From 7 to 14 September, 13 board members of Colombian water authorities visited the Netherlands. They shared knowledge and experience with Dutch officials and specialists. The visit was part of the Blue Deal Colombia programme, InspirAgua.
The visit focused on cross-border collaboration, within their own organisations, with each other, and with regional partners. Key themes included engaging local communities in projects, nature conservation in Colombia, decision-making, wastewater treatment in the Netherlands, and water management in general. “The collaboration with Colombia is about exchanging knowledge and inspiring each other with good examples. This helps both sides to become better water managers, equipped for the changing and challenging tasks ahead,” says Ellen Bollen-Weide, programme manager for InspirAgua.
Mutual learning experience
The Colombian water authorities were immersed in Dutch water management for a week. At the same time, there was great attention to the Colombian approach, from which the Netherlands can learn a lot, especially in areas like climate change, drought, and heavy rainfall. Organisational topics were also covered, such as regional processes and their financing.
Cross-border collaboration helps both parties
According to Erik de Ridder, chair of the Dutch water authority De Dommel and responsible for InspirAgua, the visit provided valuable insights. “I firmly believe that by seeking collaboration beyond borders, you not only help others but also yourself. By seeing things through someone else’s eyes, you notice aspects that may seem obvious to us but aren’t.”
InspirAgua’s mission
The Blue Deal programme InspirAgua aims to deliver cleaner water to 15 million Colombians living and working along the Rio Magdalena by 2030. The programme works with national and regional partners to strengthen water management, making plans for rivers, developing a robust crisis organisation, utilising data, treating wastewater, and preventing pollution.