a strong track record in community-driven water management and rural development
  Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) – Providing advisory support and linking the project to broader polder rehabilitation efforts
• Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB)

The Road Ahead: Scaling beyond the inception phase

The Polder 31 initiative is not a standalone project, but the first step of a broader effort to transform water governance in Bangladesh’s coastal polders. A critical goal of this inception phase is to secure additional financing and partnerships for full-scale implementation. This will involve collaboration with government agencies, development partners and the private sector to establish a sustainable, scalable model for integrated water management and resilient livelihoods.

By addressing the root causes of the BNR cycle, this initiative directly supports the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 and national climate adaptation strategies, ensuring that coastal water infrastructure is managed proactively rather than reactively.

Bangladesh’s rapidly urbanising pourashavas (municipalities) face increasing challenges of water security, climate resilience and sustainable urban development. The Urban Demonstrators Initiative for Climate and Water Resilient Urban Infrastructure in Bangladesh (2nd Cycle), funded under the Partners for Water programme, aims to accelerate scalable, practical water solutions that enhance urban liveability, flood resilience and sustainable infrastructure.

This initiative is supported by a €500,000 subsidy under the Partners for Water programme running from January 2025 – December 2026.

Scaling smart, sustainable water solutions under the Partners for Water Bangladesh Delta programme.

Building on the success of Urban Demonstrators (UDs) in Raozan and Keshobpur, this new phase expands to 4-6 additional pourashavas, demonstrating how small-scale, Nature-based Solutions can be effectively implemented and scaled across Bangladesh’s 330 municipalities.

Context-Driven, scalable approach

• Fast-Tracked Implementation & Co-Creation: Rapid assessment and execution within six months, ensuring that pourashavas and communities play a central role in design, implementation and long-term management.
• Nature-based Solutions (NbS): Using locally available materials and workforce to create green, water-resilient urban spaces.
• Alternative Financing for Sustainability: Small grants act as catalysts for additional municipal and private investments.
• Strengthening Governance & Capacity: Equipping pourashavas and communities with the expertise and structures needed for long-term operation and maintenance (O&M).
• Peer Learning for Scaling: Enabling knowledge exchange between municipalities to accelerate widespread adoption of effective urban water management practices.

The approach empowers cities, their people, and environments to lead their own development through context-specific interventions, while a scalable model—based on rapid scoping and implementation within a year—encourages replication across Bangladesh, fostering citizen action for more liveable cities and building trust between communities and local governments.

Beyond individual interventions: a broader urban vision

By focusing on horizontal upscaling, this initiative goes beyond isolated projects. For example, a green space along an urban canal should not just be a one-time intervention but part of a broader effort to revitalise the entire canal system. Similarly, by engaging with municipal teams and communities, who ultimately maintain these spaces, this approach ensures long-term sustainability and helps prevent the Build-Neglect-Rebuild (BNR) cycle often seen in infrastructure projects.

Who is involved?

The project is funded under the Partners for Water programme and implemented by IHE Delft, in collaboration with:

• 4-6 Pourashavas – Municipal governments implementing solutions in their cities
• ACL – Leading engineering and consultancy firm in Bangladesh
• CEGIS – Experts in environmental and geospatial analysis for sustainable development
• C4RE – Citizen-centred urban design and technical partner

Impact & vision

The Urban Demonstrators Initiative contributes to Bangladesh’s Delta Plan 2100, strengthening the connection between on-the-ground action and national climate resilience goals. By integrating Nature-based Solutions, practical capacity building and innovative financing, this project offers a scalable model for sustainable urban development in Bangladesh.

🔗 Learn more

• Demonstrating smart solutions for resilient cities (un-ihe.org) (November 2021)
• Cities and towns key to Bangladesh’s sustainable development (un-ihe.org) (May 2022)
• Improving quality of life in Bangladeshi towns (un-ihe.org) (June 2022)
• Bangladesh: Small community grants with big, green effects in growing cities (un-ihe.org) (October 2024)
• Key features of Urban Demonstrators (PDF)
• Press release published in Dhaka Tribune  (wdpprepository.org)