From the swampy mangroves of Ghana to the salty coastlines of Vietnam: in the new podcast ‘Waterproof’ from Partners for Water, journalist and podcast maker Tracy Metz delves into solutions that are shaping our water future. This six-part series, filled with stories from the frontlines of water management, is a must-listen for anyone seeking both information and inspiration.
Why the Waterproof podcast?
‘Bring in the Dutch’—although the Netherlands is globally renowned for its water management, we also recognise that we do not have all the answers. In ‘Waterproof’, we explore new techniques and developments worldwide for a Waterproof future.
In ‘Waterproof’, Tracy highlights the challenges and versatile solutions being implemented globally to tackle water crises. Each conversation and episode offers unique insights into how different cultures and experts approach water management issues. From restoring natural habitats that protect coastlines from erosion to developing innovative techniques that make agriculture more resilient against saltwater intrusion, ‘Waterproof’ demonstrates how global collaboration and local knowledge come together in the fight against water-related challenges.
A journey through global water challenges
The first podcast episode goes live on 21 November, focusing on Nature-based Solutions with an inspiring project in Ghana. In each episode the Dutch approach is featured. Over the coming weeks, Tracy will take you to:
- Ghana: Focusing on Nature-based Solutions such as the conservation of mangroves crucial for protection of the waterways, yet also economically exploited by local communities.
- Vietnam: Tackling increasing soil salinity that threatens agricultural production, with innovative farming techniques and salt-tolerant crops.
- The Netherlands: Challenges of water abundance and rising sea levels, where advanced water management techniques and infrastructure are employed.
- Egypt:The battle against water pollution and managing water resources in a country where water is scarce and the population is rapidly growing.
- Bangladesh: Solutions for flooding and cyclones through improved prediction models and community-focused emergency plans.
- Indonesia: Insights into how traditional knowledge is integrated with modern techniques to address water issues in an archipelago of thousands of islands.
Waterproof discusses the need for system change
Tracy shares: “It was impressive to see how in Ghana, they handle mangroves as natural coastal protection. But I also saw these mangroves being cut down for charcoal for local fish dishes. Without focus on sustainable management, this nature-based solution makes no sense. From a systems approach, separate mangrove plantations are now being set up for wood production. Do you help with the planting of the coastal mangroves? Then you can pick up a bundle of mangrove branches here. Research into alternative smoking techniques that spare the mangroves but still offer that beloved taste is also being conducted. System change is necessary for feasible sustainable Waterproof solutions.”
With ‘Waterproof’, Tracy does more than narrate; she inspires action. Whether you are a water professional or someone eager to understand more about global water challenges, this podcast is a fusion of information and inspiration.
Launch on 21 November
From 21 November 2024, the podcast will be available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, with subsequent live meetups after each episode for further discussion. Mark this date in your calendar!
Discover all about the Podcast
Tracy Metz was a member of the second Delta Commission, chaired by former Minister Cees Veerman. She is the author of the book ‘Sweet & Salt: Water and the Dutch’ and previously produced two podcasts on water, ‘Nattigheid: Opbeurende verhalen over ons water’ and ‘Water Talks’ following the UN Water Conference in 2023.
As we look forward to the upcoming event co-organized by Partners for Water, RVO and IUCN on biodiversity, Heleen van den Hombergh explains why nature’s diversity is “extremely important” and extends far beyond just environmental benefits.
Heleen van den Hombergh is an advisor on agricultural-commodities and nature-based solutions at the IUCN National Committee of the Netherlands. She got involved in organizing this event with PFW and RVO because companies that work abroad or have an impact abroad are key to helping preserve biodiversity, which is the IUCN’s greatest concern.
“Biodiversity forms the foundation of our lives, of the resources we all depend on,” explains Van den Hombergh without any doubt in her voice. It is essential for ecosystem health, but also crucial to combat climate change, ensure human well-being, and for economic activities like agriculture, and the water sector. Biodiversity provides vital services such as clean air and water and pollination, and is key for climate mitigation and adaptation.
However, as we all know, it faces threats from habitat loss, climate change, pollution, over-exploitation, and invasive species. Protecting biodiversity is crucial for sustaining life.
Hondsbossche Dunes
In the water sector, the Hondsbossche Dunes in the Netherlands provide a good example of an area with high biodiversity. This project was initiated to offer protection against rising sea levels but also included nature development, such as dune formation and creating habitats for plants and animals. This kind of nature-based solution combines infrastructure with nature restoration and has been exported to other countries, such as those in West Africa, to protect coasts against erosion and flooding. Developing ‘robust nature’ is essential in this context; it means an ecosystem that can sustain itself over time and has high biodiversity, including plants, birds, and grasses that are resilient and can survive under changing conditions.
Without proper care for nature – protecting, supporting, and restoring it – our productivity and food security are at risk.
Agricultural crops
Van den Hombergh works a lot with the sustainable production of agricultural commodities. “Without proper care for nature – protecting, supporting, and restoring it – our productivity and food security are at risk,” she explains, pointing out why preserving biodiversity is also crucial for the stability and yield of agricultural crops.
“Deforestation and loss of vegetation lead to unstable water systems and poor harvests, as has happened with soya in Argentina and the United States.”
Van den Hombergh argues that while promoting conversion-free sustainable agricultural practices in international value chains is vital, we also need to strive for a better balance in our diet, with more plant-based proteins instead of animal proteins.
“The current intensive model does need to change to allow more space for nature and healthy food in the long term. Farmers around the world can be invited to contribute to this transition.”
Sharing knowledge
According to Van den Hombergh, the event is “a unique opportunity for cross-pollination between different sectors: the water sector, the agricultural sector, the financial sector, and transformation thinkers. Participants are offered the chance to look beyond their own field and be inspired by best practices from other sectors.”
An important theme is how biodiversity affects water security and management. She explains that robust nature can help manage water flows, retain water, and prevent sudden shocks such as floods or droughts.
The ‘Room for the River’ programme in the Netherlands has helped prevent flooding by giving rivers more space and restoring natural areas that work like sponges.
The challenge, she acknowledges, is communicating the importance of biodiversity and nature-based solutions. Although there are already many collaborations taking place, the main goal of the event is to “inspire people, show them the latest insights and best practices, and encourage transformative thinking.”
Helene van den Hombergh is a specialist in the fields of biodiversity, agricultural commodities and sustainability, with a particular focus on integrating ecological concerns into business practices and policy. She has worked extensively with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), governmental bodies, and the private sector to promote sustainable development strategies that align economic activities with environmental protection.
Biodiversity event
On 1 October, we are organising a biodiversity event together with the International Union for Conservation of Nature in The Netherlands (IUCN).
Join the event: Shaping a Biodiversity Proof Future on October 1, 2024.
NOTE: The event is fully booked, but you can register. You will then be put on the waiting list. Should a place become available, you will receive an e-mail confirming your participation in the event.
Join us for: Shaping a Biodiversity Proof Future
Partners for Water is a Dutch government programme enhancing water security internationally in long-term cooperation with local partners and the Dutch water sector. By facilitating strategic planning and support in the early stages of innovation, the programme aims to contribute to systemic change for sustainable water management and infrastructure. This is how we initiate impactful changes for a better living environment.
