The story of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management

Working to keep our country accessible and our dykes strong, so that people can live safely and travel smoothly from A to B. Working to ensure our country has clean air, clean soil and clean water. To ensure that we use resources and materials wisely, and reuse them wherever possible. To ensure people use sustainable forms of transport. Creating room for opportunities. All this requires a ministry that connects: not just places and ideas but, above all, people. All this, to make the Netherlands an even better place to live.

The work of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management covers 3 broad areas:

Accessibility

Connecting people

We manage, maintain and renew our roads, railways and waterways, applying the latest insights, technologies and innovations.

We innovate, look for smart solutions and combine different uses. Giving travellers a smooth, comfortable and safe journey from A to B.

We promote sustainable forms of transport and are working to reduce the environmental impact of mobility. The decision to travel by public transport, car or bicycle is yours. By continuing to decarbonise transport, we ensure your journey has the least possible impact on the environment and on our climate.

We are responsible for the safe movement of people, animals and goods – within our borders, in the air and on the North Sea. The Netherlands has outstanding transport links with the rest of the world. Neighbouring countries are easily reached by train. Air travel is a safe and fast mode of transport for international destinations. We are actively reducing airport noise nuisance and making aviation more sustainable. This is crucial for the sector’s future prospects.

Liveability

Good living

We are preparing the Netherlands for the effects of climate change and doing the groundwork for more sustainable living.

We are working to keep our air, soil and water clean and healthy. This is an integral part of our daily work.

We promote wise and responsible use of resources and materials. We are making reuse the norm. Step by step, we are working towards a fully circular economy by 2050.

Safety

Environmental safety

We are protecting the Netherlands against sea-level rise and other climate change impacts. By ensuring that our dykes are strong, and that our towns and cities adapt to the changing climate. We also contribute to international climate action by sharing our knowledge, experience and expertise.

Environmental safety is about preventing harmful substances from polluting our air, water and soil. About preventing the dumping of waste and discharge of hazardous substances. About laying down rules on how these substances can be used in business operations.

We are also responsible for the safety of networks in the physical environment: our river systems, waterways, roads and railways.

We are responsible for the safe movement of people, animals and goods – within our borders, in the air and on the North Sea.