International knowledge exchange crucial for Dutch water expertise
Though known worldwide for exporting water knowledge, the Netherlands learns just as much from other countries through knowledge sharing and collaboration, Margreet Zwarteveen, Professor of Water Governance at IHE Delft, told a Dutch parliamentary session focused on international cooperation in the water sector.
Zwarteveen addressed the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Trade and Development Aid as part of a session centred on the critical role of the Netherlands in global water management and development aid, as well as knowledge exchange and partnerships with other countries.
The Netherlands' reputation in water management is usually explained by referring to its historical experience with flood control, through the creation of polders and the Delta Works, Zwarteveen said. Yet the central role of the Netherlands in the international exchange of water knowledge is as, or perhaps even more, important in explaining why the Netherlands is so famous in water.
"At this moment, 130 students from all over the world at IHE Delft are defending their theses, and next week many of them will collect their Master’s degrees," she said. Most of these new IHE Delft alumni return to their home countries, bringing crucial skills that strengthen local water organizations and water education programmes, contributing to global sustainable development.
Local water capacity is a key prerequisite for sustainable water safety and security – which in turn form the basis for economic security and political stability.
Global water network
Creating a global web of experts who have studied in the Netherlands can benefit both trade and diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and other countries, Zwarteveen said. She cited delta regions in countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh and India as examples from which the Netherlands has learned – and is learning - valuable lessons about managing floods, drought and land subsidence. As global challenges evolve, past solutions may no longer suffice, underscoring the need for joint research efforts beyond national borders.
Because the Netherlands is a reliable and trustworthy research partner, it is also well suited to help facilitate cooperation on water in other countries, Zwarteveen said. The Netherlands has for instance played a long-term role in organizing the sharing of ideas and knowledge between countries neighbouring the Nile River, thereby creating the basis for conversations between them about equitable water distribution.
IHE Delft plays a pivotal role in global water education through its MSc and PhD programmes and short in-person and online courses. The Institution partners with universities and organizations worldwide to share knowledge and foster international networks.
Netherlands water ecosystem
Jacob Vreugdenhil, Chair of Netherlands Water Partnership NGO Platform, underlined how the Netherlands’ water management started with farmers and citizens before government and businesses took over. Civil society organizations are crucial in tackling water challenges, particularly in the Global South, as they can take risks and work in areas where larger companies are reluctant to go, he told the session, adding that these organizations are essential to building stable, long-term partnerships.
Frank Goossensen, Global Director Clients & Business Development – Resilience at Arcadis outlined three strengths of the Dutch water ecosystem: the country’s water infrastructure including water boards and delta works, its integrated approach involving civil society, and its capacity for innovation. He emphasized the close links between private trade, aid and the embassy network, which act as a bridge between the business community and local needs.
Investment in capacity development
The three experts emphasized that consistent long-term investments - in joint learning and knowledge exchange - are needed to develop the locally suited solutions that contribute to wider system changes. Zwarteveen stressed the importance of avoiding imposing Dutch techniques, as doing this may erode existing wisdoms.
The discussion concluded with an appeal for continued commitment to fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Water Action Agenda, and the Netherlands' International Water Ambition (NIWA), thereby ensuring that the Netherlands remains a reliable global partner in water management.
Related
News ·
IHE Delft project creates web application to assess nature-based solutions for climate adaptation
Choosing the right nature-based solutions for climate adaptation is tricky. Will measures such as blocking ditches, restoring wetlands or creating infiltration ponds give the best results? Or is tree planting or heathland restoration better? Or other measures, or a combination? A new application, developed by IHE Delft, in collaboration with Open University and the Province of Noord Brabant, helps decision-makers in the Dutch-Belgian Aa or Weerijs river catchment evaluate solutions.
News ·
World Water Forum: Coalition for capacity development in water
A delegation from IHE Delft was among the 20,000 registered participants in the 10th World Water Forum held in May 2024 in Indonesia. Our water experts spoke at sessions on topics including water justice, education, finance, youth action, ancestral knowledge and transboundary cooperation. They participated in many sessions and met with IHE Delft alumni, leaders, youth and other delegates. From a base in the UNESCO booth, they shared information about the work we do at IHE Delft. IHE Delft Rector Eddy Moors, who was part of the delegation, reflects on the meeting in this blog.
Alumni interview ·
Alumnus Dr Moerwanto on how the World Water Forum aims to achieve prosperity for all
Creating a communication network to help achieve prosperity for all, that is the aim of the upcoming World Water Forum. IHE Delft alumnus Dr Arie Setiadi Moerwanto is Vice Chairman of the Programme and Session Division in the National Committee for the 10th World Water Forum. The forum to be held in Bali, Indonesia in May, is the world’s biggest water conference.