The Netherlands has supported water programs and projects in the framework of development cooperation since the 1960s. The international policy on water of the Government of the Netherlands (GoN) has evolved over time. The main focus shifted from a predominantly technical and construction-oriented perspective (drinking water supply, irrigation and drainage) towards a more integrated one, including environmental, social, economic, governance and institutional aspects. This shift was in line with views of the international community and reflects an expanding perception of problems: from water as a basic need and requirement for development - to water as being at the core of sustainable development ,as facing an increasing demand, and as being under threat from unsustainable use, pollution, climate change and other forces (as visible in for example: Rio, World Water fora and the UN Agenda for Sustainable Development).
From 2006 onwards, the Dutch policy on water management became more focused on creating national and sub-national water resource management plans and stimulating improved transboundary water management in several countries and basins in Africa and Asia. The 2013 development policy note ‘A World to Gain: a new agenda for aid, trade and foreign investments’ confirmed the priority of water, which is in line with the ‘Water for Development’ policy letter to the Dutch parliament of January 2012. Within water management, the latter stipulated the focus to be on improved water management in agriculture, management of (trans-boundary) watersheds and safe delta’s. The policy assigned a strong role to the Dutch water sector in pursuing and achieving policy objectives. The level of ambition, in terms of allocated budget, was to least that of improved access to clean drinking water supply and sanitation.
Presently, in early 2022, the Netherlands International Water Ambition (NIWA) is the international water policy, developed by the alliance of the four principle Ministries of the Netherlands National Government, i.e. Infrastructure and Water Management; Foreign Affairs; Economic Affairs and Climate; and Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. NIWA stands for the coherent use of Dutch water related international policy instruments and offers a platform for cooperation among public, private, civil society and knowledge partners. NIWA's main objective is “to increase water security and water safety in the world of humans, plants and animals, and to optimize the Dutch contribution to this and the earning capacity of the Dutch water sector”. NIWA contributes to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) agenda and puts climate adaptation at the heart of its work. Its strategy to achieve its objective is built on three pillars:
- Strengthening local capacity through partnerships
- Adopting an integrated approach to water safety and water security
- Promoting the Netherlands as a Center of Excellence in the water sector.
Especially for WASH, the emphasis on sustainability within Dutch water policy increased. This emphasis was enhanced when the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were established in 2000. The policy shifted from merely building infrastructure to realizing simple, safe and sustainable drinking water and sanitation facilities for the poorer population, that lacks access to such facilities, in countries like Bangladesh. In addition to reducing the disease burden, it was expected that such WASH improvements would contribute to more equal opportunities for women and girls. Policy accents were: the integrated development of drinking water supply and sanitation; alignment with the needs of the target group; coordination with national policy and existing institutional frameworks; and technically, economically/financially and ecologically sustainable services. Since 2011, the involvement of small and medium-sized businesses in constructing, improving and maintaining WASH facilities has been an additional policy emphasis, which contributed to local economic development as well.
If you wish to read more about WASH, check out one of our WASH timelines:
WASH - International cooperation
Sources & Recommended literature:
Dutch Government - The Netherlands International Water Ambition (NIWA)
