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Commerce V Feature Integrated water management: In touch with the Dutch Dutch dike Valorizing water: our resource for life, growth and prosperity Water-related challenges are complex and overwhelming, affecting every country individually and the entire planet as a whole. As a low-lying country, the Kingdom of the Netherlands is one of the most affected countries in the world and has over the centuries gained ample experience how to deal with water. Many of the challenges Thailand is facing are familiar to us. Over the past centuries we have aligned the complexities of social, economic and ecological interests in a densely-populated delta area. Because of our vulnerable environment, we were forced to look for solutions that were both socially and ecologically sustainable and economically sound. As a result of that historic battle with water, we have achieved a mindset, developed dialogue mechanisms and institutions involving government, business and research partners. The Netherlands for many other countries has become a water valley; a place where international experts meet, ideas come to life, breakthroughs are made, inspiration is found, business is done and partnerships are formed in a continuous learning process dealing with water as our source for life, growth and prosperity. low lying land). At its lowest point the Netherlands lies 6.74 meters below sea level. Some 16 million people live in the Netherlands. Some 9 million of these people work and live below sea level. In fact, if it weren’t for our sophisticated system of water defenses, a large part of our country would always be flooded. This low lying part of our country generates however two-thirds of GDP, and is both socially and economically of vital importance. Against all odds we have managed to control the water flows and make good use of it through a wellbalanced floodwater storage and transport system. Flood water is used as an advantage in water supply and sanitation, diversified agricultural production, while maintaining and enhancing biodiversity and thorough physical planning principles. By seeing and seizing opportunities the Dutch over time have created a water based way of life. An example: Notwithstanding the fact that we are only 10 percent of the geographical size of Thailand we are the world’s 2nd World largest agricultural producer. T Dutch agriculture The Dutch experience: water opportunities & benefits The Netherlands is a delta area at the end of four big European rivers. One quarter of our surface lies beneath sea level (hence the name ‘Nether Lands = T low lying land The Dutch Experience: an integrated approach and multi-usage Our key to success is to combine long term plans with immediate non-regret measures. Robust but flexible strategies solving both recurrent flooding, drought, use water as a resource to diversify agricultural production systems, integrate it into waste disposal processes, ameliorate water quality and prevent erosion of the coastline to name a few that might sound familiar to Thai people. The Netherlands was an early creator on integrated approach where spatial planning, water quality, land reclamation, safety and multitude of water uses go hand in hand. We are known internationally for integrated water resource management. This reputation did not come the easy way. It took us many years of sometimes hard lessons. The Delta flood works were only constructed in 1953 after severe flooding. And only after another flooding 16 volume 1, 2012
in 1995 we realized that more and higher dikes was not the only line of action. Physical planning models were adapted to give more space to rivers so as to allow for controlled flooding. Space for rivers and multi-usage of water, technology and institutional connectivity are cornerstones to a successful story of survival, growth and prosperity widely recognized by other countries. An example: Singapore, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City and Hong Kong are already adopting Dutch water management knowledge and technologies in partnership with local parties. climate. An example: In The Netherlands, water management was taken out of the political arena. It got the legal basis necessary for investments and an independent depoliticized Delta Commission was created for policy making. Delta works in Zeeland preventing erosion of the coastline: sand engine Flood barrier West Friese Zeedĳk The Dutch experience: blending technology and institutions TReducing the social and economic costs and turning threats into opportunities have been challenges the Dutch have mastered through experience. The Dutch water style is known for its Delta Dialogue, a governance and dialogue mechanism linking and connecting all stakeholders in one single process with a legal basis. It is also known for its institutional capacity building (administrative, legislative and management) and the creation of water boards with over-arching mandates allowing for swift and informed decision-making. This fabric of institutions AND processes based on sound technological solutions and sound information systems is the key of the Dutch approach to water issues. It translates into vibrant public private partnerships in which both have their comparative advantage; into training and education, knowledge exchange; internationally accepted legal framework and ways conflict prevention and resolution. All of this with the goal of improving the state of preparedness and increased resilience to disasters, while increasing the state of welfare and improving the business investment Want to know more? See, Made in Holland; Solutions for a changing world. This is a publication issued by NL EVD International – a division of the NL Agency, which is part of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation. Also, www.dutchwatersector.com or contact the Economic Section of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands: +66(0)2 309 5200 Living on water volume 1, 2012 17
Page 1: Commerce Magazine of the Netherland
Page 5 and 6: Editorial Message Dear Members and
Page 7 and 8: Highlights 9. Royal Flora Ratchaphr
Page 9 and 10: Feature Dutch horticultural innovat
Page 13 and 14: T Belgium and the Euro area crisis
Page 18 and 19: Commerce Interview Stamex: from sta
Page 21 and 22: Feature How to break up with employ
Page 25: B Eastern seaboard networking event
Page 28 and 29: Commerce New Members NTCC - Corpora
Page 30: Commerce Member News Tilleke & Gibb
Page 33 and 34: www.siammakro.co.th

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