Early November the agreement for collaboration was signed between the Netherlands and Eswatini to continue Blue Deal into Phase 2.
Ms. Dlamini (left) and Ms. Hemmers sign the agreement.
In Eswatini it was Ms. Hemmers, member of the executive board of Dutch water authority Vechtstromen, and Ms. Dlamini, Principle Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources & Energy, who placed their signatures on the document. “Collaboration in Eswatini starts with a smile and a good start is half the job, as we say in the Netherlands”, according to Ms Hemmers.
Blue Deal makes the wheel stronger
It is due to climate change that both countries have to deal with more and more similar problems such as drought, heavy rains, heatwaves and floods. Ms Hemmers: “Thanks to the Blue Deal we don’t have to reinvent the wheel over and over again. Instead, we are enabling each other and we are making the wheel stronger. We do this by learning from each other and creating new solutions together.”
5 catchment areas, 1 operational organisation
The Blue Deal project in Eswatini assists in the decentralisation of water resource management from the Ministry to the local water authorities. Eswatini has 5 river basins that each have their own boards. These 5 boards have decided to combine the work in one operational organisation for more efficiency and better effective execution of operations. This is the Joint River Basin Authorities Project Board and the direct partner of the Blue Deal cooperation.
The last week of November, the Blue Deal partnership in Peru received the official notification from the NWB Fund announcing that they approved our proposal for a project to evaluate the feasibility of Carbon Credits market in 2 communities in Piura, Peru.
The initiative responds to the needs of local partners, with the aim to improve the livelihoods for the local communities through agroforestry. And to protect the catchment area against erosion and surface run-off water.
This is a joint proposal written by the Dutch team from the so-called KIWI learning programme and the Piura technical team working on the framework of the Blue Deal Peru partnership. The project starts next year and it involves organisations and tools, such as the NWB Fund watershed reforestation tool which the NWB Fund has also supported in other parts of the world.
Almost 100 powerful youth and women with enthusiasm and tireless energy were ready to kick off the so-called 4th “Incomati Basin Women and Youth in Water” Conference in Eswatini, on November 6.
Minky Groenewald (Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs) was one of the top speakers.
Of course, men were welcome to join as well, and some did. The conference was filled with inspiring presentations and workshops about women and youth in water management, given with the greatest dedication and enthusiasm. Young Experts (Yeppers) from Eswatini, Mozambique and South Africa were present, as were water professionals from the so-called Dutch KIWI programme. The youth asked to be heard and work with them for a more sustainable future.
Mainstreaming youth and women in water
In many developing countries, woman are the de facto decision-makers in households. Including youth recognises their potential as change agents and future leaders who can bring innovative insights and technological advancements to address water challenges effectively.
Everybody in the room was aware to do their part in mainstreaming youth and women in effective water resource management. To share knowledge, experiences and best practices on transboundary water management. The week was further dedicated to strengthen the capacity of exciting governance structures, whiles bringing to the fore crosscutting issues, such as gender mainstreaming in the sector. The latter is specific to the women and youth in water, groups which are often marginalised and under-represented in water related discussions and operations.
Platform
The platform of the conference aims to advocate for women and youth inclusion in equal opportunities for effective leadership in the management of water resources. Empowerment starts with education and conferences such as these, which help share important information that can empower women and break societal injustices. The conference highlighted the challenges faced in Eswatini and the opportunities women and youth could participate in.
Barriers
One of the barriers that affect women and youth participation in the water sector is that there are not enough water programmes in local institutions. Young people have to go to institutions that are out of the country. And that becomes more expensive, yet there is a need for specialised education in the water sector.
Water policies affect women and youth more severely
Important is to strengthen collaborations between youth and decision-makers in the water sector. This way, policies made in the country can be relevant and address the needs of young people and women on the ground. Because these policies actually affect these groups more severely if not addressed properly. Water in Africa is often a women’s business. On this November 6, it became everybody’s business in Africa and in Europe.
From November 6 to 10, more than 200 water managers and water loving professionals gathered in Mbabane, Eswatini, to attend the 7th edition of the REMCO conference. And for the first time, it was hosted by the Joint River Basin Authorities together with Blue Deal Eswatini.
REMCO stands for River and Environmental Management Cooperation. It is a conference that is held every 2 years in one of the 3 Blue Deal countries in southern Africa: Eswatini, Mozambique and South Africa. These countries share the Maputo and Inkomati river basins. Climate change impacts the region through the greater frequency and severity of floods and droughts. In order to meet these growing challenges, transboundary cooperation is a must.
Sharing knowledge
Water professionals, researchers, policymakers, stakeholders from the Incomati and Maputo River basins and partners from 7 countries, European and African, were all present. They exchanged ideas, talked about innovations and discussed past, present and future challenges in water management. This conference had a focus on improving collaboration on operational water management challenges. Topics discussed included:
the participation of women and youth
data management and exchange
and the importance of water for a growing economy and vibrant communities (agriculture, tourism, industry, energy, etc).
The Blue Deal teams of all 3 countries participated. Representatives of Dutch Water Authorities were present to support, learn and discuss. Dutch Professor Herman Havekes gave a presentation on Dutch water governance. Other Dutch colleagues shared their experience and knowledge as to how transboundary water management with Germany and Belgium is important for the Netherlands as well.
Keynote from Ministry
Welcome remarks were delivered by each country. The keynote speech and official opening of the REMCO conference was done by host country Eswatini. Ms Dorcas Dlamini spoke warm words as Principle Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy. On behalf of the European participants, Ms Ellen Hemmers, head of the delegation from Dutch Water Authorities and Executive Board member of Dutch water authority Vechtstromen, shared the welcome and high expectations for the coming days.
National elections
During the week the results of the national elections in Eswatini became clear. Ms Ellen Hemmers congratulated the newly appointed Prime Minister Russel Dlamini, saying that she understands that the Prime Minister was well versed in issues of water and the importance of sustainable water management. The week after, the JRBA and Waterschap Vechtstromen congratulated the new Minister HRH Prince Lonkhokhelo with his appointment to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy which includes water resource management.
Next location: Mozambique
The last day of the conference is always set aside for a field trip. Tourism was included this year as a topic for both opportunities and sustainable water management. Delegates travelled to the cultural village of Mantenga. However, for those who had missed water after 4 days of inside conference, there was a water option to visit Maguga Dam in Eswatini. The next REMCO will be in 2 years in Mozambique as the previous was 2 years ago in South Africa.
From October 30 until November 3, it was time for the annual visit to Romania within the framework of the Blue Deal project Economic Mechanism. The location for the proceedings in 2023 was the provincial city of Targu Mures, situated in the heart of Romania, and to Bucharest.
Various topics were on the agenda during the workshop at the office of the Romanian water authority in Targu Mures (RBA Mures). Initially, we were warmly welcomed by the director of RBA Mures and the economic director, Calin Sara. Apart from the attendees in Mures, a mix of colleagues from Mures, Cluj, and Bucharest, Romanian colleagues also joined via a video link. Among them was Liliana Michineci, the economic director of the NARW.
Focus on project with World Bank
One of the main focuses for the Romanians at present is their project with the World Bank. One of the recommendations from the most recent report stemming from this project is currently highly relevant. It suggests imposing a solidarity levy (around 13 euros) for purposes such as water barriers, among others.
Taxation and communication
From this perspective, the Romanian side expressed a keen interest in learning more about the approach of Dutch Water Authorities regarding taxation and related communications. Therefore, Philip Daelmans from the Dutch water authority Limburg delivered a presentation on Dutch taxation, which was very well received. Following this, Bas Dingenouts presented on communication within the Dutch water authority Scheldestromen. Communication in the broadest sense, specifically emphasising raising awareness among the population about the tasks of the water authority and justifying the expenditures incurred. This presentation was also positively received and offered several points to delve into further in subsequent sessions.
Several workshops
Apart from discussions on the project with the World Bank, the Romanian side also gave presentations on topics such as risk management and the impact of new tax rates on the revenues for Romanian water authorities. These discussions were interspersed with visits to RBA Mures locations (such as a purification plant, dam, etc.). On Friday, the workshop concluded in Bucharest during a meeting at the headquarters of NARW, where Liliana Michineci welcomed us, expressing her delight with the collaboration and reflecting on yet another successful work visit.
It was agreed to plan 2 new work visits in 2024, one in Leiden, the Netherlands, in May, and another in Timisoara, Romania, in October. Alongside the topics discussed in this work visit, numerous other subjects will be on the agenda, such as the use of benchmarks and KPIs to measure performance. Altogether, it was once again a successful visit, providing a solid foundation for the visits in 2024. Onwards to the next year!
From November 13-17, a work visit took place in Nampula, Mozambique, focusing on climate adaptation. We took important steps towards more long-term thinking and started setting our priorities for the next period.
Throughout the year, Blue Deal Mozambique has been dedicated to the theme of climate adaptation. Our focus has been on the northern water authority, ARA-Norte, headquartered in Nampula.
Long-term thinking
While the impacts of climate change are already visible in day-to-day activities, there has been limited attention towards long-term preparations. To initiate thinking about climate adaptation, we collaborated with ARA-Norte, taking cues from the Dutch Delta Programme on Spatial Adaptation, and we took several significant steps.
Risk matrix for setting priorities
During the visit, our initial reflection was on the consequences of climate change, both in the long term based on future scenarios, and on practical experiences in the present. Subsequently, we mapped out areas where these consequences of climate change (such as floods, droughts, and water shortages) occur prominently. We then delved deeper into the risks and impacts at the watershed level, examining their interconnectedness. By creating a ‘risk matrix,’ we gain a better understanding of potential priority areas.
Collaboration with the agricultural sector
Recognising that climate adaptation cannot be tackled alone, we engaged in dialogue with a primary stakeholder: agriculture. Agriculture stands as an immensely significant sector in Mozambique, with approximately 75% of the population involved. Food security is crucial and unfortunately more vulnerable due to climate change. Agriculture heavily relies on sound water management. Therefore, collaboration becomes even more imperative amid climate change. Our local colleagues found this initial stakeholder dialogue both enjoyable and enlightening.
Climate adaptation action plan
In the next phase, we plan to focus more specifically on an area around the city of Cuamba. Several themes converge in this region, including (drinking) water scarcity, erosion from drought, and floods. Based on satellite data, we’ve potentially identified areas suitable for creating upstream water buffers. By conducting field visits and continuing stakeholder dialogues with local authorities and communities, we take significant strides towards an integrated ‘climate adaptation action plan’ for prioritised catchment areas.
100 expert professionals from Corporaciones Autónomas Regionales (CAR) all over Colombia gathered on November 23 and 24 in Barranquilla to discuss the future of water governance in Colombia.
Experts from InspirAgua (Blue Deal), the CAR, SEI, Esri, IDEAM and the Ministry of the Environment, among others, met to share the progress of the work in water governance. The Asociación Corporaciones Autónomas Regionales (ASOCARS) and Blue Deal Programme InspirAgua organised the event together with the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), the Environmental Systems Research Institute Colombia (ESRI) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (COSUDE). The event was hosted by Corporación Autónoma Regional del Atlantico (CRA).
Strengthened partnerships and knowledge networks
This unique gathering of water experts throughout Colombia represents an important step towards the 2030 Blue Deal Colombia goals of strengthened partnerships and knowledge networks in the country. Four lines of action were formulated. Wastewater (with an active program in Caldas, Valle del Cauca and Huila), Groundwater; permits, control and monitoring of discharges; and planning (water boundary, decision-making and modeling tools) were prioritized to be further elaborated in 2024.
Important guests
The event was attended by 31 of the 33 environmental authorities CAR, Fabián Caicedo, director of water resources at the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, experts of the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM), National Planning Department (DNP), the Ministry of Interior, Justice and Decentralization of the Government of Honduras, the Antioquia Science and Technology Center -CTA and the University of Antioquia.
High-quality knowledge
Ellen Bollen, director of Blue Deal InspirAgua in Colombia, pointed out that: “There is a lot of high-quality knowledge in Colombia and in the CARs. InspirAgua wants to connect, share, and contribute through an exchange programme for all CARs through ASOCARS. Meeting up and sharing our practices are essential for our ability to tackle big challenges in water management now and in the future. We identified wants and needs for knowledge exchange to further elaborate and I’m proud of InspirAgua and its partners who made it come together.”
Regional lessons from 30 years of existence
During the last 30 years, the CARs have worked on water management in 124 hydrographic basins, covering 28.6 million hectares, and 87 POMCAS approved by 2023 at the national level are reported. “These spaces for dialogue around water governance are essential to identify regional lessons learned from work carried out by the CARs during the 30 years of existence of the SINA, in search of contributing to the National Policy for Integral Management of Water Resources, to the implementation of the National Development Plan, and the future Four-Year Action Plans of the CARs,” said Ramón Leal Leal, director of Asocars.
"And the winner is… Blue Deal Peru with their video on research into water for rice cultivation!" With these words, Luzette Kroon, board member International Affairs at the Association of Dutch Water Authorities, announced the winner of the NWB Award 2023 during the Dutch Water Authorities' Network Day on November 27.
The NWB Award, presented annually by the NWB Fund during the DWA Network Day, recognises the most inspiring video on international water management work. The NWB Fund, established by the NWB Bank (the bank for water authorities in the Netherlands), aims to invest in enhancing integrated water management elsewhere in the world. The victorious team stood proudly on the podium, and rightfully so. The winning team receives a cash prize of 5000 euros to invest in their project and eternal fame. Milagros Sosa, from the Blue Deal Peru, exclaimed, “This is so beautiful! Our partners in Peru will be thrilled.”
Nearly 1000 votes
This year, 9 videos were submitted by project teams from Asia, Africa, and South America. A professional jury comprising representatives from the NWB Fund, Blue Deal, and professional filmmakers selected a shortlist of 3 videos. The selection criteria included: Is it a compelling story that can be shared? What is the technical quality of the video? Does it align with this year’s theme of ‘smart collaboration with stakeholders’? Consequently, the videos from Peru, Burkina Faso, and Ethiopia stood a chance to win. A digital vote was then conducted to choose the winner. Both water experts and international partners were eligible to vote this time, and the turnout was significant: nearly 1000 votes were cast.
What is the movie about?
Using local research, the video shows an example of smart cooperation with a concrete goal of saving water in rice production in Piura, and therefore having a reduction of the water footprint in food production. The research shown in the video is the first initiative of a scholarship programme launched by Blue Deal Peru to support young researchers from local universities working on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) themes to achieve their professional titles. This video has been made by our Young Expert and the Piura technical team.
Intensive lobby?
Bert van Boggelen, director of the NWB Fund, asked partnership manager Kees de Jong if they had lobbied intensively. Kees replied matter-of-factly, “Simply shared the video.” Nonetheless, the enthusiasm in South America evidently prevailed. The research on water supply for rice cultivation has significantly impacted farmers in the Piura region in northern Peru, where rice cultivation is prevalent. More effective and efficient water management practices are now in place, crucial in times when water is becoming scarcer due to climate change.
Water is crucial for liveable earth
All entrants will receive a jury report along with an offer of feedback from a professional filmmaker. This is the NWB Fund’s effort to support the creation of increasingly better videos, a great medium to raise awareness of international water management work. These projects contribute significantly to climate adaptation. During the network day, climate general Tom Middelkoop was a guest speaker. In his presentation, he emphasised the impact of climate change on geopolitical relations and the necessity to enhance livability in severely affected regions. This is precisely what the water management projects aim to achieve, as water is crucial for a liveable earth.
From 4 to 11 November a Blue Deal work visit took place in Ghana. The Dutch team met with their Ghanaian partners in several parts of Ghana, both in the North and the South. We talked about the current projects, saw the progress during field visits, and made plans for 2024 and further on.
In Ghana the Dutch Blue Deal team works in the North in the White Volta Basin and in the South in the Lower Volta Delta on various projects concerning governance, reforestation, planning, water safety and water quality.
Transboundary collaboration with Burkina Faso
During the visit in November the team in the North of Ghana had several meetings about the governance structure of the water resources management. For example, a delegation of the Blue Deal Burkina Faso team also joined the Ghana visit and talked about transboundary collaboration. The purpose of this meeting was to explore how to enhance the transboundary cooperation between Ghana and Burkina Faso. Since Ghana and Burkina Faso share the same water basin, it is imperative to exchange knowledge and to adapt the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) plans to one another. It was decided that a plan will be made to achieve better and structural cooperation. The first action is to set up a monthly online meeting between Ghana and Burkina Faso.
Reforestation
Also in the North there was a field visit to the Bongo Reforestation project. This project is implemented by Tree Aid Ghana and funded by Trees for All. The proposal for funding for this project was supported and facilitated by the Blue Deal team and the Water Resources Commission. This is to rehabilitate degraded areas in the catchment of the Yaragatanga River which feeds the Vea Reservoir and protects the Buffer Zones of its tributaries. The Blue Deal team visited a reforestation site and spoke with the community members about the challenges they face in keeping the planted trees alive. Challenges mainly concern water shortage in the dry season and cattle and other livestock who eat the young trees. Fortunately, many trees that were planted 2 years ago have already grown taller than some of the tall Dutch Blue Deal members.
Flooding in the South
In the South of Ghana the recent flooding in the Lower Volta Delta had an effect on the programme for the visit in November. Major damage was done to the livelihoods around the Volta River, but fortunately no human lives were lost. Since the area is still flooded and local stakeholders are focussed on offering help to the local communities, many of the meetings took place in Accra, the capital city of Ghana. The Blue Deal team discussed the flooding with the Water Resources Commission and other relevant stakeholders, such as the involved Ministries, in relation to the current plans that we work on together. The saying ‘never waste a good crisis’ is tough, but during a crisis we often become resourceful and see opportunities that we would otherwise miss. This situation emphasises the need of better integrated water management and the set-up of a Delta program. During the visit in November important steps were taken to set-up the Delta programme and start with the pilot project of the Sand Motor, a nature-based solution that has to help against flooding from the sea.
Difficulties with dams
Next to this a part of the Dutch Blue Deal team in the South visited 2 dam sites, the Owabi Dam and Barakesi Dam, together with local stakeholders. Here we investigated whether or not a pre-feasibility study would be beneficial for 1 of these dams. On site, we discussed the problems the stakeholders are experiencing in regards to the dams themselves (structure) and the catchment of the reservoirs. For example for the Owabi Dam, there are serious worries about the safety of the dam and silting is a big issue. For the Barekesi Dam, mining and deforestation for agricultural purposes (encroachment) are the most pressing issues. Together with the Ghanaian partners the Dutch team will further explore for which dam Integrated Water Resources Management might be a good process to start solving the issues.
Since 2019 the Blue Deal has a partnership with the water authorities in the West Bank, part of the Palestinian Territories, until 2030. We follow the current news with a heavy heart, as does everyone in the Netherlands and the rest of the world. The situation takes a huge toll on our Palestinian colleagues and we wish them strength in these difficult times. We will continue the partnership as good as we can, because water is crucial, especially now.
In September 2022, 3 wastewater recycling units, or ‘BluElephants’, were officially launched in Salfeet and Halhul in the West Bank in the Palestinian Territories. Thanks to these purification units, wastewater can be treated without the immediate need for people on site. The devices can be read, monitored and operated remotely. If these units were not there, Palestinian colleagues would have to go to the locations of the wastewater treatment plants, which is very difficult in the current situation. In 2023, a regional laboratory for (waste)water analysis and for digitizing a broad range of (waste)water infrastructure was opened. This laboratory supports sound water services in a more remote way.
Although our Palestinian colleagues in the West Bank are very limited in leaving their homes for safety reasons, we continue to maintain daily digital contact with them. They have indicated that they are highly motivated to keep continuing the exchange of experiences with each other on a technical level. We can only admire their strength and perseverance. Our Dutch colleagues can serve as a sounding board, for example in safeguarding (waste)water services more remotely.
Do you want to read more about how the Blue Deal partnership with the Palestinian Territories can continue? Read the blog from World Waternet.
