Dredged silt from the Suriname River: waste or beneficial material? The Weg naar Zee project, funded by Partners for Water, investigated whether silt dredged from the Suriname River could be used to address coastal erosion and mangrove losses along the Suriname coast. Last month, the feasibility study concluded with promising results. Below, Bob Smits from consortium partner Deltares explains the potential of dredged silt.
About 8 years ago, Nature-based Solutions Advisor Bob Smits completed his master’s thesis on mangrove restoration at the independent knowledge institute Deltares. Since then, he has developed his expertise in coastal protection and management, particularly in sediment transport. In the Weg naar Zee project, Bob serves as the technical lead and project coordinator.
The Weg naar Zee feasibility study was conducted in collaboration with Boskalis, Conservation International Suriname, InterConnect and the Anton de Kom University of Suriname.
Natural buffer
The coastal area of Weg naar Zee is an intertidal zone nearly two kilometres wide, located directly west of the Suriname River mouth. “The coastal area used to be covered with mangroves,” Bob explains, “but over the past decades, it has eroded significantly due to changing land use, leading to the disappearance of almost all mangroves.” These mangroves served as a natural buffer against erosion and flooding. “With the loss of this buffer, flooding now occurs regularly.”
However, the Suriname River is being deepened to improve navigation, releasing large amounts of silt. “Currently, this material is being released into the ocean, but it is actually a valuable resource that can be utilised,” says Bob. “With this project, we aim to investigate whether we can use this dredged material to combat further erosion.”
Silt, sand, and mangroves
“We have some interesting findings from the analysis of the historical coastal development,” Bob says. “Sand appears to play a significant role in the natural restoration of mangrove trees. This can be observed in an area west of Weg naar Zee, where mangroves have returned without active human intervention. We suspect this is due to the natural formation of sandbanks in the intertidal zone, which cause the area behind them to fill with silt, creating an ideal habitat for mangroves.” However, no sandbanks are being formed on the foreshore of Weg naar Zee. “This is most likely caused by previous sand extraction east of the Suriname River and damming upstream of the river.”
![](https://i0.wp.com/partnersforwater.nl/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20161012_101041-scaled.jpg?fit=1024%2C576&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/partnersforwater.nl/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/screen_56b8f4c5770edc71_1685535448271.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Stimulating mangrove habitat
“The potential role of sand is a significant insight that we incorporate into our recommendations,” says Bob. “We see the possibility of placing artificial sandbanks, which would allow us to fill the area behind them with the dredged silt.” This solution would improve the natural conditions for a mangrove habitat, enabling the trees to grow again and form a natural buffer. He continues, “Reusing silt from dredged material is already being done in several places, and is widely acknowledged as a promising concept. However, this combination of using dredged silt and sand for the benefit of mangrove restoration and erosion control is still new.”
Valuable collaborations
“During the research, we involved local stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Public Works and local residents,” notes Bob. “Not only are they the problem owners, but they also possess a lot of local knowledge that we can combine with our international experience. We also owe a great deal to the Dutch Embassy in Suriname, which helped us significantly in arranging meetings with the Ministry of Public Works.”
“I believe the most important aspect of collaboration is to have mutual respect and to be open to each other’s experiences and knowledge,” says Bob. “As a Dutch entity, I view challenges and solutions with my Dutch framework. To develop a solution that is adapted to the local context, it is essential to ask for input and knowledge from local parties and stakeholders and to truly work together towards a collaborative resolution.”
What’s next
“The results have been well received by the Ministry of Public Works and the local residents,” says Bob. As a follow-up to this feasibility study, the consortium would like to initiate a pilot project and is currently exploring available financing opportunities. As Bob explains, “The situation of coastal erosion and mangrove loss we have investigated is similar to the rest of the Surinamese coast and also to that of neighbouring countries Guyana and French Guiana. So if our planned pilot-project is successful, there are plenty of opportunities to scale it up.”
![](https://i0.wp.com/partnersforwater.nl/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240229_095434-scaled.jpg?fit=1024%2C577&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/partnersforwater.nl/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240226_092148-scaled.jpg?fit=1024%2C577&ssl=1)
International Biodiversity Day: A call to action from Partners for Water
Today, 22 May 2024, marks International Biodiversity Day, highlighting the crucial role of biodiversity in sustaining life on Earth. At Partners for Water, we use this day to emphasize the importance of conserving biodiversity and our commitment to its protection.
We believe collective action from all sectors is essential to address biodiversity loss. To underscore this, we interviewed experts like Claudia Schutte from RVO, Maxime Eiselin from IUCN NL, and Dr. James Byng from TU Delft for their insights on preserving biodiversity.
Dedicated to biodiversity
“Biodiversity means life!” exclaims Claudia Schutte of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). At RVO, Claudia and her team are dedicated to mainstreaming biodiversity in development efforts. They aim to implement nature-inclusive programs and projects that avoid harming biodiversity and actively promote a nature-positive impact. “We are not there yet, but we are dedicated to that mission,” Claudia adds.
Today, humanity faces two major crises: climate and biodiversity crises. Dr. James Byng, the Director at the technical Hortus Botanicus of TU Delft, is most worried that we still know so little about this planet’s biodiversity. Without comprehensive knowledge, conservation efforts are hindered. “Imagine what we can do if we can get botanists, horticulturists, engineers, architects, and designers all working together!” he envisions.
Political will is needed
Maxime Eiselin, Senior Expert in Nature-based Solutions at IUCN NL, stresses the necessity of political will to integrate biodiversity into policies, regulations, planning, and development processes. “To structurally reduce biodiversity loss, political will is needed at all levels of government to ensure the integration of biodiversity in decision-making,” he explains. Claudia Schutte agrees, noting that short-term ambitions often overshadow long-term ecological goals, posing a significant challenge to achieving the targets for 2030 and goals for 2050 set by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (K-M GBF).
Challenges and successes
Biodiversity-positive interventions require time to yield results, as nature takes time to restore. Despite these challenges, successes like species recovery documented in the IUCN Green Status of Species and practical conservation efforts in the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas offer optimism. When discussing biodiversity, many forget that genetic diversity is just as crucial as ecosystem diversity. Adding greenery to cities is beneficial, but climate change is vital to ensuring genetic diversity in urban trees. Municipalities and communities must utilise this growing knowledge.
Ambitious goals at COP16
At the UN’s Convention on Biological Diversity COP16 in October and November in 2024, countries will submit their updated plans for contributing to the K-M GBF using their National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs). “The proof of the pudding is in the eating. We’ll see at COP17 2025 if combining all these NBSAPs will be enough to reach our agreed goals at the global level,” says Claudia. Maxime highlights the upcoming negotiations on financial mechanisms, digital sequence information, and the monitoring framework, which are crucial to reaching the ambitious targets of the K-M GBF.
Act now
“Transformative action is essential because we cannot simply halt this mass extinction,” stresses Maxime. Solving the biodiversity issue requires collective action from stakeholders, including companies, NGOs, governments, and knowledge institutions. “Surround yourself with ambitious partners to drive broader mainstreaming in society,” he advises.
Legislation and financial structures are pushing companies towards sustainable business models. A report from DNB (De Nederlandse Bank) and PBL (Plan Bureau Leefomgeving, “Indebted to Nature” (2020), highlights the risks financial institutions face when funding companies with negative biodiversity impacts. Companies must adapt their operations to government policy and changing consumer preferences to reduce the damage to biodiversity.
Nature’s Pride for biodiversity conservation
Nature’s Pride has been working on an efficient, fair, and sustainable food chain since 2001. Natures Pride: “We’re strongly committed to people’s well-being, responsible water management, and climate change mitigation and resilience. As part of our new ambitions for the care of people and nature, we’ve included biodiversity conservation into our cultivation areas. Last year, we were the first to successfully pilot GLOBALG.A.P.’s BioDiversity add-on outside of Europe together with two of our dedicated partner growers in South Africa”. For over two decades ZZ2, avocado grower in South Africa, has been farming according to the ‘Natuurboerdery’ concept. “We have implemented a wide array of practices that protect and enhance biodiversity in and around our farms. The pilot we did with Nature’s Pride helped us to strengthen on-farm biodiversity practices and to independently verify and formally document these best practices. We are now expanding the use of biodiversity assessments and action plans as a standard practice to all our farms”, says Clive Garrett, Marketing Manager at ZZ2.
Knowledge is key
“We all have a part to play, both individually and collectively, whether here in The Netherlands or abroad,” says Maxime Eiselin. However, knowledge is often fragmented and undervalued. Indigenous knowledge, in particular, plays a vital role in identifying and preserving local flora and fauna. Programs like “Reversing the Flow” integrate scientific and indigenous knowledge, highlighting the importance of valuing diverse perspectives. “By working together and appreciating different types of knowledge, we can strengthen and accelerate implementation efforts,” says Claudia.
“Biodiversity should not be an afterthought but a starting point in designing resilient living environments.”
Biodiversity as a starting point
“Humanity depends on biodiversity for its survival,” stresses James. “From medicines to food to construction materials, it all starts with biodiversity.” If we can sustainably document, conserve, and utilise biodiversity, humanity can reach a turning point. With the increase in global population and greater demand for ecosystem services, the current generation may be the last to have the chance to make a significant impact. Botanical gardens like TU Delft Hortus Botanicus are crucial in preserving biodiversity and advancing plant research, contributing to sustainable practices like coastal mangrove conservation. The TU Delft Hortus Botanicus, under James Byng’s leadership, exemplifies this by collecting global plant species for study and conservation.
Local action for greater good
An inspiring example is the mountainous Atewa forest in Ghana, which IUCN NL and its local partners aim to preserve. Fifty-three communities living on the forest’s forest’s fringes rely on it for their livelihoods, and it serves as a vital water source for over five million people. However, the forest is at risk due to plans for large-scale bauxite mining. Through sharing knowledge and raising awareness among policymakers in Ghana, strides have been made to change the mining plans. “The Atewa forest demonstrates how local advocacy can secure biodiversity and water resources for millions,” says Maxime.
Biodiversity is up to you
As citizens, engaging with this global issue might seem challenging. Take small steps in your immediate environment: green your garden, remove tiles, set up insect hotels, and plant native organic plants to attract and support insects. Also, become a more responsible consumer: cut back on animal-based products, avoid unnecessary purchases, and opt for second-hand items or sustainable alternatives when possible. Claudia: “Remember, we’re all in this together—businesses, governments, NGOs, knowledge institutes, and each of us as individuals.”
The way forward
Looking ahead to the COP16 in Cali, there is optimism for progress in biodiversity conservation. However, tangible results require collective effort and political will. Despite the complexities of biodiversity conservation, one thing is clear: collective action is imperative. Governments, businesses, NGOs, and individuals must unite to sustainably use, conserve, and restore our planet’s biodiversity. By embracing collaboration, valuing diverse perspectives, and prioritizing long-term sustainability, we can be part of the plan to safeguard biodiversity for future generations. Together, we can actively work towards a healthier, more resilient planet.
Mark your calender for a Biodiversity event!
On 1 October 2024, Partners for Water will organise an event focused on biodiversity. More information will follow soon, so keep an eye on our event page.
![](https://i0.wp.com/partnersforwater.nl/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/amazing-sea-turtles-scaled.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/partnersforwater.nl/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fishes-scaled.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1)
“Bangladesh is a treasure trove for water experts.” Last year, we spoke with Neeltje Kielen about her three-year tenure as the Delegated Representative for Water (DR) at the Dutch embassy in Bangladesh. With the first year behind her, it’s time for a check-in. How has she experienced this past year, what stands out to her and what are her plans for the coming year?
Expectations
“What I expected came true,” begins Neeltje. “As a water expert, you can truly lose your heart here; it’s like a vast treasure trove.” The combination of specialised expertise, the dynamic nature of the country and the transition to integrated collaborative partnerships “make me excited to go to work everyday”.
Meaningful collaboration and phasing out of development aid
The collaboration between the governments of the Netherlands and Bangladesh has a robust history, but with Bangladesh’s expected transition to a middle-income country by 2026, the development aid (ODA) is phasing out. “I am currently drafting a plan for the final extension of the SIDBP program (Support to the Implementation of the Bangladesh Delta Programme). This involves assessing current operations and planning our collaborative efforts in the years to come. It’s crucial to determine what the Netherlands should continue to support and what responsibilities Bangladesh can take on until the full transfer is achieved. This with a view of continued partnership also after the Netherlands has phased out ODA”, explains Neeltje.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way
The partnership, as it stands, is finite, yet there’s still a tremendous amount to be done. The delta of Bangladesh is as dynamic as its economy and population; the impacts of climate change are evident, and Bangladesh is keen to implement the Delta Programme effectively. Since the start of the Bangladesh Delta Programme, they’ve embraced this plan and are structurally working on its implementation. “While bureaucratic processes are often labelled as slow, I find this relative.”, Neeltje notes. In the Netherlands, for instance, the trajectory from the initiative to the actual opening of the Haringvliet sluice took nearly 20 years. The Dutch central government leads, but implementation is decentralised, involving entities such as RWS, water boards and municipalities. In contrast, Bangladesh centralises everything, which can be surprisingly efficient with the right approach.
Private investments for the water programme
It’s evident that Bangladesh cannot finance the water programme, accounting for 2.5% of its GDP alone. “Hence, we are now focusing on private investments. It would be incredible if we could achieve 20% of the total scope with the support of private entities. “I am currently collaborating with the World Bank’s Water Resource Group 2030 to explore how the Netherlands can contribute to water treatment plants for several economic zones in Bangladesh. The eagerness of the Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority to partner, even to the extent of proposing an MoU with the Netherlands, is heartening. I am actively forging connections with Dutch companies and establishing frameworks for private investment. This world of business case-driven enterprises is completely new for me”, Neeltje explains.
Proud of the golden triangle
“My prior experience with the Delta Programme has been directly applicable to the Bangladesh Delta Programme. My experience in government allows me to understand and work well with the systems here, helping me make connections. In the ‘golden triangle,’ I’ve secured a position that enables swift action to enhance private sector involvement, knowledge exchange and further development of the Bangladesh Delta Programme. Reflecting on the past year, I am most proud of expanding this network”, Neeltje adds.
2024: PPP & continuing the SIDBP-programme
The forthcoming year is dedicated to refining the plan for Dutch governmental collaboration in Bangladesh for the final phase of the SIDBP program. Another goal for 2024 is to establish an initial Public-Private Partnership agreement (PPP) to explore its efficacy for Dutch company engagement in Bangladesh.
Still much to accomplish
With one year down and many more ahead, Neeltje continues her journey in Bangladesh as the Delegated Representative for Water at the Netherlands Embassy, focusing on Dutch company involvement and the Delta Programme execution. She’s exploring Bangladesh’s vast treasure trove of opportunities for water experts along the way.
Partners for Water Subsidy scheme
Partners for Water (PfW) keeps an eye on Neeltje’s journey. On 2 April, a Bangladesh Sector Meeting was organised to explore opportunities, challenges and collaboration prospects in operation and maintenance in Bangladesh. At this meeting, PfW asked for those with innovative plans to enhance water security in Bangladesh and globally, to apply for the PfW subsidy scheme.
Apply for the subsidy schemeTwo winters ago, Partners for Water received a request from the Egyptian state authority for water and sanitation to provide advice on how to reduce the environmental impact of the three water treatment plants in the Nile delta. In order to do this, Partners for Water contracted the Dutch environmental engineering consultancy firm TAUW and connected them with an Egyptian counterpart. We spoke to TAUW advisors Julia Opdam and Paul Telkamp about the results and the lessons learnt from this international cooperation.
‘We calculated the environmental impact associated with the use phase of three types of water treatment plants. In order to do this we worked out what the quantity of additives, electricity and emissions per cubic meter of treated water would be,’ explains Paul. This data can be used to calculate the annual impact of the operations that keep the treatment plants running and in which areas ‘environmental savings’ can be made.
Using local data
‘Our counterpart in Egypt, Holding Company for Water and Wastewater (HCWW), collected the necessary data for us. We then made the calculations from our office in the Netherlands,’ explains Julia. On the one hand this seemed to work efficiently, but on the other it also created challenges. Paul explains: ‘You can only really get to know the treatment if you’ve also been on site to see that treatment. Then you can better understand the results that you get from the data. The fact that we couldn’t check the data on site sometimes made the interpretation a little more difficult.’
Understanding the local context
‘When you visit the water treatment on location and talk to the people who work with it, you also learn to understand the context better. This means that you’re not only dependent on the data, but you can give more critical and targeted advice with the help of detailed information,’ explains Julia. ‘A visit to Egypt didn’t fit within the scope of this specific project, but we will take these insights with us for any future projects,’ adds Paul.
Contextual factors
One of the outcomes of the research was that improvements can still be made regarding the energy used by the treatment plants. ‘Green electricity is an important factor when determining the environmental impact of the energy use. But compared to the Netherlands, Egypt mostly uses grey electricity. So you automatically get a relatively high environmental impact.’ Julia adds: ‘In the Netherlands we’re accustomed to adjusting the aeration based on the contamination in the incoming water flow and the quality which the outgoing flow must comply with. This saves a huge amount of energy. But this is not the standard for water treatment in Egypt. It’s essential to take into account these contextual factors when formulating advice for the client.’
Market opportunities
For TAUW there is no project planned in Egypt in the near future, but both Julia and Paul see many opportunities in the field of water treatment and wastewater collection. ‘There is still plenty of room for innovation in the field of products and technology,’ adds Paul. Julia indicates that there is also a need for process automation.
“From foe to friend,” the water management approach in the Netherlands and worldwide is evolving.
We asked water envoy Meike van Ginneken for her perspective on World Water Day and this year’s theme: Water & Peace.
Improving global water security begins with awareness
“World Water Day coincides with the beginning of spring,” Meike says, prompting us to reflect on the importance of water. “Although clean and sufficient water is commonplace in the Netherlands, many around the world lack this privilege.” Improving global water security and management begins with awareness. Hence, on March 22, we celebrate how water connects us and fosters cooperation while raising awareness about water-related challenges and solutions.
From water as an enemey to water as ally
It’s undeniable that the Netherlands, with its history of water struggles, now leads in embracing water, utilising Nature-based Solutions, and collaborating with water. “This shift, from water as an enemy to water as an ally, is a global phenomenon,” Meike explains. With climate change and population growth, more countries face the challenge of sustainable water management. This goes beyond technical hurdles, often involving administrative complexities, knowledge gaps, and conflicting goals. For instance, some countries inadvertently exacerbate water issues by subsidizing agricultural practices that deplete groundwater.
This shift, from water as an enemy to water as an ally, is a global phenomenon
Knowledge exchange is a two-way street
“Looking beyond our water-centric perspective,” Meike notes, “we must examine how water intersects with agriculture, climate policy, and financial considerations.” While the Netherlands excels in water security and technology, there’s much to learn from other nations, for example in coping with extreme drought. Knowledge exchange is a two-way street.
“Focusing on water and peace,” Meike emphasizes, Dutch principles like poldering find practical application globally, mediating conflicts between farmers and nomadic herders or shaping transboundary river management. “I am convinced that we have prevented many wars over water by bringing people together in peacetime,” she adds. Sometimes it’s as simple as people from neighbouring countries or communities having each other’s phone numbers and getting to know each other.
Water as a symbol of unity and peace
“I am very proud of the role the Netherlands plays in supporting international initiatives to coexist with water,” Meike concludes. As a water envoy, she aims to share Dutch water expertise globally and facilitate dialogue between our nation and others. Together, we strive for a future where water is a symbol of unity and peace, not division and conflict.”
The world is facing an escalating global water crisis that demands urgent action
Water resources are under increasing pressure, and the need for a collaborative international approach is more evident than ever. In response to this challenge
Wavemakers United is aiming to engage, educate, and motivate young people all over the world to actively participate in the water sector.
The urgency to act
Water challenges affect our health, safety and future prosperity. Gijs van Nes, Youth Community Manager at Wavemakers United, emphasises the imperative role young people play in addressing the water crisis. “The water sector desperately needs young minds with new ideas and skills to make a meaningful impact,” says Van Nes. The goal is clear: raise awareness, share knowledge, and accelerate breakthrough innovations. “We do this by creating a global impact community with a passion for water innovation.”
Connecting and activating youth networks
Wavemakers United is on a mission to connect and activate global youth networks for the sustainable development of water, food, and energy. “We have committed ourselves to the Water Action Agenda. And through our initiatives in sports, education, and social innovation, Wavemakers aims to create both awareness and partnerships in local communities. This way we create a network in which young people can develop their talent and make an impact in their community,” Gijs continues.
Creating ‘Waves’ around the world
In 2023 Wavemakers United organised the UN 2023 Game Changer Challenge, a global collaboration with IHE Delft that brought together more than 2,000 students from over 62 countries. Gijs: “The challenge was a huge success. But it also revealed a crucial need for an enabling environment for young people interested in water sustainability. To address this need, Wavemakers United decided to establish local chapters or ‘Waves’ around the world. These Waves will be instrumental in achieving our goals: educating and training students, building communities, integrating sports, promoting innovation, and empowering them to take concrete actions in their communities. Since education is essential in our approach, all Waves will have a university as a strategic starting point.”
Blueprint for Waves: Timeline to WWF Bali
Wavemakers United is preparing to launch the Indonesian Wave at the World Water Forum in Bali in May 2024. “We are aware of the uniqueness of local water challenges, still Wavemakers seeks to provide a blueprint: a format and system of processes to facilitate the establishment of Waves in various countries. No matter the location, our goals for every Wave are the same: building consortia, integrating sports for local engagement, developing educational initiatives, enable capacity building, driving innovation. We are positive that with a solid format, it will take less time to create a network of Waves, each tailored to local needs, yet united in their commitment to water sustainability”, Gijs explains.
World Water Day Event: Shaping the Future
On 22 March, Wavemakers United will organise a workshop facilitated by Partners for Water in The Hague, offering students an opportunity to learn more about Wavemakers and the upcoming World Water Forum in Bali. Participants will engage in brainstorming sessions focused on key topics in regard to the upcoming Indonesian Wave. The workshop is a great opportunity to optimise the launch in Indonesia and at the same time create a blueprint for future Waves.
The workshop
In five rounds participants will dive into subjects such as:
- Utilising local youth capacity for solving water issues
- Bridging knowledge gaps
- Leveraging youth capacity of involved organisations
- Structuring effective collaboration among universities, students and authorities
- Identifying and categorising potential obstructions.
- The aim is to gather valuable input to create a format for Waves, with the ultimate goal of presenting it at the World Water Forum in Bali.
For the students this is a chance to test and enhance their problem-solving skills, join a network of young water professionals, meet international water experts and explore potential career paths. And above all else play an active role in making an impact on water challenges.
Partners for Water’s perspective
Liliane Geerling, programme coordinator at Partners for Water, explains why they support Wavemakers United with this workshop: “World Water Day raises awareness about the importance of freshwater resources and advocates for its sustainable management. Many people around the world take water for granted, not fully understanding its scarcity and the need for conservation efforts. And many others already experience how climate change affects our water systems, with either too little, too much, too saline or too dirty water. Healthy freshwater ecosystems are crucial for biodiversity and provide essential services such as regulating the climate, purifying water, and supporting livelihoods.”
Partners for Water focuses exactly on these aspects and involving water management students in their activities is crucial for raising awareness and empowerment, networking and to encourage young people to harness their energy in developing creative and innovative solutions for global water management challenges. Liliane: “Our programme is also responsible for the promotion of the Netherlands as a Centre of Excellence, which highlights the contribution of the Dutch water sector to the SDGs. This promotion goes beyond just water security, as water plays an important facilitating role in relation to other SDGs. Therefore, we will also join the WWF in Bali.”
A ripple effect
Gijs adds: “I hope we can inspire many young people to get involved in the water sector. Even though the problems are on a global scale, small steps can lead to a big impact. I am positive that establishing Waves and organising events such as the Game Changer Challenge will have a ripple effect, which will enable a new generation to make a change.”
Read about Wavemakers UnitedHow can you collectively achieve successful implementation of sustainable solutions? This question lies at the heart of Stephanie Janssen’s work. As a researcher at Deltares, she specialises in social inclusion.
In anticipation of the ‘Social Inclusion in Water Climate Adaptation’ event, organised by Partners for Water and Deltares on 12 September, Stephanie discusses the significance of fostering inclusive transformation within the water sector.
In reaching genuine sustainable solutions, Stephanie believes it takes a collective effort. She cites a walk across clayey fields along the Friesland coast as an example. Here, the power of diverse voices became vividly apparent to her. “With local farmers, researchers and individuals from nature organisations and water institutes, we thought about sustainable coastal defenses in Friesland., we went out into the field together to devise solutions. The valuable ideas that surfaced could not have been conceived alone by one individual.”
Expect the unexpected
Conceiving ideas in a Friesian field is just one of the many examples Stephanie passionately highlights while emphasising the significance of social inclusion. “Water challenges are complex and lack of a single solution. The beauty of social inclusion is that you don’t have to face these complex challenges alone. Every time I collaborate with fellow stakeholders and remain open to the unexpected, powerful solutions emerge. And I see that this open mindset is gaining momentum within the water sector.”
Significant critiques
While the water sector is now actively pursuing an inclusive transformation, this hasn’t always been the case. A few years ago, the sector faced significant criticism from scientists, NGOs and journalists. Stephanie explains: “Professionals in the water sector often work with a passion to create positive change. However, solutions didn’t always align with the local context, stakeholders were insufficiently engaged and marginalised groups were often overlooked.” In response to this critique, a turning point emerged. “In the water sector, we made the collective decision to enhance our practices and deepen our understanding of social inclusion.”
Stephanie Janssen – Photo by Guus Schoonewille
Putting into practice
“Our challenge? To listen with an open mindset and curiosity,” Stephanie explains. She clarifies that she doesn’t limit this challenge solely to the design and implementation of water-related solutions, but to apply it at all levels. “I believe this mindset is equally important during discussions and reflections on social inclusivity. I make an effort to identify and set aside my own assumptions and to be genuinely curious about others’ perspectives. It’s not always easy, but it consistently brings valuable insights,” she emphasises.
Learning Together
The desire to embrace social inclusion at all levels is not unique to Stephanie. “The theme resonates greatly within the international water community. For instance, this became clear during the UN Water conference in March this year, where inclusion was one of the core values. I’ve noticed that motivation to collaborate on improving social inclusion is evident on all sides. That’s also one of the reasons why we’ve organised the ‘Social Inclusion in Water Climate Adaptation’ event,” she explains. The event is intended for professionals from private and public organisations, NGOs and knowledge institutions. “We will exchange ideas and experiences and explore how we can collectively progress on this theme as individuals, organisations and collectively in the water sector.”
Taking the next steps
“During the event, we will delve into what participants currently perceive and experience in the water sector, along with the challenges they encounter,” explains Stephanie. “Various individuals will share cases and insights, including Meike van Ginneken, the new Water Envoy of the Netherlands. Through interactive sessions, we aim to listen deeply to each other and collectively set new goals to enhance inclusivity within the water sector. Together, we will take the next steps towards a more inclusive water world.”
This May, Tamar Meibergen joined Partners for Water as a Programme Advisor
She will work on various projects, such as the Vietnam programme, the subsidy scheme, the monitoring and evaluation framework and an event about Nature-based Solutions.
In her spare time, she is also all about water sailing competitively on an all-female team. Nice to meet you, Tamar!
International Ambition
‘While I was studying, water was always the focal point. First with my bachelors in Social Geography and Planning in Utrecht and then later with my masters in Environmental Geography in Amsterdam.’ As a part of her studies, Tamar did an internship at the NGO Wetlands International in Mali. ‘I worked on many interesting projects there, like a flood warning system for illiterate farmers and figuring out how to make gold extraction sustainable.’ After her studies, Tamar worked for 2,5 years as a Water and Climate Consultant at TwynstraGudde. ‘Although I learned a lot, I also realised that I want to invest more time in implementing projects internationally, while working together with all kinds of different people. So, when the opportunity arose to work with Partners for Water I decided to go for it.’
Innovation and Experimenting
Tamar believes her consultancy experience will prove to come in handy at Partners for Water. ‘Although I have only just started, I can already tell that there is a lot innovation and experimenting here. If you see an opportunity there is room to go for it. Applying a proactive approach is something I learned both at TwynstraGudde and while doing a ‘Inclusieve Groene Groei’ (Inclusive Green Growth) internship at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These work experiences also taught me how to develop strong networks. It will be interesting to be on ‘the other side’ as now I’ll be working with consultants instead of being one myself. I think knowing both perspectives will help me too.’
Vietnam Experience
‘I’ll be working on several topics over the next few months. For example, I will spend time on our Vietnam programme while the designated Programme Advisor is away. Luckily, I already have some prior knowledge of Vietnam. I was there for my master thesis, which was about the export of Dutch water expertise and how trade missions contribute to them. I will also work on our subsidy scheme as well as our monitoring and evaluation framework, which will helps us see the results of our work more tangibly. Lastly, we will organise a Nature-based Solutions event when the World Bank and Asion Development Bank delegates visit in June.
Meaningful Cooperation
Tamar appreciates the changes made in the way the Dutch water sector works with international partners. ‘We used to present a solution without really consulting with our counterparts. Nowadays, there is meaningful cooperation in the whole process making use of local knowledge.’ Water is not only important to Tamar in her professional life, but also in her private life. That is why she devotes a lot of time to competitive sailing. ‘I’ve been on the water since I was young. The team I’m involved in is all-female, which is pretty unique in the competitions we enter. When I’m sailing, I not only see trash in the water, but also the daily problems that are connected to water management. This make it all the more motivating to make the most of my time at Partners for Water.’
The newest addition to the Partners for Water-team is Luciel Bakker
As part of her government traineeship she joins the programme from March until September. She wants to learn as much as possible and of course we want to learn about her too. So, we sat down with her for a chat. Nice to meet you, Luciel!
‘My journey as Rijkstrainee started last September when I joined the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy and the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. There I coordinated the pre-financing of urgent programmes on topics such as water, nitrogen and nature. To learn more about the implementation side of such programmes, I joined the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and their Partners for Water (PfW) programme. A place where I feel at home because ever since I was young, I’ve been fascinated by climate change, nature and biodiversity.’
Scientific perspective
‘I have a bachelor’s degree in political sciences, but that didn’t feel substantial enough. I became aware that I wanted to gain more background knowledge on what interests me. That’s why I decided to study Governance of Sustainability for my masters. With this, you get a good combination of the scientific perspective on climate change as well as how to best address it. I specialised in nitrogen, a topic which connects everything together: economics, nature, farmers and all of the social implications.’
International field
‘I’ve always been fascinated by Dutch agriculture and I even did an internship with Rabobank, the “farmers bank”. Given how closely linked and intertwined the topics of water and the agricultural are, joining the PfW programme felt like a logical next step. What I’ve done up until now has always been nationally focused. So, I look forward to getting insights into how our national developments relate to the international political field and what factors to take into consideration when working internationally. How, for instance, to take into account cultural differences.’
Cohesion and interaction
‘In my first weeks at PfW I reviewed several subsidiary request applications, which I felt were well written and thought out. That means I can learn a lot from them which is great. It’s also fun to read about the innovative solutions the applicants have proposed. I’m honoured to be able to comment on them and the team’s guidance has been great. In the coming time, I hope to contribute to the programme with what I’ve learned in the first part of my traineeship: analysing the cohesion and interaction between the different actors operating in the field.’
Middle East
‘I’m originally from Zaandam, but I now live in Amsterdam. Taking the train to The Hague can sometimes be a bit of a nuisance, but it’s a sacrifice I happily make. My future plans? Part of my traineeship is being sent to another ministry, province embassy or consulate for half a year. A consulate would be my preference. I would love to be stationed abroad and work on a project related to climate change. I’ve always had a deep love and interest for the Middle East, so ultimately my dream is to do valuable work there.’