United Nations (UN) Water Envoy, Retno Marsudi, visited the Dutch Water Authorities (Unie van Waterschappen) on Thursday 3 July. Within the UN, Marsudi is responsible for water, including the implementation of the SDG agenda. Additionally, she leads preparations for various high-level international water conferences, such as the UN Water Conference, which will take place in Riyadh in 2026.
(pictured: UN Water Envoy visits Dutch Water Authorities)
International interest in Dutch Water Authorities
The Dutch Water Authorities hold an autonomous position in water management. This unique position, combined with its specific tax system, has resulted in significant international attention on Dutch water management.
An opportunity to discuss the Dutch approach to water management and financing was one of the reasons of Marsudi’s visit to the Dutch Water Authorities. Discussions also covered her priorities for the UN Water agenda and how the Dutch Water Authorities (DWA) can contribute.
Luzette Kroon, who oversees the international portfolio as a board member of the Dutch Water Authorities, welcomed Marsudi during her visit. She provided the UN Water Envoy with an overview of the origins of the Dutch Water Authorities and elaborated on their water management practices.
Dutch Water Authorities Bank
Lidwien van Velden, Chair of the NWB Bank (Dutch Water Authorities Bank), explained how the bank contributes to financing the Dutch water management system. Dennis van Peppen, Director of the Netherlands Commission for Environmental Impact Assessment (NCEA), was also present. He emphasised the importance of good cooperation between governments, the private sector, the knowledge sector, and civil society.
The various presentations provided Marsudi with a deeper appreciation for the strength and resilience of the Dutch water management model. Perhaps even more significantly, she acquired valuable insights into how affordable financing can be secured for critical water infrastructure projects.
Contribution to the UN Water Conference
Through the Blue Deal programme, the Dutch Water Authorities support the strengthening of international water authorities and partners around the world, including in the area of financing. This includes not only the use of tariffs and taxes but also the development of innovative private financing models. These themes will take center stage at the UN Water Conference 2026, where the Dutch Water Authorities are eager to contribute their expertise.
As part of the Blue Deal Peru project, six water experts from the Peru's National Water Authority (ANA) and the Binational Project Puyango-Tumbes visited the Netherlands from 16 to 20 June. This working visit fostered a dynamic exchange of experiences between Peruvian and Dutch water authorities, focusing on governance, climate-resilient water management and institutional coordination.
They were representatives from the National, Regional and Local authorities responsible for the planning and implementation of the National Water Resources Management Systems, the water distribution plans in the regions, institutional coordination within the Watershed Councils and execution of strategic regional-based water projects.
The five-day programme was jointly organised with the delegation and by various Dutch Water Authorities. The programme included relevant themes for the activities and challenges faced by our partners in Lima, and in the regions of Piura and Tumbes. These areas are particularly vulnerable to floods and droughts, so particular attention was given to water safety and flood control, water governance and institutional arrangements for management and distribution plans among different water uses in the context of climate change.
Key Themes and Insights
Water Governance and Institutional Roles
A recurring theme throughout the visit was the importance of effective governance structures. Discussions highlighted the role of board members in Dutch water authorities, such as at Rivierenland, where Melinda Boons explained how elected officials contribute to strategic planning and stakeholder engagement. This sparked meaningful dialogue on how similar governance models could enhance institutional coordination and accountability in Peru’s water management system. At Noorderzijlvest water authority, Director Bas Tammes led a discussion with the Peruvian and Dutch colleagues what mutual learnings could be taken from each other’s processes. Topics of interest were: governance structures, interaction with board members, finances, management and water distribution plans in the Netherlands and in Peru.
Interactive Learning through Serious Games
To explore the complexities of water planning through a practical approach, the delegation participated in a serious game simulating the role of city and environmental planners. This hands-on experience emphasised the importance of balancing competing interests, managing stakeholder dynamics, and planning under climate stress – lessons that resonated with the Peruvian context.
Pictured: The delegation plays a Serious Game
Climate Adaptation and Resilience
The delegation had the opportunity to explore several innovative Dutch projects focused on climate resilience. At Noorderzijlvest, they visited De Onlanden project – a great example of nature-based solutions that integrate climate adaptation, flood protection for the city of Groningen, and opportunities for nature and recreation. Additional water retention measures were showcased in the surrounding area of Veenhuizen (Drenthe), where collaboration with local farmers plays a key role.
The group also showed great interest in learning about the construction techniques, materials, and maintenance practices used in these projects, including the challenges posed by dike systems along the Wadden Sea coast, which serve as a critical line of defense.
These experiences underscored the potential of land use changes and the importance of considering diverse water interests – agriculture, urban development, and ecosystems – especially under the growing pressures of climate change. They illustrated how infrastructure, spatial planning, and community engagement can be effectively aligned to enhance both flood safety and drought resilience.
Pictured: A visit to Markermeerdijk in North Holland
Dutch Water Engineering in Practice
In addition to governance and climate adaptation, the delegation explored the technical foundations of Dutch water management. They learned about the critical role of pumping stations and traditional water mills in regulating water levels in the polders – low-lying tracts of land reclaimed from the sea.
A particularly memorable moment came during a visit to North Holland, where the group discovered that some areas lie as deep as 6.63 meters below sea level. This striking fact offered a powerful illustration of the Netherlands’ long-standing expertise in living with water and left a lasting impression on the Peruvian experts.
International Collaboration and Mutual Learning
The exchange underscored the shared challenges both countries face – ranging from localised droughts to institutional fragmentation – and the value of international cooperation. The delegation left with new perspectives and practical ideas to strengthen Peru’s water governance and resilience strategies.
This visit is part of the Multi-Annual Plan (MAP) 2023–2030 of the Blue Deal Peru Project and reflects the ongoing collaboration between ANA and Dutch Water Authorities, coordinated by Waterschap Noorderzijlvest.
Pictured: The Peruvian delegation with the Peat Mobile at Wetterskip Fryslan
As part of the Blue Deal’s commitment to sustainable water management and capacity building, the Young Expert Programmes (YEP) empower young professionals to gain hands-on experience in an international and intercultural environment. Over a two-year period, YEPpers receive a dynamic mix of training, coaching, and mentoring to develop both personal and professional skills. Within the Blue Deal partnerships, local YEPpers take on meaningful roles that contribute directly to water-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mariana Garcia
One of these inspiring professionals is Mariana García, a Young Expert working at Aguas de Manizales S.A. E.S.P., the water utility company in Manizales, Colombia. As part of the Blue Deal initiative InspirAgua, Mariana has spent the past nine months contributing to both technical and strategic processes within the organization.
Driving Technical Innovation
Mariana’s work has focused on strengthening asset management and wastewater discharge systems. One of her key achievements is the development of a prioritization matrix for network optimization projects. This tool supports investment decisions for infrastructure upgrades, especially in vulnerable areas, by assessing community risk and water supply needs.
She also designed a review plan for aging pipelines, targeting those in poor or unknown condition to prevent failures and improve service reliability. Currently, she is collaborating on a strategic replacement plan for asbestos-cement pipelines, aiming to reduce health risks and enhance infrastructure sustainability.
Strengthening Partnerships
Through the cooperation between YEP and InspirAgua, Mariana helped establish a new coordination mechanism with Corpocaldas, the local environmental authority, to improve the monitoring of non-domestic wastewater discharges. This collaboration was made possible through the YEP network, including support from YEP alumna Melissa Moreno, highlighting the strength of this learning network.
Mariana also participated in a technical exchange with Acuavalle S.A. E.S.P., a utility in Valle del Cauca, sharing best practices from Aguas de Manizales to support the early development of their asset management system.
Pictured: Working session with Infrastructure team in Aguas de Manizales, including Mariana’s mentor Robbert Bruin from Dutch Water Authorities.
A Transformative Experience
Beyond her technical contributions, Mariana describes the YEP programme as a transformative journey:
“From the start, I’ve had access to training that gave me the tools to build a solid foundation for my career. I’ve strengthened soft skills like intercultural communication and teamwork, and gained self-awareness through tools like the MBTI. The support from my mentor and coach has been essential in navigating both technical and personal challenges.”
She also highlights the value of participating in online courses, particularly in Change Management, and looks forward to attending the National Public Services Congress (ANDESCO) to expand her network and visibility in the sector.
Building the Future of Water
Mariana’s story is just one example of the impact of the YEP programme. So far, 20 YEPpers have developed personally and professionally within the water sector. Local Blue Deal partner organizations in 11 countries have gained greater capacity to implement their activities. Notably, 60% of YEPpers continue to be involved with the Blue Deal or their local partner organisations after completing the programme.
By investing in young professionals like Mariana, the Blue Deal is not only strengthening local institutions but also cultivating a new generation of leaders committed to sustainable water solutions.
Pictured: Mariana with fellow YEPpers Paul (Burkina Faso) and Arum (Indonesia)
In Ghana, annual tree planting activities are a key part of national efforts to enhance the environment and promote sustainability. This year, Blue Deal has taken a leading role by focusing its efforts on the Kasenkpe Sub-basin, a strategic move that not only supports greening of the area, but also strengthens water management in the region.
On June 5 and 6, 2025, the Forestry Service Division, in partnership with the Blue Deal, organised tree planting events across the Kasenkpe Sub-basin to raise environmental awareness and promote sustainable practices.
At Kongo Junior High School, students enthusiastically prepared the grounds and planted trees as part of the “Tree for Life” celebration. The school committed to maintaining the trees, helping to create a greener and more sustainable learning environment.
Pictured: Tree planting activity in the Kasenkpe Sub-basin
On June 6, a community planting event was held at the Maclean Dam in Bukere, led by local environmental chiefs. These traditional leaders play a vital role in environmental governance, having been appointed to raise awareness about deforestation and promote tree planting within their communities. Read more about the environmental chiefs here.
The event at the dam served multiple purposes: it raises awareness, helps prevent erosion around the dam reservoirs, protects vital water infrastructure, and helps to recharge groundwater levels. In addition, 1,000 seedlings were distributed to members of various community committees to encourage continued planting efforts.
This initiative underscores the power of collaboration in restoring degraded landscapes and strengthening environmental stewardship. It has also deepened the partnership between Blue Deal and the Forestry Service Division, reinforcing their shared commitment to sustainable development.
Pictured: Community planting activity in June 2025
In the city and region of Pekalongan, residents face annual flooding, severe land subsidence, and poor surface water quality. While the local government is investing heavily in infrastructure there’s a growing recognition that sustainable water management isn’t just about infrastructure - it’s about people. Community involvement is essential to finding lasting solutions, with children and students as key players in protecting the environment and improving quality of life.
Our partners are embracing this shift, developing tools and initiatives to actively involve these social groups in water-related challenges and solutions.
To raise awareness, a video campaign was launched featuring a local influencer and produced in partnership with Blue Deal. Using humor, a relatable tone, and clear expert insights into the key issues, the video explains the challenges and highlights how residents can contribute to improvements. The campaign was officially launched by the Mayor of Pekalongan during the most recent Blue Deal visit.
Trailer for awareness video in Pekalongan 2025
As part of the same awareness campaign, the Dutch Water Authorities (DWA) team was invited to give a guest lecture on water management at a local secondary school – empowering the next generation with knowledge and inspiration.
Pictured: A guest lecture at a local secondary school
Tangerang: Youth in Action
In Tangerang, youth engagement took center stage during a Blue Deal visit in May. A dynamic workshop with high school students kicked off with an introduction to water management and solid waste issues. Students were then challenged to develop ideas to improve their local environment.
Through brainstorming sessions and school-based follow-ups, students presented a wide range of creative and enthusiastic solutions just days later. Together with our local partner, represented by the head of Bappeda, we are now exploring how to embed these types of awareness activities into a structured, long-term programme.
A cross-cutting theme within the Blue Deal programme is social inclusion. This example from our Indonesia partnership shows that the future belongs to the young generations – and they are ready to lead!
Pictured: Students present their solutions during workshops in Tangerang
For over 25 years, Romania and the Netherlands have worked together to improve water management. This long-standing partnership focuses on four major challenges: tackling floods, addressing drought, securing sustainable financing, and developing smart tools like Decision Support Systems (DSS). In 2024–2025, the collaboration has taken another step forward with concrete results and high-level exchanges.
DSS Project: From Training to Implementation
In May 2024, the NWB Fund approved the project “Creating a pre-operational DSS for reservoir management in the Upper Argeș River Basin.” The first training, delivered with support of HKV and Deltares, took place in late 2024 and early 2025 to Romanian water managers, meteorologists, and policymakers. Participants developed digital models of reservoirs in their own regions, introducing them to real-time control tools and modeling techniques. The training was well received, with participants appreciating the level of difficulty and providing valuable feedback for the second training scheduled for September 2025.
Pictured: A Dutch delegation, including Meike van Ginneken (Dutch Water Envoy) and Luzette Kroon (Dutch Water Authorities) speaking with the Romanian Minister of Sustainable Development
Why a DSS Matters: A Decision Support System (DSS) is a digital tool that helps water managers make better decisions – for example, when to release or store water in reservoirs. It combines data, models, and expert knowledge to simulate different scenarios. In times of drought or heavy rainfall, a DSS can help prevent damage and ensure water is used wisely. As climate extremes become more frequent, these tools are essential for smart, future-proof water management.
High-Level Visits Strengthen Collaboration
On 13–14 May 2025, a Romanian delegation visited the Netherlands to explore the abovementioned DSS implementation strategies. They met with Dutch experts at Deltares, the Rijnland and Zuiderzeeland Water Authorities, and Rijkswaterstaat. The visit focused on translating Dutch experience into Romanian practice.
This week, a Dutch delegation, led by Dutch Water Envoy Meike van Ginneken, is visiting Romania to deepen cooperation. It is also an opportunity to start the preparations for the next project phase of the Blue Deal partnership.
Four Shared Challenges, One Strong Partnership
The DSS project is just one of the four themes being addressed through the broader collaboration between the Netherlands and Romania, focusing on key water challenges:
Tackling Floods: (Partner: River Basin Authority (RBA) Siret) The 2021 Limburg floods showed that we need to be prepared for flash floods. Dutch partners have learned from Romanian approaches to flash flood response.
Tackling Drought through Stakeholder Engagement (Partner RBA Jiu) The team created a short video on this topic, shown below.
Securing Sustainable Water Financing Romania recently approved new legislation expected to generate 25% of the National Administration “Romanian Waters” (NARW)’s income.
Developing a DSS for Reservoir Management (Partner: As highlighted in this news item, the DSS project is on track, with training underway and strong interest in scaling up.
Results So Far
Aside from the update mentioned here, there are several results highlights achieved in this period, made possible through strong collaboration with Romanian Waters and other partners in the programme. These include:
A pilot water management plan was developed for the Dăbuleni area
A surface water model was built with IHE-Delft
A stakeholder engagement strategy was created for the Siret region
A training program for real-time control tools (RTC Tools and Delft-FEWS) was launched with €150,000 in additional funding
Moldova water delegates joined Blue Deal trainings, with discussions ongoing for deeper cooperation
During the high-level visit to Romania, Luzette Kroon (Dutch Water Authorities) said: “The Romanian-Dutch Blue Deal partnership has proven to be an effective way of exchanging knowledge and implementing pilots. We are not only addressing immediate challenges like floods and droughts, but also building a resilient framework for future water security in Europe.”
From 3 to 5 June 2025, Dutch Water Authorities participated in the fourth partner meeting of the ResNRJwater project, held in Arbon, Switzerland. The event brought together international partners and experts to exchange knowledge and experiences in the field of renewable energy production at wastewater treatment plants.
The programme included inspiring presentations and discussions on topics such as net zero ambitions for wastewater treatment plants, identification of renewable energy sources, aquathermia, smart energy storage systems, and the development of training materials for water authorities. In addition, participants visited innovative sites, including the Altenrhein and Morgental WWTPs, where practical examples of energy production from wastewater were showcased.
Dutch Water Authorities, represented by the Unie van Waterschappen, actively contributed to the discussions and shared insights into the Dutch approach to climate and energy. The meeting provided valuable inspiration and practical knowledge that can support Dutch water authorities in further developing and implementing sustainable energy solutions at their facilities.
With many useful lessons learned, Dutch Water Authorities looks forward to sharing the gained knowledge with the regional water authorities in the Netherlands, to help accelerate the transition towards climate-neutral water management.
(pictured: Aart Los and Ina Elema of Dutch Water Authorities)
As part of the international Blue Deal programme, a delegation of eleven water experts from Mozambique visited the Netherlands this week to explore innovative approaches to water management. The visit, hosted by the Dutch water authorities Wetterskip Fryslân and Waterschap Rijn en IJssel, focused on sharing expertise in dike monitoring, water conservation, data management, and flood risk mitigation.
A highlight of the visit was a drone demonstration on June 12 at the Wadden Sea dike near Ferwert. The demonstration illustrated how drone technology can be used to inspect dikes and water barriers quickly, accurately, and safely – even in hard-to-reach areas, as can be the case in Mozambique. The Mozambican delegation observed how drones equipped with cameras can map dike height, alignment, and potential damage. This technology, already in use by Wetterskip Fryslân, will soon be deployed in Mozambique with support from the World Bank.
A Global Mission for Water Security
Wetterskip Fryslân plays a leading role in the Mozambique Blue Deal partnership, working closely with regional water authorities (ARA’s – Administrações Regionais de Águas) and other institutions. Their collaboration focuses on five strategic themes:
Strengthening budget and asset management
Enhancing flood forecasting and protection
Improving water allocation during droughts
Monitoring and managing water quality
Upgrading sanitation and drainage systems, especially around Beira
Mutual Learning and Innovation
Luzette Kroon, chair of Wetterskip Fryslân highlighted the importance of exchanging knowledge and experiences from both countries: “The Blue Deal is not just about offering each other support – it’s about learning from each other. Today we’re sharing our experience with drone inspections, but we’re also inspired by how Mozambican partners develop effective water solutions with limited resources. That exchange of knowledge is at the heart of the Blue Deal programme.”
In a step toward more effective and inclusive water solutions worldwide, leadership of the Dutch Water Authorities (Unie van Waterschappen), IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, and Rotary Netherlands gathered at the annual Rotary Water Congress on Saturday 10 May 2025 to sign a Letter of Intent (LoI) to strengthen their strategic collaboration for the next four years.
With this signing, the three organisations build on earlier informal collaborations within the Dutch Water Authorities’ international Blue Deal programme. The Letter of Intent marks a shared commitment to combine their complementary knowledge, networks, capacities and expertise to increase their joint impact in the fields of water safety, water availability, water quality, and good water governance.
Collaboration
This enhanced collaboration reflects a shared ambition: to strengthen the global response to growing water-related challenges, especially in light of climate change. Key areas of collaboration include:
Exchanging information on current and upcoming projects, including training and education opportunities
Exploring collaborations within the Blue Deal partner, IHE Delft and Rotary networks
Investigating co-funding opportunities for specific water-related projects
The Letter of Intent was signed on behalf of the three organisations by Luzette Kroon (Dutch Water Authorities), Prof. Dr. Eddy Moors (IHE Delft Institute for Water Education), and Jan de Mooij (Rotary Netherlands).
“By joining forces, we can scale up meaningful water solutions – empowering communities, reinforcing good governance, and ensuring that more people around the world gain access to clean and safe water”, Luzette Kroon said about the collaboration.
(pictured: Signing of the Letter of Intent)
About the Partners
The Dutch Water Authorities (Unie van Waterschappen) represent the 21 regional water authorities in the Netherlands. These public organisations have centuries of expertise in managing water systems, flood protection, and water quality – experience they actively share internationally. This is largely done through the Blue Deal programme. This is a joint programme of the Dutch Water Authorities and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and of Infrastructure and Water Management. It’s goal is to exchange knowledge with 17 international partner water authorities in 15 countries worldwide.
IHE Delft Institute for Water Education is the world’s largest international graduate water education facility. Based in Delft, the Netherlands, it empowers professionals from around the globe through education, research, and capacity development in water management.
Rotary Netherlands, part of the global Rotary network, brings together a diverse community of professionals and volunteers committed to humanitarian service. Through its local clubs and international reach, Rotary plays a catalytic role in driving community-led development, including clean water and sanitation projects.
Blue Deal partnership Kenya was an active partner in the economic mission that took place in March. The aim was to strengthen collaboration between Kenya and the Netherlands as strategic and economic water- and agriculture partners. The visit was combined with a state visit from their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima.
Dutch King and Queen plant a tree at Thogoto forest at the source of Nairobi’s Mbagathi river, Kenya
World Waternet and the Water Resources Authority in Kenya have been working together in the Blue Deal programme since 2018 on various topics. The collaboration covers water allocation, water quality, river basin management, flood protection and innovative stakeholder engagement. The economic mission provided opportunities to accelerate investments for sustainable water solutions in these fields.
The economic mission was led by Ms. Reinette Klever, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development. The water track lead was being guided by Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP). World Waternet presented all the work they are doing in Kenya to the participants of the economic mission. Moreover, it was able to establish a relationship between WRA and the Dutch businesses as well as Kenyan and international investors.
Blue Deal partnership coordinator Simon Kamuyu Muturi participated in a tree planting ceremony in Thogoto forest at the source of Nairobi’s Mbagathi river with their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima. Simon is part of a larger team of World Waternet based in Kenya, led by Peter de Koning.
Peter de Koning explains: “It was clear that investments in the catchments, among others through sustainable partnerships in building governance through the Blue Deal programme, are critical. Furthermore, taking an integral watershed approach through Blue Deal spin-offs such as the Njururi initiative and the Mathare River initiative, are essential along the value chain up to the highly needed WASH investments. Such was noted by one of the participating credit facilities. It recognised World Waternet as one of very few working throughout the entire water cycle. It was very valuable to showcase and discuss the Blue Deal work with the Dutch government and trade partners, exploring and strengthening partnerships in smart metering and flood management.”
