Humans of Partners for Water: Frans Janssen

With the Human series, we showcase the people who are involved in and benefit from the Partners for Water projects. The Human series sheds light on the stories of the people with whom and for whom Partners for Water works, and on how water affects their lives. Discover how water influences the life of Frans Janssen, who has come to understand the critical importance of ensuring that every user in the water chain is aware of its scarcity and receives their fair share.

Dutch-Chilean water cooperation

In Chile’s Aconcagua Valley, Partners for Water is collaborating with Dutch and Chilean stakeholders to address a critical water crisis threatening local fruit production, including avocados exported to the Netherlands. Over the past 15 years, persistent droughts have severely strained water resources, impacting both agriculture and the local ecosystem.

In 2021, the initiative began with a series of webinars that convened various participants from the fruit sector and sustainability advocates. These sessions provided comprehensive insights into the valley’s water challenges, documented in a ‘catchment passport’ — a detailed scientific report on the region’s water situation.

Simultaneously, the project established ‘Aconcagua Network’, a local network of producers and key stakeholders dedicated to developing strategies for sustainable water management. This network has begun crucial work, including mapping the water footprint of various producers and identifying methods to reduce water usage.

The next phase involves a market transformation process, engaging international value chain partners such as exporters and retailers to form a unified vision for sustainability in Aconcagua. This initiative aims to foster collaboration between local and global stakeholders towards a shared mission of water conservation.

This collaborative effort in the Aconcagua Valley represents a vital step towards a more sustainable future, balancing agricultural productivity with essential water conservation.

Frans Janssen: a new awareness of the value of water

Frans Janssen, representing the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Chile, joined the Embassy and the Partners for Water programme three and a half years ago. His involvement has profoundly altered his understanding of water’s value, recognizing its critical influence on all aspects of life. In Chile, there are many productive sectors, including mining, industry, and especially agriculture, which consume 70-75% of the country’s water.

Janssen emphasizes that sustainable change requires contributions from every segment of the value chain, from producers to consumers.

“We need to ensure that every water user in the chain gets their fair share, and I am extremely proud of every drop of water we can save”.

Raising awareness is thus crucial. Retailers must demand sustainably produced products, and consumers should support these efforts by paying fair prices. Producers face a pivotal decision: prioritize maximum short-term output or adopt sustainable practices to ensure long-term viability. Janssen believes that with collective action, significant improvements can be achieved.

Discover more about his ‘why’ in the Humans of Partners for Water video below.