The Netherlands: Centre of Excellence in Water
Where international expertise meets the Dutch water sector, innovation comes to life. A new video highlights how Dutch knowledge, collaboration and innovation contribute to tackling water challenges around the world.
▶ See how Dutch expertise, innovation and collaboration help tackle global water challenges.
The Netherlands and water
Here in the Netherlands, we have always lived with water and learned to work with it. From dredging works and dikes to the Delta Works, our solutions are known worldwide. Our strength lies in how we work together. For hundreds of years, we have been building an inclusive water governance system. Water authorities, governments, the private sector, knowledge institutes and local stakeholders collaborate as equal partners. This integrated approach helps ensure that water can be part of the solution – for the whole planet. Because the impacts of climate change know no borders.
Water and cities
The Netherlands is a densely populated delta where innovation is essential. Our approach is based on three pillars: nature-based solutions, spatial planning and design, and the smart use of data.
Water and food
Agriculture uses around 70% of the world’s freshwater, contributing to water stress and resource depletion, while climate change and salinisation add further pressure. This makes it essential for farmers to adapt their practices. Here in the Netherlands, innovations such as micro-irrigation, sensors, aquifer recharge and geodata are helping farmers produce ‘more crop per drop’, reducing water use for key crops by up to 90%.
Water and people
Access to clean water is a human right, yet millions of people, particularly women and girls, still lack safe access. At the same time, untreated wastewater has serious impacts on health and the climate. The Dutch water sector develops and shares solutions that save water, energy and resources – from safe drinking water supply to innovative and circular wastewater treatment technologies.
Working together towards a water-secure future
We believe that lasting solutions are based on equal cooperation and a whole-system approach. Through knowledge sharing and co-creation, we tackle major water challenges, developing locally adapted solutions that strengthen climate resilience and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Do you want to work with the Netherlands towards a water-secure future? Let’s take action together!
