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)

“Water – it’s a door opener to international political collaborations.” Ivan Pastor, Partners for Water’s new intern, brings a fresh perspective on water management. Having studied European Studies at The Hague University of Applied Sciences and growing up with a father working in the water sector has given him a keen perspective on water’s political role. Nice to meet you Ivan!

“My father spent his entire career working on international water programmes. Having witnessed the impact of water projects through his eyes sparked my fascination with this vital resource,” Ivan explains. “Through this internship, I can combine my interest in water with my study expertise and learn more about water’s crucial role in international relations.”

The significance of water security

“Water is becoming increasingly critical,” notes Ivan. “Climate change causes droughts, even in the Netherlands and growing sectors like AI and other industries require significant water resources, making sustainable water management more crucial every day.” For Ivan, water’s universal relevance makes it a fascinating field. “Water touches everything – it’s connected to industry, nature, society and politics. That’s what makes it both pressing and incredibly interesting,” he reflects.

Ivan at Aquatech

At Partners for Water, Ivan plays a key role in preparing the Netherlands Pavilion, the vibrant hub for innovative Dutch technology at Aquatech 2025. “The Netherlands Pavilion at Aquatech represents a unique opportunity to showcase Dutch water expertise,” Ivan shares. “We’re collaborating with NWP, Water Alliance and many other Dutch water organisations to present the Netherlands as a global leader in water management and to inspire the international water sector with Dutch innovative technologies and approaches.”

Many delegations will be visiting the Netherlands Pavilion and various Partners for Water project partners of will give presentations. “My role is to coordinate the diverse schedule of presentations and delegations,” Ivan explains. Beyond the planning phase, he will be on-site to assist with welcoming visitors and delegates and supporting presentations. “I’m really excited to be part of this international event and help showcase what makes Dutch water expertise so unique.”

Bridging theory and practice

For Ivan, this internship represents an opportunity to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical experience. “While my studies focus on European politics and international relations, this internship allows me to understand how water serves as a diplomatic tool. I’ve learnt that the Dutch water sector often opens doors for international cooperation, starting with water but growing into broader partnerships.”

Understanding the ‘why’

“I’m not only learning about the political significance of water but also about the importance of understanding root causes through stakeholder engagement”, Ivan shares. “Grasping the ‘why’ behind existing problems is essential in developing relevant solutions. This requires asking the right questions to the right people – a practice I see continuously at Partners for Water.” Ivan continues, “This deep dive approach into the ‘why’ and engaging with all stakeholders is something I’ll definitely take with me in my future career in international relations.”

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At the second matchmaking event at the Social Impact Factory in Utrecht on 16 January, seventeen projects were showcased that have recently been awarded financial support through the Partners for Water Subsidy Scheme. The presentations took place in three different rooms, where the enthusiastic audience of about fifty people was divided. Afterwards, attendees had the opportunity to visit each room, ask questions to the presenters, and, of course, make valuable connections and exchange ideas. As Hugo de Vries (PfW) explained in his introduction speech, the presentations provided valuable insights into what other organisations are working on and the goals they aim to achieve with the support of Partners for Water.

During the presentations, Gregor van Essen from The Water Agency discussed the Green Batik Pekalongan initiative. This two-year pilot project in Indonesia aims to develop a sustainable water management model for the batik industry, which has been crucial to the country since the 17th century but is known for its high water consumption. The project will test water conservation solutions at selected workshops and, in the next phase, establish a Green Batik Centre at Universitas Pekalongan (the “Capital of Batik”) to promote sustainable production practices.

Additionally, Livio Bod from SPAAK presented a pilot project in Morocco’s Boulemane region, which introduces a Nature-based Solution (NBS) to improve water catchment and retention in agricultural soils. By combining rain and flood analysis, advanced software, and local knowledge, this project aims to validate the approach for large-scale implementation across Morocco, where agriculture is a key economic sector.

The Welang River in East Java, Indonesia, is a crucial lifeline for nearby communities, providing water for daily use and supporting local agriculture. As cities expand and populations grow, however, the river has faced increasing challenges such as flooding, erosion and pollution. The Governments of Indonesia and the Netherlands, through its Partners for Water programme are investing in the Welang River Basin Transformation Project to tackle these challenges and protect both the river and the people who depend on it. This is the third article in the miniseries on the Welang River Basin project, highlighting the role of Nature-based Solutions for integrated water management.

During the rainy season, the Welang basin, specifically in Sidogiri and Welang Lama, experiences floods at least once a year. Notably during the recent rainy seasons in 2022 and 2023, floodwaters of up to one-meter caused the Welang Lama river to overflow, inundating several districts including the villages of Sukorejo and Karangketug. This disaster caused economic and infrastructural losses to affected people in this area.

In response to the recurring flooding issues, the Indonesian government, through the East Java Province, has partnered with the Netherlands government to implement the Welang River Basin Transformation Project. This initiative will be executed by a Netherlands-Indonesian consortium, consisting of Witteveen+Bos, Nuffic Southeast Asia and AidEnvironment. Sidogiri and Welang Lama were selected as pilot sites to address the flooding challenges. One of the project’s primary objectives is to design effective flood protection measures for these areas through a collaborative co-creation and design phase.

Collaborative co-creation (co-design) supports participatory design as a fundamental aspect of Sustainable Design Principles (SDPs). The co-design process involves active participation from local communities, landowners and government stakeholders, fostering inclusivity and ensuring that the final outcomes are tailored to the specific needs and contexts of those involved. The process is divided into four stages:

• Needs and Demands: this stage focuses on identifying the challenges and needs of the communities while understanding local environmental issues. To achieve this, the consortium, in partnership with students from Universitas Negeri Malang (UM), Universitas Brawijaya (UB) and Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), conducted site visits along the Sumber Pinang and Welang Lama rivers. These visits included hydraulic modelling and flood assessments to gain a comprehensive understanding of the area’s vulnerabilities.
• Co-Creation of Solution: during this stage, technical expertise is combined with local knowledge to design effective interventions. Stakeholder workshops were organised, involving the consortium, the Department of Public Works and Water Resources, universities and local villagers. These sessions facilitated knowledge sharing and discussions, leading to the identification of potential structural and non-structural measures to address flooding.
• Complementing Solutions: Solutions were refined based on community feedback and further analysis. Conceptual designs were developed in collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Water Resources, the consortium and the universities. These frameworks were then shared and discussed with villagers to ensure that the solutions reflected their needs and input.
• Validation and Implementation: The final stage involved evaluating the proposed solutions to ensure their effectiveness and alignment with institutional policies. Final outcomes were presented to the communities, outlining the next steps with an emphasis on transparency and trust-building.

By following these structured stages, the co-design process promotes inclusivity, knowledge sharing and community-driven solutions to effectively address local environmental and flooding challenges. Each phase employs distinct participatory design approaches to ensure that all parties are involved and can contribute based on their background and expertise. The following table outlines the co-design process, detailing each stage and the corresponding participatory design methods used:

Miniseries on the Welang River Basin project

This is the fourth 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

On 16 January, the second matchmaking event took place at the Social Impact Factory in Utrecht. The name of the location is undoubtedly fitting, as the event brought together a diverse and enthusiastic audience of government employees, NGOs, companies, lobbyists, and even a few journalists, all eager to explore how they could support one another and collaborate more effectively to achieve a shared goal: improving water security globally. The main objective of the afternoon was to generate new subsidy applications for innovative water projects under the Partners for Water Subsidy Scheme.

Bram van der Wielen from Partners for Water kicked off the event by providing an overview of the projects currently supported by the organisation. At present, there are 57 projects in 28 countries, most notably in Vietnam, with six specific projects there. Van der Wielen explained that there are both feasibility and pilot projects running. Feasibility projects focus on research and analysis to assess whether an idea is viable, while pilot projects are focused on testing solutions in the field to confirm their practical application before scaling up.

Knowledge transfer and global water challenges

The attendees were then divided into two rounds across five tables, each focused on a specific theme. At Table 4, where Infrastructure and sustainable waterways were discussed, one participant emphasised the importance of avoiding repeated investments in the same infrastructure. This can be achieved by making locations financially, institutionally, and knowledge-wise independent. Throughout the discussions at the various tables, the focus was strongly on knowledge transfer and self-reliance, rather than dependency.

At Table 3, Water-Biodiversity-Food, one participant expressed the ambitious desire to clean “all the water in the Netherlands and beyond,” while another highlighted the urgent need for assistance in Spain, where significant social issues and rising saltwater levels have a large impact. “This is a huge problem in the Mediterranean,” was emphasised during the discussion.

Water availability, climate adaptation, and local solutions

Table 1, which was dedicated to Water Quality and Availability, was particularly crowded during the second round. Everyone took turns introducing themselves, after which Gábor Szántó from Partners for Water asked follow-up questions to explore the potential for collaboration. For example, journalist Vincent Kuypers spoke about the situation in the Nile Delta, where 2 million people have been relocated in the past two years. The local authorities had asked him: “Can you go to Holland and see how we can collaborate?” “Despite my long experience in the field, I have never seen anything like this before,” said Kuypers. The aim was for the people of Egypt —not just the wealthy—to be able to protect themselves and secure their future.

At the Climate Adaptation table, number 2, a participant from Ghana focused on giving ownership to vulnerable groups and emphasised the need to explore which crops and foodstuffs would be most economically viable in the local environment. “Does anyone have a solution for me?” he asked his tablemates directly. Cards, phone numbers, and social media accounts were exchanged in abundance.

Reflections on another dynamic matchmaking event

Given the numerous conversations between different parties in various languages—during which not only a great deal of information was exchanged but also much laughter shared—the event can be considered a success. We hope that many valuable connections were made, leading to fruitful collaborations and exciting projects in the future. We aimed to provide more information on the Partners for Water subsidy scheme, making the application process easier for everyone. Did we succeed? Or do you have any feedback? Please let us know your thoughts by sending us an email: partnersforwater@congresbureau.nl

Miniseries on the Welang River Basin project

This is the third 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

In Kenya’s Rift Valley, millions rely on groundwater containing dangerous levels of fluoride, causing serious health issues in local communities. Julius Kubai, Director of Harbauer Limited, explains how he and his consortium partners are piloting an innovative household water treatment solution that simultaneously tackles both bacterial and fluoride contamination. Funded by Partners for Water, their unique solution aims to transform lives and make safe drinking water accessible to Kenyans.

After spending two decades working in Kenya’s water sector, Julius Kubai has witnessed first-hand the challenges communities face with contaminated groundwater. From his office in Nakuru, he shares how his journey from drilling water boreholes led to developing innovative solutions for fluoride removal. “I used to work with the local Catholic Diocese drilling water boreholes for local communities. While doing so, we consistently encountered dangerously high levels of fluoride. This pushed us to do research on appropriate technology to remove fluoride and provide safe drinking water,” explains Kubai.

In 2018, Harbauer Limited took over the fluoride removal project from the Catholic Diocese. Now, it focusses on providing filters and decentralised filter stations using HAP (hydroxylapatite) filter material for households, communities and public water suppliers. Harbauer Limited, with support from a Partners for Water subsidy together with consortium partners Resilience BV, Nazava Water Filters Ltd. and Delft University of Technology, is developing a fluoride-removing add-on to enhance the existing and widely used Nazava Water Filter, which removes bacteria from water.

Severe health issues

“In many areas, especially the Rift Valley, groundwater fluoride levels are two to six times higher than the World Health Organisation’s guideline that prescribes a maximum of 1.5 milligrams of fluoride per litre of drinking water,” says Kubai. “The impact on communities is severe. Beyond brown teeth, which affects people’s self-esteem and even job opportunities, excessive fluoride can cause skeletal fluorosis – a chronic metabolic bone disease affecting bones and joints. Growing children are particularly vulnerable to these effects.”

Rift Valley where the fluoride problem occurs.

Innovative water filter solution

Harbauer Limited has demonstrated success in cleaning groundwater using HAPaqua, a special adsorbent that significantly reduces fluoride concentration. “We’re now piloting our fluoride removal technology with Nazava Water Filter’s existing ceramic filter system,” Kubai explains. “What makes our solution truly innovative is that we’re addressing two critical water quality issues at once – bacterial and fluoride contamination – at the household level.”

Testing and development

“Currently, we’re running parallel experiments with two different water sources. One in our office compound and one in a nearby community,” says Kubai. “The water source from the community has around 10 milligrams of fluoride per litre, while the one in our office compound has about 5 milligrams. This comparative testing helps us understand how the filter performs under different conditions.” While doing so, the project brings together the expertise from its multiple partners: Resilience BV leads the consortium, with Nazava Water Filters Ltd. contributing their established ceramic water filter technology. The partners are collaborating with TU Delft and Harbauer in designing and testing the new add-on component whilst ensuring community involvement.

Community-centered approach

“Our goal isn’t just to create a filter – it’s to develop a solution that communities will actually use,” stresses Kubai. “By June, we aim to have an affordable household filter that has been tested by the community. Their feedback on design and usability is crucial. We want to ensure the final product meets their needs and is acceptable to them before scaling up.” Looking ahead, Kubai is optimistic about the project’s potential impact. “Once we have a solution that’s both affordable and meets community needs, we plan to expand throughout Kenya’s fluoride-affected areas, making safe drinking water accessible to all Kenyans who need it.”

Nineteen years ago, Haanen sold his software company in the Netherlands and moved to Africa with his wife to work for various NGOs and government organisations. After working in Ghana, Tanzania and Kenya, they settled in Zambia, where they established the Jacana Foundation, which supports small-scale local entrepreneurs. “During our travels, we saw NGOs buying products directly from manufacturers and delivering them by lorry to villages. Often, this forced local shops to dump the same products, creating unfair competition. So, we thought, let’s see how we could do this differently,” Haanen explains. With Jacana, they developed a supply chain that collaborates with NGOs and local shop owners, with the initial focus on an affordable portable solar pump to address water scarcity among Zambian farmers .

The project turned out to be a success. Now, with consortium partner MetaMeta and funding from Partners for Water, they plan to develop and roll out the concept over the next two years across Zambia and beyond.

Innovative solar pomp

In sunny Zambia, Haanen shows Tabitha Bakker, writer of this article, on a digital tour of Jacana’s office grounds, which serve as both a workshop for the innovative pump and a training centre for local entrepreneurs. A water drum and solar panel stand in the middle of the lawn in front of the office. “Look,” says Haanen, lifting a small blue pump from the drum, “the farmer places this pump in a stream or well. The portable solar panel powers the pump, drawing water through the hose from the source.” He explains that not only is the pump innovative, but so is its distribution model.

Changing the supply chain

“We’ve developed a supply chain that connects local distributors, shops and NGOs. The NGOs provide farmers with vouchers to purchase a pump at a local shop for a small fee. This personal contribution is shared between the shop owner and the warehouse. Rather than NGOs delivering pumps by lorry, they now travel by scooter with vouchers in their backpacks, benefiting local entrepreneurs too.”

Affordable irrigation technology

“The innovative aspect of this irrigation technology is that it’s extremely affordable,” explains Haanen. “Typically, pumps are designed for larger water consumption. By adapting the pump to smallholder farmers’ consumption needs, it’s become much more affordable. A farmer can recover the cost with just one good maize harvest – they don’t even need a coupon or credit for that.”

Tracking the impact

The project’s impact reaches beyond the voucher recipients. “Farmers from the recipients’ networks are also buying pumps. They’ve seen the success of the voucher programme, know where to find the shops and because the pump is affordable, they can purchase it without sponsorship.” Through a specially designed app, NGOs can track pump sales from shops and warehouses, monitoring their impact beyond the initial voucher programme.

Scaling up through partnerships

“Currently, we’re working with nine local shops, a local warehouse, MetaMeta and a Chinese manufacturer for large-scale production,” says Haanen. “MetaMeta manages various SMART Centres (Simple Market-based Affordable Repairable Technologies) across Africa. These centres train the local private sector in affordable and repairable technologies for water, irrigation and sanitation. Through this network, we aim to extend our pump and supply chain model to other African countries.”

From testing to expanding

The consortium is six months into this two-year Partners for Water project. “In this first phase, we’re testing seventy Zambian-made pumps to optimise the supply chain and software. In parallel, we’re working with a Chinese manufacturer to develop a version for mass production. Next week, I’m visiting the factory to finalise material choices before production begins. And in a year and a half? We aim to have fully rolled out the concept in Zambia and be ready for international expansion.”