8
Netherlands has less of a tendency to offer quick fix
solutions in other countries. We are thorough, but
we also ask for major investments in terms of time
and money. The Netherlands cannot bring in bags of
money like China or South Korea.’
‘
I am proud of the Dutch delta approach: an inte-
grated, long-term approach in combination with
measures for the short term. This appeals to other
countries. The Netherlands is working with countries
including Indonesia, Vietnam and Bangladesh on an
integrated delta approach of this kind.’
Live dikes
‘
Innovations are essential to tackle the world's water
challenges. That also applies to the Netherlands.
Safe living in a delta requires ongoing maintenance
and investment in new, smart solutions. In the
Netherlands, investments for the long term in this
area have been anchored in the Delta Fund. With the
Delta Programme, we are thinking 50 years ahead.’
‘
Recent interesting innovations include "Building
with Nature" solutions such as the Sand Motor near
Kijkduin, or planting willows to protect dikes from
the waves. Another revolutionary development
is our approach to monitoring dike strength with
various Live Dikes.’
Learning from others
‘
The Netherlands has a lot of expertise and experi-
ence but we can also learn from other countries. We
have a lot to offer when it comes to flood prevention.
But other countries can teach us a lot about how to
manage the effects of floods. I have, for example,
learnt a lot frommy colleagues in the United States,
who had to manage the aftermath of hurricanes
Katrina and Sandy. The Netherlands can also learn
a lot from dry regions. The lack of fresh water is an
insidious, emerging problem in the Netherlands. As
a delta with a lot of water, the Netherlands has had
less experience with this problem.’
Dangerous
‘
I have a passion for water. It has made the Nether-
lands what it is today, and made us what we are. It
is an essentially Dutch issue, and our centuries of
experience and expertise are unique in the world.
Sixty per cent of the Netherlands would be flooded
if we did not work hard on prevention. The fact that
so few Dutch people know that is remarkable, and
dangerous. For me, one of my major challenges is to
raise water-awareness in my country. After all, we
will be safer if we know what to do when there is an
emergency.’
International challenge
‘
There is an important challenge at the international
level, too. Water issues - too much, too little and too
dirty - are becoming increasingly pressing at the
planetary level. We must ensure that this issue gets
the international attention it merits. That is why I
am in favour of new international action on global
water issues. This may involve a special programme
involving the United Nations, or another body where
we can bring together international funding and
manpower. I don't think the form is important, but
action is definitely needed. It is our social duty to
use our knowledge to help other countries.’
On 18 September
2013,
Minister Schultz
van Haegen visited
Deltares in Delft for the
official opening of the
new Tetra building.
PHOTO: GUUS SCHOONEWILLE