Delta Commissioner and Special Envoy for International Water Affairs for the Kingdom of the Netherlands join forces
The start of the Delta Programme in 2010 marked a sweeping change in the approach to water issues in our low-lying country. We aim to be well prepared for the future and to prevent flooding or major damage to our economy.
Our delta is well protected, yet vulnerable. Our work on ensuring water safety and a sufficient supply of fresh water is never finished. Especially since the climate is changing. Last year, we set down the “Delta Plan for the 21st century”. The Dutch policy is characterised by an integrated, adaptive approach that links the long term to the short term. Brainpower, organisational skills and innovation within the governments, knowledge institutes and the business community play a key role in this respect. The Dutch methods do not go unnoticed in the rest of the world. Our expertise is called upon wherever things go wrong. The knowledge, developments and innovations we amass in the Netherlands in the field of water management constitute an important product for export. The Netherlands is an important domestic market, because in the next thirty years, we will be investing approx. 20 billion euros in our water system.
On 12 March, Henk Ovink took up office as the first Special Envoy for International Water Affairs for the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Mr Ovink was appointed by three Ministers (Infrastructure and the Environment, Interior Affairs, and Economic Affairs). Together with the Dutch Embassies, the new Inter-Ministerial Water Cluster, the Dutch Water Sector and, of course, the Delta Programme, he will represent the Netherlands in tackling global issues in the fields of water, spatial planning and urban issues. His position is unique, as is that of the Delta Commissioner. Mr Ovink will focus on improving the international market position of Dutch know-how and expertise.
On 19 March (see photo), the two officials agreed to support one another in their respective tasks. In the years ahead, they will join forces to link the issues in the Netherlands to the issues and opportunities abroad.