Waterproof Podcast: navigating global water challenges with systems thinking

Systems approach to international water and food security

Geerling illustrates the importance of a systems approach with an example from food production: “Improving water security within the food industry requires a chain-wide approach. Consider a river basin where different avocado growers are operating, all using significant amounts of water. A transition to sustainable water use requires change throughout the entire chain.”

She explains: “Farmers switching to water-inclusive methods may temporarily produce less per square metre, so intermediary suppliers must be willing to pay a higher price. They must realise that without these adjustments, nobody will have a business in ten years. And ultimately, consumers must accept that ‘the most for the least money’ is not sustainable for our water supply in the long term.”

Integral, sustainable coastal protection

Another clear example that demonstrates why a systems approach is so important is coastal protection. “If you build a hard dyke, it only fulfils one function: protecting the land from water,” says Geerling. She explains that Nature-based Solutions (NBS) – solutions that work with nature – can bring so much more. “Mangroves can be deployed to protect coastlines in tropical regions,” she explains. “These natural systems not only strengthen coastal defence but also increase biodiversity, serve as nurseries for fish and other animals, and provide local communities with food and income.”

To make this succeed, a system-wide approach is essential. An approach where governments and dyke builders think and act differently, but also where local populations are actively involved. “For the protection of these mangroves, local communities play a crucial role,” Geerling emphasises. “They must be central to the management and sustainable use of mangroves, and be able to benefit directly from them. That requires a mind shift among all stakeholders.”

Co-creation on all fronts

Geerling explains that co-creation and financing play a crucial role in system change. “The only way to realise these changes is through co-creation with local partners. You must genuinely work together and develop solutions with the right local partners that fit the local culture and context. Otherwise it won’t work,” she emphasises.
And for large-scale impact, a shift in the financial world is necessary. “Financiers must stop financing projects that are not water inclusive. Greening Finance is essential. We can carry out pilots with natural solutions in a single river basin, but ultimately, the big financiers must take over to truly scale up.”

Success factors for systems change in water security

According to Geerling, bringing all those different themes together is key to systems change. And that is precisely what the Waterproof podcast aims for. But where does a water professional start to implement these approaches? “Keep it close to home and make it digestible,” Geerling advises. She indicates that it’s best to start with projects that are local and manageable. “Also, when scaling up, a project can never be copied one-to-one,” she emphasises. “A proven concept can be valuable, but the implementation must be adapted to the local context. That’s why you always need local partners.” These success factors are also reflected in the podcast episodes.

Collaboration is crucial

“A systems approach requires collaborations between different companies,” Geerling explains. “Collaboration between innovative companies, knowledge institutions, NGOs, and end users is increasingly emerging within the Dutch water sector. But in some places, it could be made even stronger.” To stimulate this, Partners for Water organises matchmaking events. “At these events, organisations are introduced to each other to learn from one another and share experiences.”

Co-creation and knowledge sharing

With the Waterproof podcast, PfW is trying out a new method to share knowledge, provide tools for systems changes and stimulate co-creation. “We combine it with meetups where deeper discussions take place and we involve a broader network of experts,” Geerling explains. “We see a diverse audience at these meetings: from people just becoming inspired by the themes to professionals who want to discuss how they can concretely contribute to solutions.”
This approach strengthens international knowledge exchange around water security. “We’ve even received responses from international lecturers who want to use the podcast in their lessons. That’s exactly what we hope to achieve: broader reach, deeper impact, and developing solutions together.” Conversations about these crucial themes continue at events organised by PfW, such as Waterproof 2025, or attended by PfW, like Stockholm World Water Week and UN meetings.

Systems change for a water-secure future

“The way we currently handle scarce resources like water and biodiversity is not working, so we must find other ways. With the Waterproof podcast, we hope to further stimulate that conversation and development.” Geerling closes with a hopeful message: “Change doesn’t have to lead to something worse. On the contrary, it can lead to innovative, sustainable solutions that make our world more beautiful and resilient. It will take some effort to get there, but the potential impact is absolutely worth it.”