An Indian water delegation is visiting the Netherlands from July 14-17, 2024, as part of the strategic partnership on water between India and the Netherlands, implemented under the Partners for Water Programme. Alongside Dutch counterparts from the ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management and Partners for Water, they will visit innovative Dutch water works, Nature-based Solutions and network events, strengthening the long-lasting water relationship between the two countries.
The delegation comprises Government officials who are responsible for strategic policy planning, decision making and implementation at central and state level. The Ministry of Jal Shakti, Central Government of India, are representing the National Mission for Clean Ganga, Central Ground Water Board and Central Water Commission. From the Government of West Bengal, the Irrigation and Waterways Department are present. And finally, from the Government of Kerala, the Water Resources Department and irrigation department are represented.
During their visit, the delegation will be accompanied by Luit-Jan Dijkhuis, delta coordinator India at the Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management and Liliane Geerling, programme coordinator of the Partners for Water programme from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).
Sharing water expertise
The delegation will visit various Dutch waterworks, such as the Zandmotor (Sand Motor), a nature-based coastal protection project; the Harnaschpolder wastewater treatment plant, known for its sustainable and efficient water treatment processes; the Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier, a remarkable example of Dutch delta management; the Keersluis, a historic flood control structure; and the Afsluitdijk, the iconic dike that also serves as a causeway and separates the Waddenzee from the IJsselmeer lake. Additionally, they will delve into Dutch water history with a visit to the Watersnoodmuseum (Flood Museum) and gain inspiration from presentations and talks during visits to various Dutch water organizations. Moreover, ideas, innovations, and potential collaborations will be explored during networking events, where the Dutch water sector, active or planning to be active in India, has been invited to meet the delegation.
Strengthening partnerships
Partners for Water is delighted to welcome the Indian water delegation to the Netherlands and looks forward to fostering collaboration and partnerships between our two nations. This visit presents an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions to address water-related challenges. We anticipate that this visit will lead to fruitful collaborations and further strengthen the already strong water relationship between the Indian and Dutch water sector.
India Water Impact Summit
Are you also active or planning to be active in India? The India Water Impact Summit (IWIS) will be held in New Delhi from 17 – 21 September. If you are interested, please click here to read more about it.
How can we address global water challenges with solutions that not only improve water security but also enhance ecosystem health and support biodiversity?
Nature-based Solutions (NBS) can help achieve all the above. Learn more about how to utilise nature to address water issues through the NBS lectures taking place from April until June, in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Partners for Water X Asian Development Bank
By collaborating with nature, we can support biodiversity and ecosystems and foster resilient approaches to water and climate-related challenges. Since June 2023, Partners for Water and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have partnered to promote this approach. This collaboration enables Partners for Water to provide technical support and expert guidance regarding NBS to ADB’s member countries, facilitating the adoption and scaling up of NBS to improve global water security.
NBS Lectures
From April until June, we are offering a range of lectures where you can discover more about utalising NBS to address water challenges and enhance water security. These lectures will cover topics such as urban NBS (wetlands, sponge city, wadi 2.0, tidal parks), mangrove restoration, reuse of local materials in NBS (sediment, (rain) water, etc.) and cultural impact of NBS. You will learn from global experts and international case studies and explore innovative methods, valuable lessons learned and succesfull approaches.
Upcoming lecture
The next, and last NBS lecture will be held on the 5th of June.
Lecture 5 June
The online NBS lecture of 5 June will focus on the cultural impact of NBS.
Nature-Based Solutions can alter the local landscape. Social and cultural inclusion are therefore a prerequisite when implementing NBS.
Topics to be discussed:
- Cultural heritage landscapes restoration
- Hedges as green water corridors: NBS measure on landscape scale
- Cultural ecosystem services in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
Find more information about the lecture topics, as well as the scheduled times and dates here.
The NBS lectures are part of the important partnership agreement between Partners for Water and the Asian Development Bank.
Register for the online lectureWe are proud to announce that Partners for Water has entered into a partnership agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
This agreement enables PFW to provide technical assistance and expert advice for ADB’s developing member countries on the application and scaling up of Nature-based Solutions (NBS) for increased water security.
A ceremony was held at PFW’s NBS event on 22 June 2023, with representatives from the ADB and PFW.
We are looking forward to a fruitful cooperation on this important topic!
Partners for Water is a Dutch government programme that works on solving water issues around the world. We do this through longterm cooperation with local partners and the Dutch water sector. We encourage knowledge exchange, innovation and an integrated approach. This is how we make an impact in the field of water security for people, plants and animals.
