Today, we proudly presented the Partners for Water Award 2024 to FieldFactors during Waterproof 2024. The innovative BlueBloqs solution designed by FieldFactors transformed rainwater management in Valladolid, Spain. Over 300 people voted to recognise the impact of the three nominated projects that were funded by the PVW-IVWW subsidy scheme and which contributed to global water security.

Over the last two months, national and international water professionals have had the chance to vote for one of the three nominated projects, funded by the Partners for Water subsidy scheme. This scheme promotes the use of innovative techniques, services and methodologies devised by the Dutch water sector in order to increase water security abroad. The nominated projects not only envisioned change, but also made an impact with their innovative water solutions.

Winner of the Partners for Water Award 2024

We are delighted to announce that this year’s winner of the Partners for Water Award 2024 is FieldFactors, for its innovative BlueBloqs that transformed rainwater management in Valladolid, Spain. By combining design, engineering, water science and technology, FieldFactors implemented a Nature-based Solution to address flooding and periods of drought at Valladolid’s Zorrilla Football Stadium.

The BlueBloqs system collects and treats rainwater for direct use and underground storage, reducing flooding risks and operational costs for Real Valladolid and ensuring a reliable water source during dry months. The project aligns with the broader objectives of the Partners for Water programme, showcasing the power of innovative Nature-based Solutions in urban water management.

Transforming rainwater management in Valladolid with BlueBloqs – Field Factors

For more information about the project click on this link.

Runners-up of the Partners for Water Award 2024

We would also like to congratulate Nelen & Schuurmans and Royal HaskoningDHV as this year’s runners-up for the Partners for Water Award 2024. Nelen & Schuurmans significantly advanced flood prediction in Taipei by providing residents with vital risk information through advanced cloud computing. Royal HaskoningDHV contributed to water security through innovative sandscaping in Bacton, England, providing immediate coastal protection with digital twin technology.

Subsidy as a catalyst for sustainable water management

Each winner of this year’s awards were brilliant examples of how the PVW-IVWW subsidy scheme has been instrumental in bringing innovative water management solutions to life. These projects, spanning from 2017 to 2022, have utilised the subsidy as a launchpad for testing, adapting and perfecting their innovations in real-world settings.

Stay up-to-date on new subsidy application rounds and subsidy projects through the Partners for Water newsletter.

Sign up for the Partners for Water newsletter so you don’t miss out on new subsidy application rounds.

Can environmentally sustainable solutions contribute to economic growth? We are optimistic about their potential. Within the recently launched knowledge and innovation initiative NL2120, we are conducting thorough research on the implementation of Nature-based Solutions and their capacity to drive economic growth, both domestically in the Netherlands and internationally. Job Udo (Ecoshape-HKV) together with Petra Dankers (Ecoshape-RHDHV) and Heleen van den Hombergh (IUCN) will tell you all about it in the deep dive at Waterproof 2024.

Shift in solutions

Job has been addressing water safety issues for nearly a quarter of a century. His career has taken him from Eastern Europe and Asia to Africa, where he has championed innovative solutions in flood risk management. “In recent years, there has been a shift in water management solutions towards greener measures, both in the Netherlands and internationally,” Job explains.

Cost-benefit of Nature-based Solutions

While Nature-based Solutions (NBS) are increasingly being highlighted, actual implementation is lagging behind, primarily due to cost-benefit concerns, but institutional challenges and unfamiliarity with benefits are also hampering implementation. The higher costs and the need for large-scale application to achieve significant effects often lead to a preference for traditional methods. “What is often overlooked are the secondary benefits, such as the reduction of heat stress and the improvement of living environments,” he adds. The NL2120 programme aims to identify and lower the barriers to choosing NBS, thereby unlocking their economic potential in both the Netherlands and internationally.

Accelerating implementation through knowledge

In this unique knowledge and innovation programme, over 25 partners are committed to integrating, deepening, and enriching the knowledge of Nature-based Solutions. “We focus on the physical-ecological, socio-economic, and governance aspects of water management. In doing so, we aim to accelerate the implementation of NBS in the Netherlands and beyond. It’s not just about reducing flood risks, but also about creating broad prosperity and improving biodiversity,” Job emphasises. “Everything developed in the NL2120 programme is applicable for businesses, NGOs, and institutions currently engaged in initiatives abroad.”

Taking steps together during the deep dive

“We are currently assessing the knowledge needs, exploring the questions that arise, and the obstacles that parties experience, in order to practically shape the knowledge agenda. In our deep dive, we will collectively identify obstacles and develop strategies to overcome them.”

Join us at Waterproof 2024

Can environmentally sustainable solutions contribute to economic growth? We believe they can! Join us for this deep dive at Waterproof 2024.

“Embracing space in water management will take our knowledge from a local to a global level” explains Kathelijne Beenen. Satellites and spatial information services, intricately linked with climate and water systems, form a vital part of our environmental management toolkit. All stakeholders in water management, agriculture and Nature-based Solutions should be informed about the ways this technology can enhance our understanding and management of water resources. Want to find out how and why? Discover the answers by joining the “Space Technology for (Water) Dummies” deep-dive session at Waterproof 2024, hosted by the Netherlands Space Office (NSO) and users who have benefitted from space technology.

Who is Kathelijne Beenen?

Kathelijne’s expertise lies in innovation, and she has supported both the private sector and governments through her work with the NSO for the past three and a half years. Her academic background is in geoscience and remote sensing at Delft University of Technology, where she utilised satellite data to improve local agriculture. She is currently focussing on applying space technology to environmental challenges, ranging from local projects in Mozambique and Colombia to advising the Dutch government and Dutch businesses on leveraging satellite data for environmental solutions.

The urgency of space technology in water management

When asked why this topic is crucial, Kathelijne emphasised the role of space technology and data in addressing water management and climate challenges. “Earth observation and Internet-of-Things sensors (connected via satellites) provide us with real-time data and long-term trends, which are essential for making informed decisions in water management,” she explains. The ability to monitor and predict agricultural yields, understand land use, and manage our natural resources more effectively are indispensable to how we approach environmental challenges.

International developments and the future

Kathelijne highlights a significant shift in the space sector: from technology-driven satellite development to user-centric solutions. This evolution means more tailored services for a variety of end-users. Looking forward, seeing the steep increase in the number of Earth observation satellites and use of machine learning and AI, she predicts an increase in the availability and accessibility of satellite data and information services, fostering a more sustainable approach to managing our natural resources.

Why attend “Space technology for (water) dummies”?

“It’s a sneak preview of what space technology and Earth observation have to offer for water, climate change, and biodiversity. The session aims to inform, inspire, and engage us in meaningful dialogue.”

Join us at Waterproof 2024

Join us at Waterproof 2024 to explore how space technology can assist us in understanding, managing, and preserving our most precious resource: water.

“Colombia’s current challenges in water and climate demand innovative solutions.” It’s an endeavour that many water professionals attending the Colombia Platform meeting on Thursday, 7 December are eagerly undertaking.

Over 45 individuals from public and private organisations, knowledge institutions and NGOs gathered in The Hague to discuss the bilateral collaboration between the Netherlands and Colombia, forge new connections and discover the various business opportunities the Colombian water and climate sector has to offer.

“I’m so pleased to see you all here today,” began Barbara Swart, Delta coordinator from the Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management, as she initiated the meeting. “Together, we’ll discuss the ongoing collaboration between Colombia and the Netherlands, share valuable insights on successful practices and explore new market opportunities within Colombia’s water and climate sector.”

Bilateral collaboration

The delta collaboration between the Netherlands and Colombia has been facilitated through various instruments of the Dutch government, such as Water as Leverage (WaL), BlueDeal and Partners for Water (PfW). Key components in these cooperations include promoting local ownership, co-creating with stakeholders and collaborations with the local public and private sectors. The ‘Water as Leverage Cartagena – Construyendo con el agua’ programme illustrates this aptly. PfW Programme Advisor Robert Proos enthusiastically explains: “WaL Cartagena aims to develop sustainable, integral solutions for water adaptation and climate adaptation in Cartagena. This is carried out by two multidisciplinary teams and in partnership with local and international stakeholders. WaL Cartagena can also be an interesting launching pad for other water security innovations, so it’s a worthwhile exploration for the Dutch water sector.”

Blue Deal Programme in Colombia

“We aim to enhance the implementation power of solutions that improve water security in Colombia,” explained Ellen Bollen-Weide from the Dutch Water Authorities while introducing InspirAgua Colombia, a component of the Blue Deal Programme. This initiative, a collaborative effort by the Dutch Water Authorities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Water and Infrastructure of the Netherlands, strives to provide access to sufficient, clean and safe water for 20 million people globally.

Partners for Water subsidy scheme

Another initiative enhancing water security in Colombia is the ASR4WS project, co-funded by Partners for Water. Marta Faneca Sànchez, a hydrogeologist at Deltares, enthusiastically elaborated on the feasibility study her team conducted on six banana plantations in Colombia’s Magdalena Delta. “During the dry season, the local rivers experience freshwater scarcity, which leads to the salinization of groundwater and soil, loss of biodiversity and conflicts among water users. With Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) technology, we aim to address these challenges by storing fresh water during the rainy season that can be utilized during the dry period,” she explained.

Sànchez noted that the Partners for Water subsidy supported the project not only by providing funds but also by establishing vital connections with local stakeholders and partners, and it has been crucial for the project’s continuation. “The study reveals promising potential for adapting an existing well into an ASR system. To validate these findings, a pilot project will be conducted on one of the farms, with continued financial support from Partners for Water.”

Obtain funding through the Partners for Water subsidy scheme

Do you want to know if your project is also eligible for the Partners for Water subsidy scheme? Projects with innovations in the field of WASH, water quality & availability, water & climate, water & biodiversity, sustainable agriculture and water infrastructure can apply for the subsidy from 19 January until 16 February 2024.

Market opportunities

“Colombia is taking big steps towards treating 100% of its wastewater and providing drinking water to an additional 3 million Colombians by 2030,” said Wessel Mol from the bilateral chamber ‘Holland House Colombia’. Speaking from his office in Bogotá, Mol shared his excitement about the numerous opportunities for the B2B market across various regions in Colombia. The most significant ones are highlighted below:

Significant opportunities in various Colombian cities:

• Cartagena: improvement of drinking water and sewerage coverage in rural areas, equipment needs for the new treatment plant El Cerro, IT tools for storage and distribution of water.
• Santa Marta: drinking water and sewerage coverage, and rainwater capture.
• Bogotá: wastewater treatment
• Cúcuta, Neiva and Duitama: wastewater treatment systems

A promising water and climate sector

As this fruitful meeting ended, Swart concluded with a hopeful summary: “Today we’ve recognized that working at the regional level is just as important as collaborating at the institutional level, and I believe we can all agree there are numerous opportunities within Colombia’s water and climate sector. The current challenges require innovative solutions, and I am confident that you have the products and expertise necessary to enhance water security in this promising delta country.”

We previously featured an article on the activities of Partners for Water in Colombia. In the city of Cartagena, two multidisciplinary teams are working to improve the city’s water system as part of the ‘Water as Leverage Cartagena – Construyendo con el agua’ programme.

Both teams design strategies and project proposals related to water and climate change challenges. We catch up with Programme Advisor Robert Proos to give an update on the status of the programme.

Since February 2023, the teams have been working on 11 proposals for inclusive, innovative and comprehensive designs to adapt the city to climate change impacts. They do this together with the city of Cartagena, the Colombian government and other stakeholders, including community representatives, the private sector and local academia.

An important focus of the programme is identifying and developing projects which are feasible and impactful. ‘What we notice is that there is often plenty of internationally funds available for the implementation phase of projects’, Robert explains. ‘However, a lot of interesting projects never reach that stage. That is why we want to close the gap between identifying promising projects and matching the available funds for implementation. In order to achieve this, we work together with financial partners such as Invest International and the European Investment Bank.’

Tested method

‘The programme aims to integrate local knowledge and experiences in designing solutions for the city’s challenges’, Robert explains. ‘That means it’s important to involve local communities. By connecting to their contexts, we are enabling inclusion and co-creation.’ This method has been tested and developed in Water as Leverage Asia, in the cities of Semarang (Indonesia), Khulna (Bangladesh) and Chennai (India). Robert adds: ‘The idea is to look beyond technical features. How will the solutions be socially embedded? How can we involve local communities, the private sector and NGO’s?’

Local Design Workshop 3 (September 2023)

Water as Leverage Cartagena

‘We learn about risks, ecosystem vulnerability and the needs of local communities from workshops. By listening and interacting, communities give important information as to how to move forward and at the same time we create broader support for the programme and the proposed projects. By introducing topics like policy and finance, we connect to policy ambitions of local governments and get them talking to potential financiers at an early stage.’

Real differences

Robert feels the integrated approach leads to more results than just siloed, single-focused solutions. ‘The right type of investments in water infrastructure can trigger so much more than just dry feet; integrated projects can improve the livelihoods of the ‘cartageneros’. For example, in addition to improving water management around the Ciènaga de la Vírgen wetland in Cartagena, the communities also see a potential for eco-tourism, supporting their livelihoods in a sustainable way. This type of integration uses water as leverage for the broader development of a city.’

The eleven proposals will soon be further developed and analysed to determine if they’re feasible from a technical, social, environmental and financial standpoint. ‘So, these great projects actually get implemented and the people of Cartagena start to notice real improvements.’

There are two teams working on improving the city’s water system. Why two teams and not one?

‘Of course, we could have gone for one big team with twice the budget’, Robert says. ‘However, what we noticed in other programmes and want to encourage, is that teams learn and get inspired by one another. Doing so creates synergies and new ideas.’

‘Because the teams are structured slightly differently in terms of who is in it, they work from different perspectives and ideas. Having two teams in this way enriches the process as a whole. and allows for greater collaboration with various local as well as Dutch partners. This is a good thing, as there is a lot of interest from the international water and climate sector to work on this programme.’

What does the future hold for international water innovation? Last week, over 20,000 water professionals gained insights into the promising answers to this question at Aquatech 2023 in Amsterdam.

Many visited the NL Lounge, which was hosted by Partners for Water (PfW) and was part of the NL Pavilion. One thing is clear: the future of water innovation looks very exciting.

Kick-off

Enthusiasm was in the air when Marieke Leenhouts from Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) inaugurated the NL Pavilion at Aquatech 2023 on Monday 6 November. Together with NWP and Water Alliance, Partners for Water co-hosted the NL Pavilion and facilitated the NL Lounge. Over 23 exhibitors were ready to showcase their innovative water technologies and solutions in the inviting Dutch area amidst the vast international expo.  “Today is the start of a promising week,” Leenhouts said, “The programme is packed with inspiring talks, engaging network lunches and valuable delegation visits, without forgetting the free drinks during Wednesday’s networking event in the NL Lounge.” The stage has been set; let the unveiling of water innovation begin.

Marieke Leenhouts NWP, photo by Ruben May

Aquatech Innovation Award

Earlier that morning, three Dutch companies were recognised with the Aquatech 2023 Innovation Award for their contributions to water innovation. Software developer Factorylab received an award in the category ‘Water Supply’ for their ClipR temperature sensor and product developer Acquaint was awarded in the ‘Transport, Process & Control’ category for their inline inspection dashboard.

Various Dutch exhibitors showcasing their innovations in the NL Pavilion, photo by Ruben May

The overall Innovation Award was received by REDStack BV, who were recognised in the categories ‘Wastewater Treatment’ and ‘Innovation Not To Market’ for their Blue Energy Technology. With membrane stacks they generate renewable energy out of contacting flows of fresh and salt water. Pieter Hack, founder of REDStack, honoured the NL Lounge with a presentation about their innovative technology. Hack remarked: “At the end of the day, we rely on the Earth’s five available energy sources: solar, geothermal, wind, biomass and hydropower. So the question isn’t if our Blue Energy technology will become mainstream, but rather when it will happen.”

Incoming missions

Delegations from Guinea, France, Peru, Brazil, India, Oman, Vietnam, Malaysia, Mexico, Spain and Chile visited the NL Lounge. Additionally, Partners for Water hosted two platform meetings —one for India and one for Vietnam. These incoming missions served to strengthen the relationship between the Dutch water sector and its international counterparts, leading to fresh perspectives on water-related business opportunities overseas. Willem Timmerman, First Secretary at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Vietnam, remarked: “Vietnam aspires to become a high-income country by 2025 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Currently, the nation is facing significant water and climate challenges. However, there is a strong willingness to invest in high-quality solutions, resulting in valuable business opportunities for the Netherlands”

Various delegations networking at the NL Lounge, photo by Ruben May

Enlightening presentations

“Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed leak identification from a reactive to a proactive process,” declared Robert Lodewijk. The founder of AI company Hulo gave an engaging presentation about the potential of AI in water systems. Lodewijk continued: “By utilising AI in conjunction with pressure and flow sensors, we can detect, localise and quantify leaks with the highest possible accuracy.”

“We integrate data from diverse atmospheric and soil sensors into a single forecasting system. Through a user-friendly dashboard, farmers receive severe weather warnings and irrigation advise,” shared Lisa Verschuren, from FutureWater. She presented MAGDA, an elaborative weather forecasting system and explained how this data empowers farmers to anticipate and prepare for extreme weather conditions.

Participants listening to the presentations, photo by Ruben May

These presentations offer just a snapshot of the numerous insightful discussions that took place over the course of the week. Topics ranged from AI and robotic solutions to water energy consumption and socio-technical integration, all woven together by a shared goal: to advance global water security through innovative solutions.

Funding opportunities

“For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), covering working capital needs when exporting can be challenging. That’s where we come in,” explained Marc Cabret from impact investment organisation Invest International. Alongside his colleague Joris Kreulen, he presented the organisation’s financial solutions. Kreulen added, “We offer Dutch and Dutch-linked SMEs aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals tailor-made and blended funding solutions for export, investment and value chain needs .” Invest International is not the only supporter of the water sector. Earlier in the week, Hugo de Vries of Partners for Water highlighted in a discussion on RVO support instruments: “Numerous innovations addressing global water challenges are being developed within the Dutch water sector. The PfW subsidy scheme can play a supportive role in accelerating these innovations.”

Young water experts

Undoubtedly, the youth hold the key to our future. That is why Wavemakers United (WU) and the Young Expert Programmes (YEP) are dedicated to constructing a global impact community and fostering connections among young professionals in the water sector. Partners for Water was pleased to contribute by hosting a facilitated networking lunch in the NL Lounge for young water experts. Young professionals from various sectors within the water sector came together to discuss the future of water and to listen to an inspiring presentation on the work of YEP and WU.

Young Professional Experts discussing the future of water collaboration, photo by Abe Jonker

“We all have varied expertise and come from different backgrounds. Progress towards a sustainable and water-secure world happens when we find each other and aim for mutual learning and understanding,” remarked one of the young professionals. It was not only an outreach to the participating water sector but also beautifully encapsulated the essence of the networking event.

NL Lounge

From early morning until late afternoon, the NL Lounge was abuzz with the lively chatter of busy water professionals. Over cups of coffee crafted by skilled baristas, new business ideas were introduced, international connections formed, discussions held and thoughts exchanged on the future of water and innovation. The journey towards a sustainable water world is progressing incrementally – and the visitors of the NL Lounge certainly took a collective step forward.

Networking at the NL Lounge, photo by Abe Jonker

We reflect on a fruitful week and extend our heartfelt thanks to all our collaborative partners and visitors for their enthusiasm and commitment to advancing a sustainable and secure water future.

What’s happening now and what’s next for Dutch-Indonesian water cooperation? Hosted by Partners for Water, over fifty professionals came together on 26 October during the Dutch-Indonesian Platform Meeting in The Hague.

Attendees, consisting of individuals from knowledge institutions, private-, governmental- and non-governmental organisations, exchanged their ambitions, priorities and opportunities for water initiatives between the Netherlands and Indonesia. Discover their main take-aways.

“What are your aspirations for the Dutch water sector in Indonesia?” asks Lisa Hartog, Delta Coordinator for Indonesia at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management while kicking off the Indonesian platform meeting. With enthusiasm she goes on saying, “Today’s focus is to connect, explore and strengthen the long-term collaboration between the two countries in the water sector.”

She invites the participants to brainstorm on their ambitions, lessons learned and opportunities during engaging breakout sessions. These brainstorm sessions are part of a broader study aimed at identifying the sector’s prospects in Indonesia and explore the best ways the Dutch government can assist in this. The room quickly divides into four groups, with participants actively joining in on lively discussions.

© Feike Faase Fotografie

“What I took away from today is that understanding the local culture might be more key to implementing water solutions than knowing the relevant technologies.” – participant brainstorm

Current projects in Indonesia

To explore the current role of the Dutch water sector in Indonesia, various ongoing projects are highlighted. Simon Van Meijeren, from Partners for Water, along with Trang Vu and Bas van Maren – both working for the Dutch consortium Ecoshape, discuss recent initiatives in Indonesia, funded by Partners for Water. “It is crucial to adopt an integrated view of the water problems in Indonesia,” van Meijeren states. “We try to do this through high-level strategic dialogues, co-creating solutions with local communities and improving inter-agency collaborations.” Vu and van Maren wholeheartedly concur. As the audience listens intently, they eagerly share their insights from a scoping mission in Sidoarjo, led by the Ecoshape consortium.

© Feike Faase Fotografie

The scoping mission’s objective was to assess the potential of implementing Nature-based Solutions (NBS) to enhance local aquaculture. Van Maren elaborates: “Initially, the focus was on milkfish- and shrimp yield and water quality, but it became clear that regional degradation of the physical system was a significant aspect of the problem.” Vu continues, “While various NBS appear feasible from a physical standpoint, their economic viability remains to be explored.” The Ecoshape consortium aims to integrate the lessons learned from this mission into future NBS project designs.

Curious to discover the results, lessons learned and recommended solutions? Find all the details in the scoping mission’s report provided below this article.

Young professionals

Delving further into Sidoarjo, two young professionals recount their former study experiences in this Indonesian coastal city. Joey de Hamer, currently with the Netherlands Red Cross, elaborates about his thesis study on the social impacts of the Sidoarjo mud volcano. This volcano has spewed hot mud continuously since 2006, displacing tens of thousands of residents and causing significant environmental and infrastructural damage. De Hamer comments, “While the ecological impacts of the mud volcano were broadly recognised, I found it enlightening to learn about the experiences and challenges faced by the nearby residents.”

© Feike Faase Fotografie

Meanwhile, Ardiyanti Cahyan, currently at Boskalis, shares her past internship which focused on water management at the Port of Teluk Lamong. Cahyan remarkes, “Being on-site allowed me to truly connect with and better understand the local issues.” Her take-home message? The importance of experiencing the local context for a more profound understanding of the problems at hand.

Change takes time

Straight after his arrival for a work visit to the Netherlands, Adriaan Palm, Deputy Head of Mission at the Dutch Embassy in Indonesia, succinctly summarises the event: “I think we all agree on the significance of engaging the local community to ensure project sustainability. Additionally, I’d like to recognise the value of collaborating with students and emerging professionals. And lastly, change is a gradual process. So, I encourage you to give yourself that time.” As the attendees shift towards the facilitated networking lunch, fresh perspectives and emerging ideas on today’s themes echo amid the lively chatter. While change may take time, the attendees sure don’t waste it.

Keen to keep the conversation going? You are invited to share your thoughts, ambitions or anything else you’d like to discuss with our core team working on the bilateral water cooperation with Indonesia. You can find the team’s contact details in the sidebar.

Results, lessons learned and recommended solutions

• Ecoshape_SidoarjoScopingResults
• Ecoshape_Scopingmission_Sidoarjo_FINAL
• Platformmeeting Indonesia_general slides and information

Results of the study of the ambitions of the Dutch water sector within Indonesia

Below you can find an infographic that highlights the key outcomes of the study that investigated the ambitions of the Dutch water sector within Indonesia. The study consisted of an online questionnaire complemented by focus group interviews conducted at the annual Indonesian Platform meeting in October 2023. The study was commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

If you have any questions regarding the outcomes of the survey you can contact Simon van Meijeren: simon.vanmeijeren@rvo.nl

 Apply for the Partners for Water subsidy scheme

Do you have an innovative technology, methodology or prototype in the field of water management? And would you like to use your knowledge, expertise and ingenuity to enhance water security in Indonesia? Apply for the Partners for Water subsidy scheme!

The scheme is applicable to innovations in the field of WASH, water quality and availability, climate adaptation, biodiversity, sustainable agriculture and water infrastructure.

The following subsidy round opens in July. Apply for the mandatory intake interview now.

With gratitude we look back at the ‘Social Inclusion in Water Climate Adaptation – Making a Transformation’ event, which took place on 12 September 2023 in Utrecht. Below you will find a short recap of the experiences shared by various participants.

“What I’ve learned during the event the importance of embracing diverse views and attitudes when facing collective challenges. Instead of imposing my own perspectives, I aspire to recognize the value in each other, genuinely listen, and accept potential differences as a starting point. From there, we can collectively acknowledge and address our challenges, working together to find resolution.” – Piebe Hoeksma, Dutch Water Authority

Piebe Hoeksma © Feike Faase Fotografie

“My most significant takeaway from the Social Inclusion event is the inspiring work people are already doing to address water security, aligning with my work on rainwater catchment projects in northern Kenya. I’m enthusiastic about exploring the ideas on social inclusion I’ve encountered at the event, with a view to making a lasting impact on my marginalised community in Kenya.” – Augustine Lenamoe, Npydo

Augustine Lenamoe, Npydo © Feike Faase Fotografie

“If I were to reflect on my experience of the Social Inclusion event, I’d highlight a valuable insight: it’s crucial to return to the source of our actions. Often, we assume we know what marginalised groups need and plan projects accordingly, but in reality, we know very little about their lives and circumstances. Instead, it’s wiser to ask them directly, shaping our project activities and defining short-term, mid-term and long-term goals based on their actual needs.” – Priodarshine Auvi, Oxfam Novib

Priodarshine Auvi © Feike Faase Fotografie

Interested in reading up on the event?

What does it take to usher in a socially inclusive water future? A hundred and fifty professionals from the water sector pondered this question at the ‘Social Inclusion in Water Climate Adaptation – Making a Transformation’ event, held on the 12th of September in Utrecht.

This event, organised by Partners for Water and Deltares, opened a collective dialogue. “We need an open mind, heart and will.”

“I’m so glad to see all of you”, says the host Stephanie Janssen, researcher at Deltares specialising in social inclusion, with a welcoming smile. Among the attendees are people of all ages and genders, representing various countries, cultures and organisations. As they lower the volume from their animated conversations in the plenary hall, Janssen officially kicks off the event: “Our collaborative journey to enhance a socially inclusive water world is about to begin, and it’s something none of us can achieve alone.”

Joining her is Dennis van Peppen, the Lead Water Programmes at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency. “Our journey towards promoting social inclusion and fostering transformation within the international water sector began in 2018”, he tells the audience. “Since then, we’ve witnessed growing enthusiasm at all levels of the water sector. Today, you are bringing a wealth of perspectives to this event, and I look forward to being inspired by your voices.”

“Over the last few years, I’ve seen various efforts toward mainstreaming social inclusion.
Today, I look forward to exchanging both our distinctive and shared insights.” – Participant

“I hope we leave the room not with confidence, but with a high level of enthusiasm to continuously learn, unlearn and re-learn.” – Participant

Using a framework for change

But how does one foster transformation? To cultivate an inclusive water world, we can learn from proven changemakers strategies. United in both marriage and expertise, inaugural keynote speakers Martin and Aggie Kalungu-Banda provide the audience with a comprehensive explanation of a change-management framework known as ‘Theory-U’. Both are active members of the Presencing Institute, an organisation dedicated to developing theories and practices for systems transformation. “Theory U is not our creation,” says Martin Kalungu-Banda. “after numerous dialogues and opportunities for observation, it’s the name that was given to the process that change-makers worked with to bring about deep transformation.” With unwavering passion, he continues, “Applying the Theory U framework involves, among other things, paying attention to the questions and opportunities calling out for attention. It requires active listening and emotional connection to others and the surrounding environment and doing this with an Open Mind, Open Heart and Open Will.”

Aggie Kalungu-Banda adds, “Change requires more, though. It happens when, apart from observing the world outside, we also turn the lens of observation inward, continuously enhancing our self-awareness at the individual, team, organisational and societal levels.”

Deep Diving

To translate words into action, attendees break into small groups and embark on deep dives into various themes. These sessions offer the opportunity to explore different case studies, brainstorm, engage in discussions, or even participate in a ‘therapy session’ centred around inclusivity. Participants enter these sessions with enthusiasm and vulnerability, emerging with both newfound insights and the questions that arose during their discussions.

Participants participating in one of the ten deep dive sessions © Feike Faase Fotografie

5 insights

The deep dive sessions produced various insights that differed from person to person. Here are five overarching ones.

• Acknowledge diverse approaches. There is not just one way to promote social inclusivity. The diversity among countries, villages and communities is reflected in the various potential approaches.
• Step beyond your comfort zone. This can change your perspective and improve your understanding of inclusivity. A practical approach to gaining different perspectives could be to collaborate with someone from another background within the water sector to exchange viewpoints.
• Address misconceptions and disagreements. These often arise when trying to identify those who are marginalised and those who are not. Achieving system transformation requires connection, openness, vulnerability, and engaging in conversations where everyone can both speak and listen about these differences.
• Invest time in listening. Involving people in a project and working towards sustainable results necessitates investing time in active listening.
• Find the knowledge within. The necessary knowledge sits within each of us and throughout our collective experiences. No single individual has all the answers, making our interconnectedness essential.

5 questions

There are still many questions to be explored, such as:

• When is something genuinely inclusive?
• How do we ascertain whether we are working inclusively?
• How do you strike a balance between a top down and a bottom-up approach?
• Who defines the true needs and goals of a project?
• How can we scale up socially inclusive projects?

“Sometimes, we think we know best because we are the practitioners. But it’s all about listening and being compassionate to each other. Let’s discuss how we can let go of our arrogance and how to embrace curiosity!” – Participant

Stepping into the future

Reflecting on the event, attendees express a deep sense of resonance, departing with seeds of hope and concrete ideas to continue the journey of improving social inclusion in the water sector. Many feel that they’ve forged stronger connections with each other, thanks to their willingness to engage in conversations with open minds, open hearts and open wills.

Everyone realises that enhancing social inclusion within water and climate adaptation doesn’t require a hurrid leap forward. Instead, it demands time for reflection and an embrace of diversity. Although it may seem like a complicated challenge with many unanswered questions, as one participant aptly put it: “it’s actually quite simple to start – just begin with listening.”