With the Humans of Partners for Water series, we showcase the people who are involved in and benefit from our projects. The Humans series highlights the stories of the people with whom and for whom Partners for Water works, and on how water affects their lives. Discover how Mario Ciono’s dedication to his community in Cartagena is helping restore the city’s rivers and protect its neighbourhoods from environmental damage.

Meet Mario Ciono Fuentes

Meet Mario Ciono Fuentes, President of the Community Action Board of the Villa Rosa neighbourhood in Cartagena, Colombia. As a community leader, he represents the voice of his neighbourhood in efforts to improve the local environment and protect residents from the impact of pollution and climate-related hazards.

Water as life

For Mario Ciono, water is not simply a resource, it is the foundation of life itself. Living in Cartagena, he sees first-hand how pollution and the effects of human activity are putting pressure on the city’s rivers and natural surroundings, and how urgent it is to protect them.

“Water is a natural resource…it is life, it is the most beautiful thing that nature could give to humankind. We take care of it, we conserve it, and we work for it.”

Dutch-Colombian water cooperation

Colombia is one of seven delta countries in the Partners for Water 2022–2027 programme. In Cartagena, the programme finances the Water as Leverage Cartagena initiative, which develops inclusive and innovative climate adaptation solutions together with Colombian, Dutch and international partners.

Partners for Water collaborates with Colombian national and local governments, the private sector, NGOs, academia and community organisations to enhance water security and climate change adaptation in the country’s delta cities and agricultural regions.

Community voices such as Mario’s are an important part of this process, helping to ensure that solutions for cleaner rivers and a healthier coastline reflect the needs and realities of the people who live there.

Beyond Cartagena, Partners for Water also supports projects across Colombia through its subsidy scheme, enabling Dutch and Colombian organisations to develop and test innovative water solutions, such as initiatives to address freshwater scarcity and soil salinisation in the Magdalena Delta.

Get involved in Colombia

Are you currently working on water projects in Colombia or exploring how to do so? Or just interested in participating in Partners for Water initiatives? Here are some ways for you to get involved:

• Apply for our tenders focused on innovative solutions in delta countries like Colombia. Find more information on our news page.
• Join our annual Colombia platform meeting or one of the other Partners for Water events. Check out our events page for upcoming events.
• Follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on our tenders, activities, events and projects.
• Get in touch with our Project Advisor for Colombia Robert Proos.

With the Humans of Partners for Water series, we showcase the people who are involved in and benefit from our projects. The Humans series sheds light on the stories of the people who work with and for Partners for Water works and on how water affects their lives. Learn how Nayira Hassan’s dedication to water conservation drives her mission to make every drop count in Egypt.

Meet Nayira Hassan

In this Humans of Partners for Water series, meet Nayira Hassan, Project Manager at Delphy Egypt. Through consultancy, training and knowledge sharing, she supports farmers and promotes sustainable and soil-less agriculture across Egypt and the wider region. She combines her technical expertise with a deep commitment to water-smart farming.

Saving every drop

For Nayira Hassan, water is far more than a professional focus, it is a responsibility. Living and working in Egypt, where water scarcity is a daily reality, she understands deeply what it means to treat water as a precious resource. Her drive is not just to use it efficiently, but to help others appreciate what they have and make the most of it.

“In Egypt, water is scarce. So, it’s very valuable for me to work with water, to save every drop – and make an impact. It means a lot to me, and I’m happy to be a part of that.”

Dutch-Egyptian water cooperation

Egypt is one of seven delta countries in the Partners for Water programme 2022–2027. In the Nile Delta, the programme focuses on three interconnected priorities: integrated coastal management, smart water use in agriculture and improving water supply and sanitation.

Partners for Water collaborates with the Egyptian Government to develop sustainable water-use solutions that help safeguard Egypt’s groundwater reserves and address the salinisation of coastal soils.

The bilateral partnership is guided by a High-Level Water Panel, chaired by the water ministers of both the Netherlands and Egypt, which meets annually to align on policy direction and programme progress.

Beyond the broader programme, Partners for Water also supports various projects in Egypt through its subsidy scheme, enabling Dutch and Egyptian organisations to develop and test innovative water solutions on the ground.

Get involved in Egypt

Are you currently working on water projects in Egypt or exploring how to do so? Here are ways to get involved:

• Apply for our tenders focused on innovative solutions in delta countries like Egypt. Find more information on our news page.
• Join our annual Egypt platform meeting or one of the other Partners for Water events. Check out our events page for upcoming events.
• Follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on our tenders, activities, events and projects.
• Get in touch with our Project Advisor for Egypt: Ylva Veldhuis

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 Rob Goodliffe’s love for water has inspired him to help preserve the coastline for future generations.

Meet Rob Goodliffe

In this Humans of Partners for Water series, we introduce Rob Goodliffe, the Coastal Transition Manager for North Norfolk District Council. Growing up in the ceremonial county of Norfolk in East Anglia, England, he experienced first-hand the powerful sea and vulnerable coastline, which profoundly shaped his life and career.

A lifelong connection to the sea

For Rob Goodliffe, the sea has always been a source of wonder. He has long been fascinated by how the moon and sun can move vast volumes of water twice daily—a phenomenon he describes as “absolutely incredible.” Growing up in North Norfolk, he became acutely aware at a young age of the coastline’s vulnerability. After storms, he would rush to the beach, where the sand had been swept away, revealing coins, fossils and other treasures washed ashore.

These early experiences shaped his career path. Today, he serves as the Coastal Transition Manager for North Norfolk District Council, focusing on preparing for storms and managing their aftermath to protect the fragile coastline.

“Water means a great deal. It has always fascinated me, especially the sea here.”

The devastating North Sea storm surge of 2013 significantly impacted the coast, flooding many homes and destroying others in the wake of powerful waves. In response, Rob and his team developed a sandscaping project inspired by the Dutch technique known as zandmotor. They deposited 1.8 million cubic meters of sand along key beaches to raise sea levels, protect coastal defences and safeguard infrastructure and homes from unrelenting waves. By building a digital twin, they gained a comprehensive understanding of how the sand they had placed has shifted and moved.

Through these efforts, Rob aims to preserve the coastline for future generations while dedicating his life and work to his passion for water.

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 below how Carolina Salas learned that while water is vital, its ever-changing patterns require constant adaptation.

Meet Carolina Salas

This Humans of Partners for Water series focuses on Carolina Salas, a sustainability manager at Agrícola La Quebrada del Ají Ltda, Chile. Her experiences with extreme drought and torrential rains have ignited her passion for understanding the complexities of water, driving her to advocate for sustainable practices that empower her community.

Embracing the unpredictability of water

Carolina Salas, a sustainability manager in Quebrada del Ají, a small and remote town in the Valparaíso region of Chile, has experienced firsthand the dynamic nature of water. In her town, she has witnessed both extreme abundance and prolonged drought. Carolina vividly recalls an event from twenty years ago when she and her neighbors were trapped in the village for a week due to incessant rain. At that time, she had a small baby, adding to the difficulty of the situation.

This period of heavy rainfall was followed by a long stretch of drought, which brought its own challenges. These changes were significant learning experiences for Carolina and her community members, deepening their understanding of the importance of water.

“I’m passionate about water because, obviously, it’s an important resource, but it is also a very dynamic one”.

In recent years, Carolina has noticed increased global attention to the challenges they face regarding water. However, they can never predict what comes next. What they have learned is to no longer be afraid but to adapt. Water, she explains, is a resource that is not stable and creates many realities.

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 below how water influences the life of Irene Novita Andriani, whose lifelong struggle with frequent flooding has fueled a deep commitment to addressing the region’s water challenges,

In her current role, Novita is spearheading efforts to conserve water resources in areas where this is particularly challenging, such as the Welang river in Java. Her work focuses on ensuring that water quantity, quality, and continuity meet both current and future demands, reflecting a broader commitment to sustainable development in one of Indonesia’s most vital regions.

Dutch-Indonesian Water Cooperation

For over fifty years, the Netherlands has been a crucial partner to Indonesia in water management, solidified by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) since June 2007. The latest MoU, covering 2022-2026, aims to elevate cooperation to a more strategic level, involving government authorities, public and private sectors, and NGOs from both nations.

Indonesia is one of the seven delta countries engaged in the Partners for Water programme for 2022-2027. Urban water security in parts of Indonesia is compromised by low access to piped water and pollution. Agriculture and poor sanitation further degrade water quality. Java, housing over half the population, faces severe water scarcity, projected to worsen by 2040. Over-exploitation of aquifers leads to subsidence and increased flood risks, especially in Jakarta. Costal cities are also threatened by exacerbate droughts, fires, and sea level rise caused by climate change.

The collaboration with Partners for Water advocates for sustainable and integrated water management through long-term partnerships, utilizing experiences from previous programs. Partners for Water leverages its extensive network, knowledge, and funding to address water security challenges in partner countries. By integrating Dutch and local expertise in sustainable, inclusive, and innovative water management from the early planning stages, the program aims to foster cooperation among government entities, the private sector, NGOs, young professionals, and knowledge institutions.

The program’s priorities include lowland development and irrigation, integrated water management, and the development of capacity, knowledge exchange, and youth engagement.

Exploring opportunities in Indonesia?

Are you currently working on water projects in Indonesia or exploring how to do so? Or just curious about participating in the Partners for Water initiatives? Here are ways for you to get involved:

• Apply for our tenders focused on innovative solutions in delta countries like Indonesia.
• Join our annual Indonesia platform meeting or one of the other Partners for Water events. Check out our events page for upcoming events.
• Follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on our tenders, activities, events and projects.
• Apply for the Partners for Water subsidy. Explore whether you are eligible.
• Get in touch with our Project Advisor for Indonesia: Simon van Meijeren

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. Below, discover how water shapes the life of Liria Francisco and her neighbours in Beira, a city deeply affected by frequent flooding.

“I tell them that when the dyke is built, we’ll still be here, but we’ll feel safe”.

One of the key initiatives in Beira targets Maraza, a 350-hectare undeveloped swamp area. This pilot project seeks to show that through organized residential expansion, land that is currently uninhabitable due to frequent flooding can be transformed and made available at affordable prices. For the success of the project, it’s crucial that residents recognise how the plans will enhance their lives and health. Advocates like Francisco are pivotal in communicating these benefits to the community

Dutch-Mozambique Water Cooperation

In 2025, Mozambique and the Netherlands will celebrate 50 years of bilateral cooperation, a partnership that has focused on water management since Mozambique’s independence in 1975. Over time, this collaboration has expanded to include food security, rule of law, health (including HIV/AIDS and sexual and reproductive health), and social protection. Dutch interests in Mozambique also extend to maritime, transport, food and beverage, and extractive industries.

The partnership is structured through four-year strategies, with the current Multi-Annual Country Strategy (MACS 2023-2026) emphasizing water as a top priority. The focus is on Cabo Delgado in the north and the Beira corridor in the central region, areas highly vulnerable to extreme climate events such as floods, droughts, cyclones, and storm surges. Mozambique is among the top 10 countries most at risk from these natural disasters, highlighting the critical need for this long-term water management partnership. Recent cyclones, including Idai (2019), Eloise (2021), and Freddy (2023), have caused severe damage.

Since the 1970s, many of Mozambique’s water leaders have trained in the Netherlands or through Dutch-funded programmes. Prominent Dutch scholars have also conducted essential research in Mozambique. Dutch water companies have partnered with Mozambique’s national water utility, FIPAG, for over 20 years, helping to professionalize its operations. Additionally, the Netherlands Water Boards have supported their Mozambican counterparts for over a decade.

The Netherlands-Mozambique delta collaboration is a key part of the MACS strategy, guided by two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Beira. The first MoU, signed in 2015, focuses on implementing the Beira Master Plan 2035, mainly in water and land management. The second, signed in 2018, commits both parties to co-invest in land development in Beira’s Maraza neighbourhood and to strengthen local institutions for cyclone and flood resilience.

Urban Resilience in Beira

The partnership between the Netherlands and Mozambique, which began in 2011 with the Beira Master Plan 2035 (BMP2035), has concentrated on building urban resilience in Beira, as priorities have evolved over the years. The plan aims to strengthen Beira’s defences against the growing threats of climate change, including heavy rainfall, storm surges, and cyclones.

Cyclone Idai’s catastrophic landfall in Beira in 2019, which resulted in USD 357 million in damages and destroyed 70% of the city’s buildings, highlighted the urgent need for these efforts. The Netherlands played a crucial role in coordinating a recovery package that secured USD 250 million for public infrastructure. However, despite these efforts, Beira’s economy remains fragile, with most damage to housing and businesses uninsured.

Dutch involvement in Beira has significantly increased, with funding rising from EUR 300,000 in 2011 to over EUR 3 million by 2021. This support has financed a range of urban development projects, including coastal protection, drainage improvements, and land management

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.