Agrospecials Edition 12 - August 2024 Water Nexus

Water management goes far beyond the water sector

In the 12^th edition of the Agrospecial, the Netherlands Agricultural Network’s (LAN) Agricultural Counselors in Cote d’Ivoire, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain and Vietnam share the water related work they are doing abroad. But first, Water Envoy for the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Meike van Ginneken, discusses the current challenges we face worldwide with our water resources and the importance of our international work on the nexus between water management, agriculture and biodiversity. 

Dutch international water policy in the field of agriculture

As the world gears up for Stockholm Water Week, we take this opportunity to highlight how the Netherlands contributes to “water security and safety for people, plants, and animals worldwide” a core objective of the Dutch International Water Ambition (NIWA). LVVN’s international initiatives are intertwined with the Dutch national spatial planning and climate adaptation policies. This way, the Netherlands Agricultural Network (LAN) builds on Dutch knowledge and know-how that balances short-term needs with long-term sustainability. 

NWP and NFP on Saline Water and Food Systems Partnership

The Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) and Netherlands Food Partnership (NFP) are two organizations collaborating with multiple stakeholders on two important topics: water and food. Since 2021, NWP and NFP are working together on the Saline Water and Food Systems (SWFS) partnership which focuses on the intersection between water and food. Martijn van Staveren (NWP) and Babette Bodlaender (NFP) tell us more about the ambitions of the SWFS partnership, and how international knowledge exchange as well as cross sectoral collaboration are crucial for driving positive change regarding the challenge of salinity.

Nature’s Pride activates the fresh produce value chain for responsible water use

Creating an efficient, fair and sustainable value chain is a challenge for many sectors, including the fruits and vegetables sector. For Nature’s Pride and its sister company Berries Pride, responsible water use is of critical strategic importance to their business and the future of the sector. Therefore, they are making it a priority in their work. Coen van Iwaarden, Senior Advisor on Sustainable Business at Nature’s Pride, explores the work of both companies by explaining how they address water challenges in collaboration with their dedicated growers and clients. 

Water challenges in Côte d'Ivoire: an interview with Agricultural Counselor Ben Kubbinga

Water, food security, and biodiversity are inherently connected, forming the backbone of sustainable development in any region. In Côte d'Ivoire, these elements face significant challenges, demanding innovative and sustainable solutions. Ben Kubbinga, Agricultural Counselor for Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal and stationed at the Dutch embassy in Abidjan, offers a deep dive into these pressing issues and the measures taken to address them. 

South Africa faces unique water issues

Niek Bosmans, Agricultural Counselor of South Africa who is stationed at the Dutch Embassy in Pretoria, is acutely aware that the topic of water security is becoming increasingly critical for South Africans. In this interview, Bosmans outlines two examples of projects in South Africa that show how Dutch water policies can be used successfully in international contexts.

Mexico’s challenges with too much, too little and too dirty water

Wendele van der Wiele, Agricultural Counselor for Mexico and Cuba and working at the Dutch Embassy in Mexico, shares Dutch knowledge and know-how on sustainable water management and the water-biodiversity-food nexus. Van der Wiele also points out where the Netherlands can learn from Mexico when it comes to biodiversity and food production.

Vietnam and the Netherlands: two delta countries working together

Much like the Netherlands, Vietnam is a delta country with significant water challenges. It has a complex network of rivers and a coastline that is particularly vulnerable to climate change. The country is confronted with droughts and salinization, threatening the agricultural productivity of the local farmers. Ingrid Korving, Agricultural Counselor in Vietnam and stationed at the Dutch embassy in Hanoi, discusses these issues and the innovative water management initiatives to address them.

Spain using a holistic approach to tackle water challenges

Machiel Kommers, the Agricultural Counselor for Spain and Portugal, is confronted with increasing water challenges in these countries. Both in Spain and Portugal, Kommers witnesses first-hand the consequences of droughts and salinization on the local agricultural sector. In this interview, he discusses how Spain, is working towards an integrated water management using the Dutch Diamond approach.   

Saudi Arabia in the midst of a water crisis

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain—face some of the most severe water challenges in the world. These nations are situated in one of the most arid regions on Earth and the threat of desertification looms large. Simone Landhuis, Agricultural Counselor for this region at the Dutch Embassy in Saudi Arabia, works on navigating these complexities with innovative solutions on sustainable agriculture and water management. 

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