Urban areas and large cities are facing challenges brought on by population pressure, infrastructure congestion, rising sea level and weather changes. Flood risk, water contamination and water shortages are already major threats in many places.

Today’s water challenges call for cooperation and the exchange of knowledge and expertise. The Dutch water sector invites you to team up to find the best solutions for our changing world.

These challenges are accelerated by climate change and more than ever it is necessary to join forces to increase knowledge and develop new insights on how to help people, businesses and governments to adapt.

Living on the frontline between land and water, the Dutch have always had to adapt to changes in climate and water. We believe in exchanging knowledge, forging international partnerships, innovation, and an integrated approach. 

International cooperation

Urban deltas worldwide are facing similar challenges: population growth, flood risk, spatial planning, scarce natural resources. Governments, cities, people and businesses constantly need to adapt to become more resilient to climate change and water crises. While the solutions for each delta may be different, the preconditions for a sustainable urban delta approach are the same. A holistic approach and the inclusion of all stakeholders is necessary to make cities and urban areas more resilient. That is why the Netherlands works closely with other countries facing similar challenges to find integrated solutions that combine elements such as spatial planning & design, cultural heritage, economic viability, infrastructure, public and local commitment, and sustainability.

 

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Mayor Aboutaleb of Rotterdam presenting the 1000CAN programme
Mayor Aboutaleb of Rotterdam presented the 1000 Cities Adapt Now programme during the CAS Summit 2021 on behalf of many international partners to accelerate and scale climate adaptation in 1000 cities worldwide.

Integrated approach

We also believe in an integrated approach. Simply because complex challenges require multi-disciplinary solutions. The Netherlands has several inspiring examples and initiatives that make high-density living areas more resilient. These international, national and local initiatives demonstrate that resilience can go hand-in-hand with improving quality of life and economic viability.