By 2026, Bangladesh is expected to transition from a low-income to a middle-income country, marking a significant shift in its development landscape. This transition opens up new opportunities for Dutch private organisations and investors to engage more deeply with Bangladesh’s development. In this transition, the collaboration will shift from aid to a partnership based on mutual interests, equal collaborations, and robust economic relations. The Dutch private sector has a chance to play a significant role in this new phase, leveraging its expertise in water management and other important sectors.

But in order to enter this tactical and operational playing field for long-term collaboration, there is work to be done. In this article, two experts share their insights on public-private partnerships in Bangladesh. Fahim Faisal is a researcher and the author of a report commissioned by Partners for Water (PfW) on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) opportunities in Bangladesh. Rubaiyath Sarwar supported the development of a vision and strategy for the Dutch Water sector in Bangladesh beyond ODA (Official Development Aid). Together, they identify the Dutch USP (Unique Selling Point) and the six main ingredients for successful partnerships.

The Dutch USP: quality and strategic impact

The Netherlands has been historically recognised for its trustworthy advisory services, knowledge products and high-end technology, strategically working with the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) for the last 50 years on water and food security, organisational strengthening and social development topics, such as sexual and reproductive health and rights. The efforts on water and food have culminated in the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 (BDP2100). The emphasis on comprehensive, holistic and integrated programming and strategic impact is a hallmark of Dutch bilateral engagement. With Bangladesh’s middle-income status, the dynamics are changing for the better with sustained opportunities for Dutch technology and knowledge.

Bangladesh changes perspective

Bangladesh is evolving in its approach to development projects, emphasising not just cost but also quality and technological advancement. The government is steering this shift. As Rubaiyath notes, “When we talk about Bangladesh, often we have this perception that having a low budget is very important. That’s true in some cases, but both the government and the private sector are gradually recognising that it’s not just about low initial cost, it’s also about quality and added value.”

Government to government (G2G) collaboration to facilitate PPPs

With the transition, opportunities for new collaboration frameworks are coming to the table. One of these potential frameworks is a Government to Government Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate PPPs. The MoU acts as a binding agreement between governments, reducing political and project risks. Fahim highlights that this form of G2G cooperation minimizes risks and attracts international funding by making projects more attractive to investors. Several countries have already signed a MoU with Bangladesh, and the Netherlands is exploring this option.

Six ingredients to start building long-term relationships in Bangladesh

To establish successful long-term business relationships in Bangladesh, local experts recommend focusing on these six key strategies.

1. Leverage expertise in the water and agricultural sector

Dutch companies face significant competition from established and low-cost consortia dominating the Bangladeshi market. However, the Dutch water sector can build on its long-standing relationships in the water and agricultural sector, and on its reputation for leadership in technical assistance. It can thus continue leading feasibility and technical supervision missions for forthcoming projects. By partnering with soft loan providers, the sector can design projects that will help Bangladesh achieve its Delta Technology goals, while leveraging Dutch technologies. These projects help Dutch companies to gain a foothold, demonstrating their added value in tactical and operational projects.

2. Build strong relationships

Establishing robust relationships with key agencies that are new to the Dutch water sector is crucial for effective project implementation. Engaging with agencies like the PPP Authority and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) ensures reliable project execution and financial backing. Building these relationships takes time, local presence and upfront investments, but ultimately facilitates smoother project development.

Examples: By drawing on the experiences of the British and Danish private sectors, the Dutch private sector can benefit from further intensifying and utilising existing platforms like the Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry. These platforms foster collaborations, enhance mutual understanding, and offer valuable partnership opportunities. Additionally, developing local lobby groups to advocate for Dutch investments could be a strategic move.

3. Showcase added value

Breaking into established consortia favoured by Bangladeshi agencies, primarily consisting of Asian contractors, is challenging. The Dutch private sector must clearly demonstrate its added value and competitive advantages to persuade the government to consider new partnerships. Effective communication of the sector’s unique strengths and capabilities is crucial in order to enter and compete in the market. As Fahim says “there is often a general awareness of Dutch expertise in agriculture and water management, but specific knowledge about individual companies and their specialties is lacking.” Enhancing the visibility and understanding of Dutch companies’ strengths will facilitate more targeted and effective partnerships with Bangladeshi firms.

Example: Chinese companies dominate the energy sector due to their long-term presence and strong local partnerships. However, despite their low overhead costs, they often fail to deliver projects on time. Highlighting Dutch companies’ superior project management and technological advancements, as well as reduced operational and maintenance costs in the long term can help overcome these established preferences.

4. Use quality as a way into existing consortiums

Dutch firms can leverage their technical expertise and high-quality technology to penetrate the market by focusing on niche opportunities that require premium, long-term solutions. Engaging in technical feasibility assessments and design missions allows Dutch firms to define their scope and demonstrate the business case for high-value investments, influencing tender documents to favour their capabilities. The Dutch private sector could be considered as the partner of choice for sustainable investments.

Example: Japan’s involvement in constructing Dhaka’s new airport terminal highlights how a focus on quality and technological superiority can secure project bids. Their participation in the feasibility study and the development of a robust technological plan, integrated into the procurement process, significantly increased their chances of winning the project.

5. Provide soft loans to reduce risks

Addressing the critical issue of soft loans can help Dutch companies overcome the perception of being expensive high-end technical service providers. Partnering with international financial agencies to offer financing solutions can mitigate the Bangladeshi government’s concerns about higher costs and enhance the attractiveness of Dutch firms in competitive tenders. Projects like these help Dutch companies to gain a foothold and demonstrate their added value.

Example: Japan provided a $1.3 billion low-interest loan for Dhaka’s new airport terminal through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This financial support reduced the project’s risks, making it more viable and attractive.

6. Target specific sectors to capitalise on entry opportunities

There are promising opportunities for the Dutch water sector to engage with government institutes in the fields of water and delta. As Bangladesh transitions from a low-income to a middle-income country, opportunities will extend beyond government initiatives, especially in the private sector. Small to medium size companies in the readymade garment (RMG) sector are shifting towards sustainability, renewable energy, and circular economy practices. All these issues can actually provide opportunities for the Dutch private sector. “And later on Dutch firms can actually capitalise on those entry opportunities and move into other areas,” Rubaiyath explains.

Example: The collaboration within the Dutch Bangla Onion Support in the Bangladeshi onion sector highlights the broad scope of opportunities. Together, they supply integrated solutions aimed at producing better quality onions, reducing post-harvest losses, and ultimately decreasing onion imports while increasing income for onion growers and traders. This collaboration addresses agricultural storage challenges and showcases Dutch versatility beyond water management. The agricultural, circular textile, and IT sectors offer fertile ground for Dutch technological support, fostering sustainable and mutually beneficial growth.

Continued collaboration for sustainable and mutual growth

As Bangladesh evolves, the focus is shifting from merely cost-effective solutions to those that offer quality and technological advancement. This aligns well with the Dutch approach, which emphasises strategic impact and high standards. By adopting these six ingredients for building successful long-term business relationships, Dutch companies can further penetrate the Bangladeshi market. In doing so, they can foster sustainable and mutually beneficial growth, thereby contributing to SDG5 and achieving the Dutch policy goal to increase water security and safety for over a hundred million people worldwide by 2030.

As a child, Maryna Yushchenko witnessed the water quality in her home city of Kyiv deteriorate year after year. This inspired her to focus her career on water management. Three years ago, she moved to the Netherlands to pursue that ambition. Today, she is in her third year of the Water Management programme at HZ University of Applied Sciences in Middelburg. She is specialising in spatial planning and design and is applying her skills as an intern at Partners for Water tackling international water challenges. Nice to meet you, Maryna!

Growing up in Kyiv, a city built on water, Maryna spent her childhood playing along the riverbanks. “It was really sad seeing the water quality deteriorating in my home city. Algae blooms increasingly polluted the river, eventually making the water so green that swimming was impossible for most of the summer season,” she explains. “This experience inspired me to dedicate my studies and career to water management.”

Spatial analysis to restore wetlands

At Partners for Water, Maryna is currently involved in a wetland reconnection project on the border of Thailand and Laos. In collaboration with WWF and Royal HaskoningDHV, the project aims to restore the link between the wetland area and the Mekong River using Nature-based Solutions (NbS). “Agricultural expansion and invasive plant species have led to the wetland’s gradual degradation and disconnection from the river,” explains Maryna. “My role involves spatial analysis and testing interventions that would reconnect the wetland with minimal disruption to the local communities.”

Working on global water management solutions

What drew Maryna to Partners for Water was its international focus. “I like that Partners for Water not only focuses on the Dutch water sector but also on international water management projects,” she says. This global perspective aligns perfectly with her own values about knowledge exchange. “I think it’s great that the Netherlands has so much expertise in the water sphere and I feel like sharing this expertise is so valuable for other countries like mine.”

Multidisciplinary collaboration

In addition to improving her mapping software skills, Maryna’s hopes to gain experience working and communicating in multidisciplinary teams. “Unlike my studies, where projects were tackled one at a time, my role at Partners for Water involves juggling multiple tasks simultaneously. This internship’s diverse projects really encourages me to adapt to different initiatives and work on my communications with various stakeholders.”

Ambitions for global sustainable water management

Maryna’s ultimate ambition goes beyond personal growth. “My biggest motivation is changing how water is viewed and treated around the world,” she shares. “In the Netherlands, water is seen as a really valuable resource. But, in many other parts of the world, it’s often treated as a nuisance.” She dreams of returning to Ukraine someday to apply innovative and sustainable water management principles. “I would love to bring the knowledge I have acquired here to Ukraine, to help change my home city and give water the value and respect it deserves.”

From 24-28 August, World Water Week 2025 will take place. This event is centered on water cooperation, for peace and security in its broadest sense. The theme, Water for Climate Action, this is your chance to showcase ideas, share expertise, and collaborate on solutions for today’s water and climate challenges.

Partners for Water is hosting the Netherlands booth

Partners for Water is proud to host the Netherlands booth at Stockholm World Water Week, a space where you can showcase your innovations and insights. The booth can accommodate up to 35 participants per event and is equipped with advanced audio and visual facilities. Together, we can strengthen climate resilience and accelerate progress on global water solutions. Will you join us?

Host a session or activity at the NL booth

Do you want to collaborate and showcase Dutch expertise on water and climate action at the Netherlands booth? To complete your participation and register your session, please fill out the form via the button ‘submit your session’ by 6 June 2025 17:00 CEST. Before the end of June you will receive an email if your session has been accepted to take place in the NL booth. Submit your session.

Preparatory Meeting for Dutch Participation

You are cordially invited to attend a preparatory meeting for the Dutch contribution to World Water Week (WWW) in Stockholm (24–28 August). This meeting will take place on Thursday, 12 June 2025, in The Hague. Time: 13:00 – 14:30. Do you want to join? Please register via the link. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative conversation on the future of water!

“Too much fluoride in water can cause brown teeth and other health issues. In Kenya’s Rift Valley, people live with that reality every day.” Begüm Tanis and Guus Wiersma from TU Delft explain how they are working on a practical water solution to provide safe drinking water: a household water filter designed to tackle both excess fluoride and bacterial contamination. Supported by the Partners for Water programme, the project aims to improve water security while reducing costs and plastic waste.

Wiersma, project coordinator, and Tanis, assistant professor, both work at TU Delft’s Water Management Department. They are part of a consortium comprising Harbauer Limited, Resilience BV, Nazava Water Filters Ltd., and Delft University of Technology. Their shared goal? Safe, affordable drinking water—without the environmental cost.

Synergising proven water solutions

“The two components of the solution are both already existing technologies,” explains Wiersma. “We combined Nazava’s ceramic filter, which is highly effective at removing bacteria and viruses, with the HAPaqua system.” The latter is an adsorbent filter designed to reduce fluoride levels, using Hydroxyapatite as its base material.

Tanis adds: “The system operates with granular material through which the water flows, allowing the fluoride to bind to the granules. As the water passes through the filter, the fluoride is captured by the material, resulting in water with significantly reduced fluoride content.”

Addressing a critical health concern

The project targets Kenya’s Rift Valley, where naturally occurring fluoride in the groundwater often exceeds safe levels. “Most people in the region are aware that consuming too much fluoride can lead to health problems, such as brown or mottled teeth—also known as dental fluorosis,” explains Wiersma.
Tanis adds: “In the past, many residents relied on bone char (charcoal made from animal bones) to filter out fluoride. But this method has several drawbacks, including health concerns, inconsistent quality, and limited filtration capacity.”

“The impact on the daily lives of users will be significant,” says Wiersma. He shares that the initial response from the communities has been very open and positive.

Benefits beyond clean water

The filter can be used with various water sources, including rainwater, groundwater, and even surface water. However, the impact of this innovation goes beyond simply providing safe drinking water. “Currently, people buy bottled water when they can afford it. But with the Nazava filter, you can treat up to 7,000 litres of water,” Tanis explains. “That’s quite a lot.” “This saves households money by reducing the need to purchase expensive bottled water, but also significantly cuts down on plastic waste,” adds Wiersma.

Testing in real conditions

Rather than conducting tests in the Netherlands using artificially contaminated water, the team set up a laboratory in Nakuru, Kenya, to test the filters with naturally fluoridated water. “By testing on location, you get the most accurate results, because you’re using the actual water the filters are designed to treat,” explains Tanis.

The team collected water from two different boreholes, each with distinct fluoride concentrations. “We continuously used water from the same sources for each test, ensuring that the fluoride concentration in the inflow remained relatively constant,” Tanis adds. “This allowed us to reliably compare the performance of the filters under consistent conditions.”

The team also collaborated with Egerton University in Nakuru, where a local student joined the project as an intern. In addition, an undergraduate student from TU Delft spent several months in Kenya working with the prototypes and conducting water quality testing.

“It’s a great opportunity for students to work on applied, real-world projects,” says Wiersma. “The students supported us in testing two different prototypes and also conducted additional tests to examine preferential flow,” adds Tanis. “The outcomes of both the students’ tests and our tests were promising, showing that the filters effectively removed fluoride.”

Royal recognition

During a state visit to Kenya, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands and the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Reinette Klever, were also introduced to the water solution. “Queen Máxima’s response was very positive,” says Wiersma enthusiastically. “It was great to show them our prototype. The Queen’s interest could help raise awareness of the fluoride contamination issues in the Rift Valley.”

Looking ahead: scaling for wider impact

The team has applied for the next round of Partners for Water funding to continue testing and improving the solution before scaling up. “Initially, we’ll focus on Kenya,” says Tanis, “but the Rift Valley stretches from Ethiopia through Kenya and Tanzania all the way down to Mozambique. People face the same issue throughout the region, so if you have a solution that works, why not scale it up?” Wiersma concludes: “Ultimately, our goal is to provide access to safe drinking water for everyone, while simultaneously reducing the plastic burden on the environment.”

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. Thanks to Partners for Water’s funding, IBF can be rolled out through a broader part of Malawi. However, the impact of this project extends well beyond this East African country. 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.”