“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!

“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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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.”

Indonesia and the Netherlands share a deep-rooted history of cooperation in water management, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Water between the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (MIW) in the Netherlands and Indonesia’s Ministry of Public Works (PU). This Water MoU serves as the basis for bilateral collaboration. The Indonesian government has asked Ivo van der Linden on behalf of the Dutch government to structure and synergise the joint efforts between the two countries, particularly in water management.

Alongside Simon van Meijeren, Programme Advisor for the Partners for Water programme at RVO, van der Linden explains how they are working together with Indonesia, combining expertise and planning for the country’s water management challenges on multiple levels.

Priorities in a changing landscape

The Water MoU has been drafted to address Indonesia’s critical challenges: strengthening urban water resilience, protecting vital agricultural lands and achieving independent food security. It emphasises three interconnected focus areas: integrated water resilience for Northern Java, lowland development and irrigation and knowledge exchange focusing on engaging younger generations and preserving expertise. The Water MoU will analyse problems, develop solutions and embed them in national policies and frameworks, ensuring long-term impact through collaboration among governments, financial institutions and local communities.

Integrated water resilience for Northern Java

Coastal cities like Jakarta and Semarang face severe land subsidence, with areas sinking by 15 to 20 centimetres annually. “In Indonesia, the scale of subsidence is unparalleled compared to the Netherlands, where we see only a few centimetres each year,” Van der Linden points out. “Groundwater extraction,” says Van Meijeren, “leads to severe land subsidence and consequent flooding, so we need to look beyond quick fixes like draining water and instead map out the root causes and address them.”

This long-term approach is illustrated by a project in Semarang, where a team of experts supports the Indonesian government in preparing an integrated vision for what a resilient city could look like by 2045.

“Relationships are very important. Fortunately, we work with many champions,” says Van Meijeren, “who also support an integrated approach, going beyond mandates and short-term visions.”

The goal is to create integrated solutions that combine traditional engineering with Nature-based Solutions (NBS). Examples of this approach include projects such as Water as Leverage in Semarang and the integrated river basin management initiative in the Welang area. The Welang River project near Surabaya used a compartmentalised strategy, responding to challenges at upstream, midstream and downstream levels with targeted interventions like small dams and sediment traps to improve water retention and reduce sedimentation.

Integrated solutions: From policy to practice

Van der Linden says that to implement NBS in Indonesia, you must start from scratch. “Conventional methods for infrastructure development heavily rely on the use of concrete – so-called grey solutions. Nature-based Solutions, often referred to as green solutions, can be an alternative option. However, NBS cannot be applied anywhere, anytime and should be assessed case by case. Green where possible, grey where it should be. Together with the Indonesian authorities and the Asian Development Bank, we are looking into how a gradual shift can be made towards more hybrid construction. Achieving a ratio of 80% grey and 20% green would already be a great success.”

Seeking a balance between grey and green infrastructure is also central to President Prabowo’s ambition to construct a giant seawall along the North Coast of Java. In addition to infrastructure, this process also seeks to balance socio-economic and environmental impacts.

While these efforts show promise, there is political uncertainty, budget constraints and the entrenched reliance on conventional approaches that can all hinder progress. Van Meijeren reflects on the need for clear policy frameworks: “Applying NBS is not common practice and the ‘how to’ from a planning, governance and implementation perspective is still largely unclear. Without a metaphorical coat rack to hang these solutions on, it’s difficult to take steps towards implementation and long-term adaptation.”

Nevertheless, the first steps are underway, adapting to Indonesia’s pace, by introducing ideas that can make a lasting impact. In partnership with the Netherlands, Indonesia is exploring these pathways to implementation with support from the Asian Development Bank, which seeks to invest in environmentally sustainable projects and become the ‘climate bank’ of the region.

Water management and food security

Lowland development and irrigation are also important focuses for the collaboration, particularly as Indonesia seeks to boost agricultural productivity and achieve food independence. By optimising water management in existing lowland areas, farmers have the potential to increase “the crop per drop”. “The focus of the Water MoU isn’t just about technology,” says Van Meijeren. “It’s also about ensuring that younger Indonesians are equipped with practical knowledge on how to effectively maintain and operate water management systems in the lowlands. Currently this knowledge is held by older professionals – grey men, both in the Netherlands and in Indonesia”. To optimise agricultural production, you need good water management. That knowledge exchange is one of the pillars through which the RVO want to engage young people in these partnerships and give them a central role under the Water MoU. “We need to combine forces and look ahead to the future,” says Van der Linden.

Both Van Meijeren and Van der Linden emphasise that: “This is not just about helping Indonesia. It’s about working together to create solutions that bring mutual benefits to both countries in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time.”

Conclusion

The collaboration between the Netherlands and Indonesia aims to strengthen urban areas and vital agricultural lands, particularly in coastal regions such as Jakarta and Semarang, where subsidence and flooding pose significant threats. Enhanced water management in agricultural zones further contributes to improved food security by boosting higher productivity and reducing dependence on imports.

Key initiatives such as Water as Leverage, coastal protection in Jakarta and the integrated water management of the Welang River are setting the stage for a new way of tackling water-related challenges. These projects take a balanced approach, combining modern engineering with natural based approaches to protect communities and the environment.

In addition, efforts in lowland development and irrigation underscore the importance of intergenerational knowledge sharing – passing from older generations to younger ones, while also improving water management. These efforts are crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of critical agricultural areas for years to come.

As a child, Ylva Veldhuis dreamed of working for the Red Cross, helping people in crisis zones. “I always imagined myself in crisis situations offering relief and making a difference for people in need,” she recalls. But as her career progressed, her focus shifted from immediate response to prevention and long-term solutions. Today, in her role at Partners for Water, she works on sustainable systems and methods that aim to prevent crises altogether. Nice to meet you Ylva!

From theory to practice: hydrology and asset management

Ylva’s passion for disaster prevention led her to study Earth Sciences, followed by a master’s degree in Earth, Surface & Water at Utrecht University, where she specialised in hydrology. “I found that water management and understanding systems came naturally to me,” she explains. Her internship at Rijkswaterstaat (the executive agency of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management) allowed her to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application. There, she researched seepage along the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal. “I went out to speak with farmers about their experiences, which helped me connect theory to real-world challenges,” she says.

Learning from experience: risk management in South Limburg

Following her internship, Ylva took on a traineeship at Rijkswaterstaat. One of her first assignments involved risk management and water safety in South Limburg. It was during this period that the devastating floods in Valkenburg occurred. “It was heartbreaking to witness, but incredibly insightful. Everything I had learned about risk management came into play,” she reflects.

From crisis response to crisis prevention

In her final assignment at Rijkswaterstaat, Ylva was tasked with community building to tackle drinking water crises as part of the Departmental Coordination Centre for Crisis Management. This role paved the way for her next move to the Dutch Risk Reduction Team at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency. Here, she found a perfect blend of her childhood dream combined with her academic background in water management: working internationally, crisis coordination and responding to natural disasters.

International collaboration: learning from global perspectives

At Partners for Water, Ylva had the chance to focus on international collaboration and long-term solutions. She began by organising international events such as the Singapore International Water Week and the World Water Forum in Bali. “It’s incredibly inspiring to meet people with such diverse challenges and ideas, but all with the same goal: making the world more sustainable through water management. I loved creating a space at the Dutch Pavilion where people felt welcome and at home,” she shares.

Sustainable solutions: Nature-based Solutions and asset management

Ylva’s work now centres on a thematic approach to Nature-based Solutions (NBS) together with Matthijs Zijlmans. She and her colleague Tamar Meibergen are also working on the Build Neglect Repair Cycle, a programme designed to ensure the long-term maintenance of water infrastructure is planned from the start. “It’s not just about building something; it’s about making sure it’s maintained over the long term. Without proper maintenance, even the most impressive dykes or mangroves are only temporary fixes,” Ylva explains.

Collaboration and making an impact

One of the aspects Ylva values most at Partners for Water is the opportunity to work with equally passionate and more experienced colleagues. “Collaborating on both Nature-based Solutions and the Build Neglect Repair Cycle has given me so many new insights. I’m constantly learning and gaining a better understanding of how we can make a lasting impact,” she says.

The future: aiming for systemic change

In the coming years, Ylva hopes to contribute to systemic change, where long-term solutions become the standard. “I want us to take significant steps and open doors to discussions about different alternatives and measures. The key is to find what works best for the long term,” she explains. Ylva believes these efforts will lead to meaningful, structural shifts in the way we manage water resources. With her technical expertise, practical experience, and forward-thinking approach, Ylva Veldhuis is set to play a crucial role in the success of Partners for Water.