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!

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.