Water management
The Netherlands has a lot of knowledge and experience when it comes to water. It helps low- and middle-income countries use scarce water resources more efficiently and improve preparedness for extreme weather. This contributes to global stability, security in the Netherlands and opportunities for Dutch companies.
More and more countries are affected by extreme drought and flooding. And water supplies are under pressure around the world. The Netherlands has a lot of knowledge and experience in water management and water technologies for coastal protection, drinking water and water purification. This opens up valuable opportunities, but it also comes with responsibilities.
Smart water management
The Netherlands contributes to better water management in low- and middle-income countries, for example by helping them develop national water strategies and ensuring these are future-proof. These strategies include agreements on the distribution of water, but also on how a country will protect itself against flooding and how the government will make sure there is enough water. Dutch businesses and organisations help find solutions for water-related problems, while also benefiting commercially from their activities abroad.
Safe drinking water and better sanitary facilities
The Netherlands wants people to have access to safe drinking water and sanitary facilities. These are essential for a safe and healthy life. That's why it supports programmes by organisations such as Dutch drinking water companies and UNICEF.
Implementing Dutch water expertise
Central government intends to implement Dutch water expertise more effectively abroad, for instance through trade missions involving Dutch companies. The Netherlands also engages in active water diplomacy by facilitating agreements on water and through other activities. It also supports cooperation between countries so they can improve water management.
Improving disaster preparedness
The Netherlands helps low- and middle-income countries become better prepared for water-related emergencies. For example by helping them take measures against flooding and drought. The Netherlands has a lot of expertise in this area.
Why is this important to the Netherlands?
The Netherlands contributes to better water management in low- and middle-income countries. This helps to ensure that people have access to clean drinking water and toilets. And it means that countries are better prepared for extreme weather. Conflicts occur less often in countries where people have enough water. As a result, people are less likely to need to leave their country and travel to Europe, for example.
This is one way development assistance contributes to better security, better regulation of migration and trade in the Netherlands.