COLOMBIA - THE NETHERLANDS

WATER COOPERATION 

COLOMBIA - 

THE NETHERLANDS 

Working together 

for a resilient future 

A RESILIENT FUTURE FOR COLOMBIA 

SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND WATER 

INNOVATIVE WATER SOLUTIONS 

WORKING TOGETHER

COLOMBIA - THE NETHERLANDS 


16 28 

COLOPHON 

Preface 4 

Creating water opportunities together 7 

Master Plan for the Cauca River 8 

Colombia – The Netherlands 

Working together for a resilient future 

Published by the Netherlands Water Partnership 

for the Dutch Government (Partners for Water 

Programme), in cooperation with the Embassy of the 

Netherlands in Colombia. 

www.dutchwatersector.com/colombia 

http://colombia.nlembajada.org 

Content & Editing: Claudia Schutte (Netherlands 

Enterprise Agency), Anita de Wit (Netherlands Water 

Partnership (NWP)), Javier Silva Herrera 

Coordination: Anita de Wit (NWP) 

Concept & realization: Kris Kras context, content and 

design 

Photo credits: Arcadis, Micha Werner, Claudia Schutte, 

Dirk Oomen, Javier Silva Herrera, Niels van Iperen, 

Deltares, STC-Group, Nereda, Brabant Water, URBANOS 

sustainable urban development Nijhuis Industries, 

MicroLAN, Bluerise, Solteq, Brabant Water, LG Sonic, 

Peter Prins, Holland House, NWP, iStock, Holland 

Luchtfoto. 

For more information please contact: 

Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) 

Communications Department 

P.O. Box 82327 

2508 EH The Hague 

The Netherlands 

T +31 (0)70 304 3700 

E info@nwp.nl 

This publication was supported by the Partners for 

Water Programme. 

Work ongoing in the Cauca Valley to preserve groundwater 10 

Comprehensive plan for the entire coast 11 

Canal del Dique Project 12 

Sustainable cities 13 

Flood Early Warning System 14 

National Modelling Centre 15 

River waterways 17 

Ports of the Future 18 

The sustainable growth of ports in Colombia 19 

‘Unique partnership’ 20 

Innovative Water Solutions 22 

Project Bluerise 24 

Johnny Cay island: showcase for the new reversed osmosis technology 25 

Water Operating Partnerships 26 

Buoys as algae fighters 27 

Water and food 28 

Building bridges 31 

‘All Dutch experts under one roof’ 32 

‘Inspiring cooperation’ 33 

Academic and Research Partnership 34 

Introducing twelve building blocks for an integrated approach 36 

Contact 38 

2 

3



COLOMBIA 

AND THE 

NETHERLANDS: 

SAFETY AND 

PROSPERITY – 

a common purpose 

allied for success 

The Alianza Colombo Holandesa por el Agua (Colombian– 

Dutch Alliance for Water) is an example of international 

cooperation, that emerged from the harsh winter of 2010- 

2011 which led to billions of losses in Colombia. 

The Alliance prioritized action in regions that were most affected 

by the floods, such as La Mojana and Canal del Dique, on the 

Atlantic Coast; the Savannah of Bogotá and the Cauca Valley. 

Various recommendations were released in the document entitled 

“Misión de Reconocimiento de los Estragos de la Ola Invernal 

2010-2011” (Mission to Acknowledge the Damage Caused by 

the 2010-2011 Rainy Season) and in turn, this document led to a 

Memorandum of Understanding, signed between the National 

Planning Department (DNP) and the Dutch Embassy. 

In 2013, work on integrated water management and inter-modal 

transport was flagged as a top priority. 

In 2014, various projects were successfully completed. These 

projects included the hydraulic and hydrological modelling of 

the Magdalena River; the hazard and risk assessment for 11 

municipalities in the La Mojana region; the implementation of an 

early-warning system to protect against floods; and adaptation to 

climate change in Colombia. 

Other successful initiatives include a project to stabilise the dam 

in the Aguablanca District (Cauca Valley), the drawing up of the 

strategic plan for the Magdalena and Cauca macro-basin and the 

implementation of an early-warning operating system to protect 

against floods in the Bogotá and Cauca rivers. 

The Dutch Embassy has also provided invaluable support in the 

institutional and technical structuring of the National Hydrological 

Modelling Centre, which will form part of the Colombian Institute for 

Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM). 

In 2013, an agreement was signed with the Ministry of Transport 

which, in collaboration with DNP, gave the green light to create a 

master plan for river-based cargo and passenger transport, which 

aims to revive this mode of transport. 

In this respect, DNP are working on a nationwide dredging plan 

for maritime port areas with support from the Dutch Ministries of 

Trade and Infrastructure & the Environment (Netherlands Enterprise 

Agency and Rijkswaterstaat). As such, an efficient management plan 

for this infrastructure will be developed as of next December. 

In order to complete these tasks, it will be necessary to extend the 

Alianza which, to date, has given Colombia the opportunity to work 

with the best worldwide experts in these fields. 

Simón Gaviria Muñoz 

Director of the National Planning Department / 

Departamento Nacional de Planeación (DNP) 

Colombia 

Cooperation between Colombia and the Netherlands in the 

water sector goes back over almost half a century. Water 

has to be managed wisely to improve health, reduce 

poverty and sustain economic development. People, livelihoods 

and infrastructure have to be protected against floods and rising 

sea levels. After the severe flooding in 2011, Colombia and the 

Netherlands started to work together more intensively, in the 

framework of a Memorandum of Understanding on Integrated 

Water Management. I am happy that we also cooperate on 

a multilateral level. This year at the Sendai International 

Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, Colombia, the 

Netherlands and Japan jointly launched the idea of establishing 

an international Delta Coalition. 

On the governmental level we are establishing a sustainable 

relationship. At the same time Dutch companies, knowledge 

institutes and NGO’s are offering their experience and expertise, 

seek innovative solutions and team up with their counterparts 

in Colombia. This resulted in several projects on river basin 

management, flood risk management and early warning systems, 

coastal zone management, navigation and ports, drinking 

water and sanitation, irrigation and drainage and institutional 

development. This approach is characterized by an integrated 

and sustainable strategy, based on a long-term vision, multi 

governance, attention to communication with and participation 

by all stakeholders. I am pleased that this approach and typical 

Dutch water innovations like Room for the River and Building with 

Nature find their way in Colombia. 

Since Colombia has experienced strong economic growth 

throughout the past decade, the Colombian-Dutch cooperation 

has developed into a relationship of equals, with more emphasis 

on trade and investment. Moreover, the integrated approach used 

in our water cooperation turned out to be interesting to other 

sectors as well. The investments in infrastructure projects, like 

air, sea and river ports, navigable rivers and intermodal transport, 

offer new opportunities to broaden our relationship and to create 

good conditions for Colombian and Dutch companies to do 

business. Besides, I think it is important to focus on sustainable 

urban development in view of increasing effects of climate 

change. The cooperation in these fields will undoubtedly benefit 

the experiences and successes achieved in the water sector. 

Melanie Schultz van Haegen 

minister of Infrastructure and the Environment 

The Kingdom of the Netherlands 

4 5



CREATING WATER 

OPPORTUNITIES TOGETHER 

At first glance you would not say that the Netherlands and Colombia have much in common. 

Colombia lies on average 1000 meters above sea level, has a tropical climate and a population 

of 48 million on an area of 1,141,748 km². In contrast, one-third of the Netherlands is situated 

below sea level with its lowest point at -6.76 meters and is densely populated with 16.5 million 

inhabitants in an area of 41,528 km². Yet there are many similarities, especially in the field 

of water. Both countries depend on their ports and agricultural activities for their economic 

development, have an extensive river network and border largely to the sea. Climate change, 

including sea level rise, increased discharge of (rain)water, but also periods of drought and water 

quality are major challenges. This is a strong basis for cooperation. 

A RESILIENT FUTURE 

FOR COLOMBIA 

INTEGRATED APPROACH 

The cooperation between Colombia and the Netherlands focuses on 

finding solutions based on an integrated approach. The Netherlands 

qualifies as a ‘delta’, an area where several rivers meet that flow 

into the sea. Living in this vulnerable and sometimes inhospitable 

environment creates certain challenges and requires specific 

solutions. Over the years, the Dutch learned how to live with water. 

The constant threat of flooding laid the first foundations for our 

integrated water management approach: not only focusing on 

technical solutions but also on issues such as governance, finance 

and capacity building. 

This is also how the ‘Dutch Delta Approach’ was created. This 

approach is a crystallization of certain key characteristics within 

our water expertise and culture that have evolved over millennia 

as a response to living in a challenging delta landscape. However, a 

great number of the challenges faced by deltas today are not solely 

limited to delta regions. The modularity and scalability of Dutch delta 

solutions give them relevance beyond the environs of the delta. 

HAND IN HAND WITH NATURE 

More recent events of flooding in the Netherlands have led to a 

different perspective on our water management. Instead of fighting 

the water and building higher and hard defences, the mindset shifted 

to a more natural integrated approach to water. The Room for the 

River programme, giving literally more space to the river, is a famous 

example of combining flood protection, master landscaping and the 

improvement of environmental conditions. In our coastal areas, the 

idea of making better use of the services provided by nature, instead 

of constraining them, is what we call ‘Building with Nature’. 

By balancing demands on natural resources, such as land, water 

and energy, we reduce our vulnerability to extremes and increase 

our adaptive capacity. This is an approach that is relevant across 

the urban and rural landscape. By building with nature, the Dutch 

succeeded in creating sustainable solutions for the preservation of 

their environment and subsequently the growth of their economy. 

WORKING TOGETHER 

Since the severe flooding in 2011, Colombia and the Netherlands 

started to work together more intensively. By exchanging 

knowledge and expertise both countries can improve each other’s 

performances. Colombia and the Netherlands are both looking 

for ways to make their future more sustainable: developing 

resilient cities, making their ports sustainable, improving inland 

water transport, prevent the country against flooding and using 

the available water more efficiently. The Netherlands offers its 

experience on integrated water management. Always looking at 

the challenges in a broader perspective than water alone and with 

nature as our guide. 

6 

7



A RIVER RE-BORN IN ALLIANCE WITH NATURE 

Building with Nature is the design of infrastructures in accordance 

with natural processes rather than acting against them. Created 

in the Netherlands by companies, government agencies and 

knowledge institutes, this idea, together with the concepts of 

Living with Water and Room for the River, forms the essence 

of a transcendental plan currently in progress in Colombia: the 

‘Conservation Corridor and Sustainable Use of the River Cauca 

system’. The plan aims to give this river, of immense importance 

for the Valle Department, a second chance of life. As Maria 

Clemencia Sandoval, project coordinator from the Regional 

Autonomous Corporation of Valle del Cauca, CVC, explains: “With 

Dutch technical assistance led by Klaas de Groot, an engineer and 

representative of ARCADIS, we seek to recover eco-systems as 

wetlands, to strengthen river management and, as the main goal, 

to reduce flooding such as the ones that struck the region between 

2010 and 2011. It is a long-term exercise and will form the basis of 

Organisation and Management schemes for the basins located in 

the upper valley of the river. The plan includes the construction 

of two dykes to protect Cali and the municipality of La Victoria. 

Other challenges will be to overcome the problems of river 

drainage and recover its floodplains so that the natural flow of 

the river no longer poses a threat. Dutch expertise in inter-agency 

co-ordination and long-term planning has been instrumental in 

shaping this project.” 

Klaas de Groot, senior advisor at design & consultancy firm 

ARCADIS, is the project leader from the Dutch team. Louis 

Bijlmakers is the cooperation manager at the Dutch water board 

Waterschap de Dommel. They talk about their experiences in 

Colombia. 

WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF THE MASTER 

PLAN FOR THE CAUCA RIVER? 

Klaas: “It is an integrated plan which aims to limit the flood 

MASTER 

PLAN 

for the Cauca River 

The Netherlands and Colombia are faced with similar 

challenges when it comes to water management. In the 

aftermath of the floods, the Colombian president Juan 

Manuel Santos began to look for a suitable partner 

to help with this challenge, and he quickly found 

that the Netherlands was the best option. The Dutch 

programme Room for the River offers an innovative 

vision of water management. It reduces flood risks by 

creating room for the water instead of making rivers 

narrower by funnelling them through dikes which 

are becoming higher and higher. Not only that, the 

project also cooperates with stakeholders with whom 

it develops innovative solutions that make a positive 

contribution to nature, recreational activities and 

other areas. 

WHY WAS THE NETHERLANDS CHOSEN AS 

A PARTY? 

Klaas: “The Dutch river basins and the area around the Cauca 

River are similar in many respects, so our years of experience with 

the Room for the River programme were a deciding factor. The 

programme has gained worldwide recognition, as we were able to 

successfully limit the risk of flooding using an integrated approach.” 

Louis: “Due to its long history of water management, the 

Netherlands has built up years of experience in this area. In 

Colombia, water is managed mainly by volunteers and local 

initiatives, but these initiatives need to be professionalised in order 

to ensure that water is managed efficiently. Dutch water authorities 

can make their own contribution to this development by taking on 

the role of discussion partner.” 

Klaas: “I hope that the work we have done in this project is 

testament to the expertise we have back in the Netherlands and will 

create opportunities to carry out similar projects for other areas. It 

would also be great if we have the chance to develop and implement 

parts of the Master Plan.” 

WHAT CAN THE NETHERLANDS LEARN 

FROM COLOMBIA? 

Klaas: “Colombians are extremely driven. They know what they 

want and are prepared to work hard for it. Cooperation is crucial if 

goals are to be met, and that is reflected in the way in which they 

involve the different stakeholders in the project.” 

Louis: “While the Dutch and Colombians are confronted with 

the same challenges, the situations are very different. In the 

Netherlands, we are looking to give more freedom to local 

initiatives, whereas in Colombia the government could take on a 

greater role. This is definitely an area where we can learn from 

each other.” 

risk from the Cauca River and at the same time allows the river 

ecosystem to recover. The Master Plan will be ready by the end 

of September. It will act as a guide for measures to be taken in 

the coming fifty years. The plan is based on the Dutch three-level 

integrated approach, focusing on substantial, institutional and 

relational levels.” 

Louis: “The Dutch water board Waterschap de Dommel is mostly 

involved on the institutional side: how do you organise water 

management in cooperation with responsible governments and all 

the other concerned parties? And then there is the main question: 

how do you sustainably manage the water infrastructure?” 

WHAT WERE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU 

FACED IN THIS PROJECT? 

Klaas: “You need to know a lot about the physical system, the 

ecosystem and the socio-economic system. That’s basic knowledge. 

Besides this, you have to deal with a range of different parties 

that are involved in the project. Who is responsible for what and 

which parties have to deal with the water? You don’t want to go 

against the interests of farmers or city dwellers. For example, the 

city of Cali is growing on both sides of the Cauca River. Given this 

situation, how can you make sure that there is enough room for the 

river so that it doesn’t flood when water levels are high?” 

ROOM FOR THE RIVER 

In the Netherlands, Room for the River is a government 

design plan intended to address flood protection, master 

landscaping and the improvement of environmental 

conditions in the areas surrounding Holland’s rivers. The 

goal of the Dutch Room for the River Programme is to give 

the river more room to be able to manage higher water 

levels. At more than 30 locations, measures will be taken 

that give the river space to flood safely. Moreover, the 

measures will be designed in such a way that they improve 

the quality of the immediate surroundings. The Room for 

the River programme in the Netherlands will be completed 

by approximately 2016. 

Room for the River is an innovative approach to integrated 

water management that can be applied world wide. 

www.ruimtevoorderivier.nl/english/ 

8 9



Masterplan Integrated Coastal Zone Management 

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 

FOR THE ENTIRE COAST 

WORK ONGOING IN THE CAUCA VALLEY 

TO PRESERVE GROUNDWATER 

With all its lakes and rivers, Colombia is very rich in water. But 

that is not all. The country has three times more groundwater 

than surface water. Despite such extraordinary wealth, Colombia 

still faces many challenges in ensuring its waters are managed 

carefully and rigorously. 

Putting an end to this deficiency is precisely the objective of the 

‘Evaluation of Groundwater in Extreme Weather Conditions in the 

Cauca Valley’ project, currently being undertaken by Corporación 

Autónoma Regional del Valle del Cauca (CVC), Deltares, and UNESCO- 

IHE. “The objectives include increasing our knowledge of the hydrogeological 

system and improving the planning and management of 

groundwater resources”, said Sandra Teresa Escobar, an engineer 

and leader of the initiative. One of the more recent visits by Dutch 

experts was to Cali in February 2015 to run numerical modelling 

exercises and work out how deep wells are re-filling. The Caña de 

Azúcar Research Centre in Cenicaña also participated in the studies. 

SUSTAINABLE USE OF AQUIFERS 

Escobar explained that CVC has a great deal of information about the 

aquifers in the Cauca Valley. Yet it still needs the know how to use 

that data to model, manage and plan water usage to make sure not 

to over-exploit the aquifers as the area undergoes the influence of 

climate change. At this point in time, the process of developing the 

mathematical tools is over 90 per cent complete. The idea is that, 

apart from ensuring proper management, the models will also allow 

for water resource extraction to be regulated. 

In the northern district of the Valle region, in the towns of Obando, 

La Victoria and Roldanillo, people suffer most from the lack of water 

in times of extreme drought or due to the influence of climatic events 

like El Niño, which brings a reduction in rainfall. This is precisely 

the area that has fewer aquifers. “That is why it is so important to 

identify what state they are in and how they should be properly used 

in the future to reassure the population, but also farmers who will 

increasingly need this precious resource”, said Escobar. The project 

also involves studying the stability of the wetlands, some of which 

depend on rivers but also on groundwater reserves. A study on this 

aspect is underway in the wetlands of El Cabezon (located in the town 

of Jamundi) and Timbique (within the Palmira municipal boundaries), 

which may suffer greatly if exploitation of the aquifers they depend 

on goes unchecked. 

The work being done in the Cauca Valley will be a model to effectively 

shape new Land Organisation and Water Management schemes 

(POMCA’s) across Colombia and strengthen the National Groundwater 

Plan led by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development 

in the country’s 32 departments. 

With two thirds of the Netherlands lying below sea level the 

Dutch know all about coastal protection. Together with the 

Colombian ministry of the Environment a masterplan will be 

developed to protect and maintain Colombia’s coast. 

“The project just started”, explains project manager Jan van 

Overeem of ARCADIS. The Masterplan has to become a widely 

supported sustainable and integral long-term vision for the 

protection and development of the Colombian coastline. “Within 

the context of coastal erosion and climate-related sea level rise it 

is important to envision what measures should or could be taken to 

protect the Caribbean and Pacific Coast and the islands, now and in 

the future”, says Van Overeem. 

MORE THAN PROTECTION 

“In the past measures taken to stop or mitigate coastal erosion 

were often not very effective. Sometimes even shifting a problem 

from one area to the other. That’s why an integrated approach 

is needed.” This Masterplan is though not only about identifying 

coastal protection measures, like building groins or nourish the 

coast with sand. “To be successful in implementation, one needs an 

integral structure in which the main parties make the right decisions 

regarding protection, management and maintenance of the coast.” 

STEP BY STEP 

The masterplan encompasses different subsequent steps. “The 

coming half year we will examine the 3,000 kilometre long coast. 

Therefore we work closely with local and national stakeholders and 

knowledge institutes. Together with them we analyse the social, 

economic causes of coastal erosion and disintegration, next to more 

systemic physical causes. With all that knowledge we will draft a list 

with urgent problems and the best possible solutions. Subsequently, 

three pilot projects will be identified to bring those solutions in 

practice. The principles of Integrated Coastal Zone Management and 

Building with Nature will be leading in it.” 

INSPIRING PILOT PROJECTS 

“Which projects these will be, is not clear yet. A possible pilot project 

could be for instance Ruta Nacional 90 between Barranquilla and 

Bogotá. It runs partially along the coast and in some places coastal 

erosion is a big problem. The coastal protection of the road that is 

of vital economic importance to Colombia, could be considered as a 

pilot. The ultimate goal of the three pilot projects is not only to solve 

local coastal problems but also to familiarize Colombian partners to 

work together in an integrated way and according to the philosophy 

of Building with Nature. It will be very inspiring and will create a 

lot of enthusiasm to work together as one team in this interesting 

masterplan”, expects Van Overeem. 

BUILDING WITH NATURE 

Worldwide, low-lying delta areas are increasingly confronted 

with challenges associated with urbanisation, economic 

development, shifts in the discharges of river systems, 

subsidence and climate change. At the same time, people 

increasingly realise that environmentally sustainable 

development is crucial to long-term survival. This demands 

an innovative approach, aligning the interests of economic 

development and care for the environment. Building with 

Nature instead of Building in Nature is widely supported within 

the Dutch water sector. The Building with Nature approach 

stands for integration of infrastructure, nature and society in 

new or alternative forms of engineering that meet the global 

need for intelligent and sustainable solutions. 

www.ecoshape.nl 

10 11



CANAL 

DEL DIQUE 

PROJECT 

maintained. Ships using the canal route will now see locks and 

regulating installations. This is a first for Colombia. These will 

enable us to limit the amount of water and sediment flows in the 

canal so that we can make sure shipping activities can continue 

without any problems.” 

PEOPLE AND NATURE 

“Alongside the implementation of locks and regulating 

installations, improvements will be made to the current system 

of dykes. Encircling ring-dykes have been constructed around 

different villages, and part of the dyke along the canal has 

been reinforced. These measures aim to limit the flood damage 

as well as the risk of flooding. At the end of 2010, La Niña 

caused flooding over an area of 35,000 hectares, leaving many 

Colombians homeless. This must never happen again.” 

SUSTAINABLE CITIES 

ALL FOR HEALTHY AND COMPETITIVE 

COLOMBIAN TOWNS 

The ideal model of development portrays cities that 

offer their residents a high quality of life in which 

environmental impacts are few but where there is 

also a government financially capable of maintaining 

economic growth. That is the idea that has led the 

TIME PLANNING 

Royal HaskoningDHV has been working with different parties 

Territorial Development Bank (Findeter), along 

with the Inter-American Development Bank and 

as part of this project, including the Dutch knowledge institute 

Deltares, in the field of flood early warning systems as well as 

hydrological and morphological modelling. Phase one of the 

design is essentially complete. The construction of the new 

locks, regulating installations and dykes is expected to begin 

in February 2016. The Canal del Dique is set to be ready by 

June 2018. 

the support of the Dutch government, to set up a 

programme to create sustainable and competitive 

cities which seeks to transform Colombian towns. 

The concept of sustainability has just started to take 

hold in Colombia and only big cities like Bogota and 

Medellin have applied it by creating parks, cycle 

paths and other integrated transport services such 

as the TransMilenio or subway. So on this occasion, 

Findeter is attempting to focus its efforts to achieve 

Following the severe floods caused by La Niña at the end of 

2010, the urgent need to reinforce the Canal del Dique became 

the most important item on the agenda. Fondo Adaptación chose 

the Colombian infrastructure services company Gómez Cajiao 

and Royal HaskoningDHV as the consortia to provide advice 

on restoring and reinforcing the 400-year-old and 117-km-long 

Canal del Dique. What does this project mean for Colombia? 

‘The project not only provides protection to the population 

who live along the Canal del Dique, but it also helps to create 

a sustainable living environment. It also gives an economic 

boost to the trade which passes through the docklands in the 

city of Cartagena,’ explains project leader Fortunato Carvajal of 

Royal HaskoningDHV. Carvajal speaks about Integrated Water 

Resource Management (IWRM), a unique method of working 

which takes account of all external factors in a project. 

Carvajal explains: “Canal del Dique is an extremely important 

shipping route both in economic and social terms, and connects 

Cartagena Bay with the river Magdalena. However, the area around 

Canal del Dique has deteriorated over time. The canal was dug out in 

the seventeenth century and has been adjusted and widened many 

times since then. This process has created problems both for the 

environment and for the population. The last thirty years have seen 

developments in terms of planned improvements to the ecological 

system around the canal, but it was the effects of the flood that 

finally got the project under way.” It was clear that having a Dutch 

partner was essential to the project’s success, as the Netherlands 

has a large amount of expertise in the field of integrated water 

‘Creating a 

sustainable living 

environment’ 

management. Royal HaskoningDHV has also worked frequently in 

Colombia in years gone by. 

RESTORING THE CANAL TO ITS ORIGINAL STATE 

The way in which this project used an integrated approach, taking 

into account the interests and needs of the population, nature and 

the economy, was unique for Colombia. “We want to restore the 

ecosystem to its original state so that we can improve the local 

environment for people and nature”, says Carvajal. “To achieve 

this, we have been in consultation with many local parties, such as 

districts and municipalities. The aim is to protect the population, 

to restore the ecosystem and also to give the region an economic 

boost. The shipping route is extremely important for the well-being 

of the local economy, so we need to make sure that it is properly 

Manizales 

healthier urban centres on small and mediumsized 

towns. Ten municipalities have been selected, 

including Pereira, Barranquilla, Pasto, Monteria, 

Cartagena and Villavicencio, for which design plans 

are underway. But specific projects are also taking 

place in Armenia, Bucaramanga and Manizales, 

where Dutch engineers, planners and architects 

(Urbanos, Witteveen+Bos, Berenschot, TUDelft, 

RVDB) are advising local authorities on ways of 

redistributing population in the centres to make 

way for new infrastructure projects such as efficient 

highways and transport systems, all within the 

project known as ‘Ciudat’. 

In this case, Dutch experts are lending their 

support to local efforts to bring life back to towns 

facing numerous challenges but which, with time, 

will recover their development with schools, parks 

and greens, quality housing and mobility. As Juan 

Manuel Robledo, director of the Findeter Centre 

for Urban Intervention, explained, these plans are 

achieved through partnerships between the public 

and private sector. 

12 

13



FLOOD EARLY WARNING 

SYSTEM 

NATIONAL MODELLING 

CENTRE 

As a result of climate change, Colombia has to 

deal with heavy rainfall and severe storms on 

a more regular basis. To help ease this problem, 

hydrologists can use the flood forecasting system 

Delft-FEWS (Flood Early Warning System), 

developed by the Dutch knowledge institute 

Deltares, to predict the level and drainage of 

water. In cooperation with UNESCO-IHE, Deltares 

travelled to Colombia to educate local hydrologists 

of IDEAM, CVC and CAR to use the system. 

‘National and 

regional institutions 

are sharing realtime 

water statistics’ 

As a result of La Niña (2010 – 2011) Colombia faced 

losses of more than US$ 4 billion. This weather 

change phenomenon unleashed huge rainfalls that 

in turn led to flash floods destroying roads and 

washing away crops. This tragedy made the country 

start thinking about creating a National Modelling 

Centre that would enable Colombia to monitor and 

predict the behaviour of rivers and thus prevent 

further disasters. 

“Delft-FEWS is received enthusiastically by the 

Colombians. In the aftermath of the floods of 2010 

and 2011, the urgency to set up an integral water 

management system became much clearer. Delft- 

FEWS can be implemented flexibly, as you can 

connect existing sources of data and hydrological 

models to the system. This is the first time that 

national and regional institutions in Colombia are 

sharing their real-time water statistics. Thanks 

to this development, IDEAM is now better able to 

release timely warnings than it was during the 

floods in 2010 and 2011,” explains Otto de Keizer 

from Deltares. The project involved the river Cauca 

and Bogota and a part of the Magdalena river. 

Quicker and better information 

Thanks to Delft-FEWS, Colombian hydrologists 

can carry out daily operational predictions. The 

biggest advantage of this is that information is 

available directly, which means there is more time 

to implement measures or to warn people about 

coming floods. Not only has the cooperation between 

Deltares, IDEAM and IHE provided a basis for a 

completely national forecasting system, it has also 

improved the institutional process for hydrological 

forecasting and timely warnings. 

‘A Centre for 

taming rivers 

and anticipating 

disasters’ 

In order to consolidate the idea of such a centre, 

the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and 

Environmental Studies (IDEAM) received support 

from the Netherlands, specifically from the 

Deltares Institute. Their technicians worked hand 

in hand with Omar Franco, director general of 

IDEAM, who explained that the Modelling Centre 

provides the means of ascertaining specific 

details that range from where to build a dam or 

a bridge up to perfecting decisions about land 

management. “Because we can anticipate a flood, 

we can understand the scope of a watercourse and 

the potential implications on the population of a 

sudden rise in water levels”, he said. The National 

Modelling Centre is included in the 2014-2018 

National Development Plan and will be supported 

by the Dutch. 

More information: 

http://oss.deltares.nl/web/delft-fews/ 

14 15



RIVER WATERWAYS 

THE LINK BETWEEN COLOMBIA AND CONSOLIDATED PROGRESS 

SUSTAINABLE 

ECONOMIC 

DEVELOPMENT AND 

WATER 

Colombia has built its industrial areas a long way from its ports. 

But the way the world is moving today has shown the country 

that it is time to make changes. The first steps to achieve that 

were taken in 2013, when the Ambassador of the Netherlands in 

Colombia, Robert van Embden, signed an agreement between the 

Dutch government and the Colombian Ministry of Transport to 

create a River Masterplan, designed to recover inland shipping 

along our river network across the country. 

This scheme, which forms part of the ‘Dutch-Colombian Alliance 

for Water’, represents a significant contribution to the roadmap 

of Intermodal Transport, one of the priorities of the 2014-2018 

National Development Plan. The aim is to reduce costs and achieve 

more efficient movement of freight, which today mainly takes place 

overland through Colombia’s complex geography. The objective is 

that goods and merchandise can be extensively distributed using 

rivers, airports, river ports and high-capacity roads, all at the same 

time and with equal efficiency. 

CURRENT SITUATION 

The current situation is by no means ideal. According to the 

Colombian Chamber of Infrastructure, only 1.5% of Colombia’s 

freight is transported under a multimodal scheme, a very low figure 

compared to the 60 per cent rate achieved by European countries. 

Freight accounts for 35 per cent of the cost of exported goods, when 

in the rest of the world, that figure stands at just 6 per cent. Today, 

transporting a container from Bogota to our national ports costs $ 

2,200, whereas shipping it from there to China costs only $ 1,000. 

Therefore, the goal is not to make just the River Magdalena navigable 

but also, in the first stage, to enable shipping along the River Meta 

between Puerto López and Puerto Carreño; the River Putumayo 

between Puerto Asís and Leticia; the River Guaviare between San 

José and Puerto Inirida; and the River Vaupés from Calamar to Mitú, 

as Deputy Minister for Infrastructures, Ivan Martinez, explained. This 

will be backed by different modes of transport along the rivers to 

provide inter-connections. 

DUTCH ADVICE ESSENTIAL 

“This is a priority project. At present, we are at the assessment stage, 

in which Dutch advice has been and will continue to be essential, 

given their expertise in hydraulics and dredging. We will soon move 

onto the economic phase and consider strategies for funding the 

scheme, either by means of concessions or tolls”, Martinez added. 

According to Dutch technicians, if transport systems and 

links between production areas and river ports improve, the 

competitiveness of goods manufactured in Colombia will also improve 

- a tandem that is both notorious and priority in the Netherlands. And 

a better transportation system will lead to an increase in exports, 

“and if exports increase, industrial output rises, as do procurement, 

supply chains and people’s quality of life”, said Martinez. 

Our waterways are thus set to become, within the short term, one of 

the main links between Colombia and consolidated progress. 

16 

17



PORTS OF 

THE FUTURE 

Ongoing trends such as global trade growth, increasing vessel sizes and the need to modernise 

port facilities are driving investments in ports. Not keeping up will mean loss of trade and 

competitive position. However, port development negatively impacts our rivers and coastal 

and delta ecosystems. Yet, port projects too are confronted with a growing scarcity of prime 

locations and the uncertain impacts of climate change. Clearly, there is a need for innovative 

solutions for port development that is in harmony with the ecosystem and that is robust or 

adaptable under change. 

IMPACT OF PORT DEVELOPMENT 

Harbours have traditionally been built in areas where the sea and 

AN INTEGRATED AND TAILOR-MADE APPROACH 

Ports of the Future will use an integrated approach. A harbour is not 

rivers meet. These areas are also known as estuaries or deltas. 

The advantage of transporting via these areas is that goods can 

be easily moved inland. However, the disadvantage is that the 

sea and river brings in a large amounts of sediment which sink in 

this area of slow currents. This means a large amount of money 

has to be spent on dredging for the harbour to remain accessible. 

While constructing a harbour disrupts natural processes such as 

the distribution of sand along the coast, it also impacts valuable 

and unique ecosystems which provide shelter and food for fish 

and a variety of birds. The local ecosystem is put under pressure, 

and then so are the people who live and work there. For instance, 

this could entail decreasing catches for fishermen, a less healthy 

living environment and coastal erosion, meaning houses and 

infrastructure are threatened by floods. 

LOCATION OF THE PORT DECISIVE FOR 

SUSTAINABLE FUTURE 

Rapid economic growth combined with an increasing lack of space 

and urgency to reduce the negative effects of our societies have led 

us to think about sustainable solutions for harbour development. 

The Dutch companies APM Terminals, Boskalis, Port of Rotterdam 

and Royal HaskoningDHV, as well as knowledge institutes such as 

Deltares, IMARES Wageningen UR (WUR-IMARES), IVM Institute for 

Environmental Studies, Delft University of Technology and World 

Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) have developed the concept Ports 

of the Future. When selecting the location of the harbour, which 

is ideally not in the estuaries, the features of the local ecosystem 

are taken into account. The basis of this decision is to have as little 

impact as possible on the natural surroundings and processes. 

The aim is to work with nature, which will also help to reduce 

maintenance costs, and above all to use an integrated approach to 

look for innovative and durable solutions that are sustainable for 

both the economy and environment. 

a stand-alone unit; it is part of a city where people work and live. 

The harbour needs connections to the hinterland in order to deliver 

and ship goods. The Port of the Future optimises the economic, 

environmental and social benefits of ports. This includes connecting 

waterways, hinterland connections, surrounding cities and adjacent 

coastlines. 

Every port is different. Every harbour location has its own 

requirements and every port authority its own specific desires. The 

Port of the Future concept will be applicable worldwide, and requires 

a tailor-made solution for every specific situation. That is why every 

port development plan has to be created in close collaboration with 

all stakeholders. Integrating these stakeholders and uniting efforts 

can result in creative and solutions that benefit everyone. 

WORKING WITH NATURE 

Constructing these harbours will probably be a costly undertaking 

at the beginning, but after time this investment will pay itself back. 

Harbours will not need to carry out as much dredging to remove the 

sediment. This will mean maintenance costs are kept low. Working 

with nature rather than fighting against it is both cost-efficient and 

better for humanity and for nature in the long run. For example, 

coral reefs, oyster beds and mangrove forests can help to preserve 

natural coastal defences. Not only that, working with nature means 

waterways maintain a constant depth, since there are no hard 

concrete waterworks in or around the river such as breakwaters, 

groins or the harbour itself. All of this is also made possible by 

great leaps forward in harbour technology, such as innovative 

techniques for loading and unloading cargo and environmentallyfriendly 

dynamic traffic management. It is the assessment of the 

environmental impacts and location in combination with existing 

and future multi-modal technologies that will make the difference. It 

will become the base for well-informed strategic decisions towards 

sustainable Ports of the Future. 

> 

Artist impression of harbour development business as usual 

> 

Desired situation 

18 19



Center of Excellence in ports, transport and logistics 

‘UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP’ 

The growth of ports in Latin America means that Colombia 

is faced with the challenge of finding enough highly-educated 

professionals to work in the logistics, transport and port 

industries. Universidad del Norte, one of the top universities in 

Colombia, and the Dutch educational and knowledge institute for 

shipping, transport and the port industry, STC-Group, have made 

a significant contribution to this goal by setting up the Center of 

Excellence, a non-profit joint venture. 

interest has produced concrete results, as the institute recently ran 

courses to train 45 barge inspectors for the Colombian Ministry of 

Transport. It also ran a programme for a group of participants from 

the Chamber of Commerce in Cartagena. “Because participants can 

follow all relevant educational programmes at the institute, they get 

real added value. Participants also appreciate the flexibility of our 

service. While we operate from Barranquilla, we provide educational 

programmes throughout Colombia.” 

THE SUSTAINABLE GROWTH 

OF PORTS IN COLOMBIA 

The partnership was established in 2014 with help from the Dutch 

government. Since then, fifteen academic programmes have been 

developed. “Our work is geared towards organisations which 

operate on a practical, tactical and strategic level. We provide 

technical assistance alongside our programmes”, explains Silvina 

Pereira Marques, South America Area Manager at STC-Group. 

STC-Group is globally active thanks to its branches and joint 

ventures in South Africa, Vietnam, the Philippines, Oman, Brazil 

and Mozambique. 

AN INTERNATIONAL OUTLOOK 

The Center of Excellence is also internationally focused thanks to 

world-renowned guest speakers and professors. The programme 

is run in two languages, and in the meantime there has been a lot 

of interest in the programmes at the Center of Excellence. This 

UNIQUE IN LATIN AMERICA 

The Center of Excellence is unique in Latin America and has 

received a lot of interest from neighbouring countries. “We will soon 

offer a programme for managers in Nicaragua and Guatemala. The 

Ministry of Education of Chile (MINEDUC) has also shown interest in 

the programmes.” 

A DYNAMIC ALLIANCE 

Silvina explains how the cooperation between Universidad del Norte 

and STC-Group strengthens both organisations. “STC-Group is very 

familiar with international educational requirements, and for years 

now has built up a track record in educating qualified staff for the 

port, transport and logistics industries. Universidad del Norte can 

provide in-house academic and local knowledge. This makes the 

Center of Excellence a unique alliance.” 

Colombia is booming. The economic activity in and around the 

ports of Colombia is increasing exponentially. An increasing 

number of vessels is docking at deep-sea ports and more 

international industrial companies are being established at the 

ports of Barranquilla and Cartagena. This growth results in the 

increased pressure on the environment and the surroundings. Is 

it possible for economic growth to go hand in hand with a safe, 

healthy and sustainable living environment? 

FORTY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AS AN 

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE 

This is the perfect question to ask Roel van de Loo, a project leader 

at DCMR Milieudienst Rijnmond. DCMR provides the environmental 

protection services for one of the most densely built-up and busiest 

industrial areas in the world, Rotterdam, where the largest port 

in Europe forms an important link in the petrochemical industry. 

‘DCMR is a cooperative venture among fifteen municipalities and 

the province of South Holland and has more than forty years of 

experience in environmental services. We have requests from around 

the world to advise on the sustainable development of port areas.’ 

Van de Loo has been actively involved in projects at ports in South 

Africa, Oman and Kuwait. ‘Governments are aware that we have 

decades of experience in the sustainable development of port areas. 

You might even say that they profit from the fact that we have 

already made all the mistakes for them in the past.’ 

ONE STOP SHOP 

How can DCMR help Cartagena and Barranquilla in the sustainable 

development of their port areas? The first step of the plan is 

to create a pilot inter-governmental partnership in cooperation 

with our Colombian partners called the Cartagena/Barranquilla 

Environment and Safety Protection Agency (C/BESPA). ‘This will be 

a one stop shop environmental service for the port area. C/BESPA 

will coordinate all the safety and environmental regulations of the 

Colombian permit authorities.’ This will ensure that the issuing of 

permits is faster and more efficient without the need to adjust any 

laws or regulations.’ 

COLLABORATING WITH LOCAL EXPERTS 

Once C/BESPA is fully functional, the Best Available Techniques 

institute (BAT) will implement permits to ensure that more stringent 

safety and environmental precautions are taken and that the 

sustainable development of the port is supported. An inspection 

programme for port companies will also be implemented. C/BESPA 

will also be responsible for a complete listing of environmental and 

safety issues. ‘This is done in close cooperation with Colombian 

knowledge institutes and universities. After all, they have the best 

understanding of the local circumstances.’ 

20 21



< TREATING WASTEWATER THE NATURAL WAY 

Nereda is a successful, innovative and sustainable Dutch technology 

for treating wastewater in a natural way. How does it work? Nereda 

treats wastewater with the unique features of so-called aerobic granular 

biomass: purifying bacteria that create compact granules with superb 

settling properties. Main results: cost-effective plants with a four times 

smaller footprint, up to fifty percent energy savings, no/minimal waste 

generating chemicals and excellent effluent quality. 

www.nereda.net 

WASTE OR ENERGY? > 

Wastewater is valuable. Nijhuis Industries invents solutions for the 

purification of wastewater to regain valuable raw materials and make 

them available for sustainable reuse. Also, it is possible to produce 

energy from waste water in the form of biogas or electricity. In 2015 the 

first Nijhuis flocculation/flotation system in Colombia will be installed on 

the nation’s largest crude oilfield, Campo Rubiales in Western Colombia, 

where roughly twenty percent of the nation’s daily oil is produced. 

www.nijhuisindustries.com 

< MONITORING TOXICITY 

How do you measure the toxicity of water continuously and fast? Micro- 

LAN developed the iTOXcontrol bio-monitor. This early warning system 

signals sudden peak values of chemicals and other toxic pollutions by 

taking samples. In any event or breakdown it is possible to act within 

minutes, compared to routinely measured parameters that take hours 

or sometimes days to signal sudden changes in the water quality. Due 

to the swift warning by iTOXcontrol, potential damage is limited. In addition, 

iTOXcontrol makes it possible to restrict the pollution to a small 

section of the drinking water distribution network. 

www.microlan.nl 

INNOVATIVE WATER 

SOLUTIONS 

USING THE POWER OF THE SUN > 

The surface water in Colombia contains high concentrations of chlorinated 

hydrocarbons. In addition, chlorine is used in the production of 

drinking water. Also, drinking water treatment plants have no barrier 

against chlorine resistant pathogens, like Cryptosporidium and Giardia. 

By applying the long-established technology of UV desinfection – first 

used in 1910 – these two problems are solved. UV does not produce 

chlorinated hydrocarbons and is an outstanding barrier against Cryptosporidium 

and Giardia. And: on the long term the costs of UV desinfection 

will be lower than the cost for safe storage and dosage of chlorine. 

www.bersonuv.com 

22 

23



PROJECT BLUERISE 

The island of San Andrés currently produces 

its electricity with the use of expensive diesel 

and polluting generators, even though the island 

is abundant in potential clean energy sources. 

Energy generated by seawater! In cooperation 

with Universidad Nacional de Colombia, the 

company Bluerise investigated the feasibility 

of an Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) 

and Seawater Air Conditioning (SWAC), and 

found a positive outcome. These innovative 

technologies have the potential to completely 

transform the energy system of San Andrés to 

clean renewable energy and to reduce over 20% 

of the total electricity demand on the island. 

CORALINA, the authority which is responsible 

for sustainable development on the island of San 

Andrés, recently visited the demonstration put 

on by OTEC at Bluerise in the Dutch city of Delft. 

Diego Acevedo, VP of Business Development at 

Bluerise, says, “They were really impressed by 

what they saw and were eager to implement 

the technology. San Andrés has a huge amount 

of potential, as the island is ideally located in 

economic and geographic terms. Energy prices 

on the island are extremely high. With deep sea 

areas very close to the coast, why would you not 

use nature to produce energy?” 

How does it work exactly? 

Ocean Thermal Energy technologies like OTEC 

and SWAC make use of the temperature 

differences in the tropical ocean between the 

warm surface, which is 28 °C, and the cold, with 

temperatures between 4 °C to 6 °C, from a depth 

of 800 to 1000 metres. This OTEC technology 

uses the temperature difference to drive a heat 

engine which produces electricity. The SWAC 

technology uses the cold deep seawater directly 

to replace standard mechanically driven air 

conditioners, saving up to 90% of the energy 

required for cooling. The deep ocean water is 

obtained by means of a large 1000-meter-deep 

pipe and can be used subsequently to develop a 

multitude of other sustainable industries. 

‘This is a great 

opportunity for both 

San Andrés and for 

Colombia’ 

‘If it works here, it 

can work anywhere’ 

JOHNNY CAY ISLAND: 

SHOWCASE FOR THE NEW 

REVERSED OSMOSIS 

TECHNOLOGY 

How do you produce drinking water on an 

‘uninhabited’ island which hosts 350,000 

tourists annually but has no electricity or energy 

infrastructure? CORALINA, the authority 

responsible for sustainable development on Johnny 

Cay island, worked in cooperation with Holland 

Colombia Water Partnership to tackle this challenge. 

Thanks to financing from the Netherlands, the 

Dutch company Solteq Energy developed an 

innovative and sustainable solution in the form 

of a new type of hydraulic wind turbine combined 

with a reversed osmosis technique which produces 

drinking water from sea water. A Colombian 

delegation recently had a foretaste of the technology 

during a visit to the Dutch city of Leeuwarden, 

where the prototype was tested. 

The small island of Johnny Cay, a nature reserve 

approximately the size of three football fields, is 

located very close to San Andrés. “If this system 

can be installed on Johnny Cay, it can be installed 

anywhere,” says Herre Rost van Tonningen from 

Solteq Energy. “We want to provide an example 

here of how you can produce energy and drinking 

water sustainably. This solution is also of particular 

interest to other areas that experience a lot of 

windy weather such as La Guajira department.” 

Watch and learn 

In recent years, some services such as a kiosk and 

dry toilet have been made available for the 350,000 

tourists who visit the island annually. This created 

a large requirement for electricity and drinking 

water. CORALINA also wants to use the project to 

work on raising awareness of environmental issues. 

Rost van Tonningen explains, “The ultimate goal is 

to put up informational boards about this project 

and open an educational centre in which visitors 

can see all the possibilities of hydropower.” 

24 

25



WATER OPERATING 

PARTNERSHIPS 

BUOYS AS ALGAE 

FIGHTERS 

Knowledge and expertise for sustainable and 

LG SONIC AND EMPRESAS PÚBLICAS DE 

MEDELLÍN (EPM) 

reliable supply of drinking water in the long 

term. This is what has joined Colombia and the 

Netherlands. The Dutch public drinking water 

company Brabant Water, which is responsible 

for the water supply in the Dutch province of 

Brabant, is cooperating with Acuavalle, Aguas 

del Magdalena and Fundación Cerrejón del 

Agua to share its knowledge of water supply 

and to introduce innovative water purification 

technology. How can we make sure that 

The Embalse la Fe, a reservoir which supplies 

drinking water to 250,000 Colombians, is 

plagued by large growths of algae. This incurs 

extra expenses related to purifying the water 

and removing the unpleasant odours. The Dutch 

company LG Sonic implemented a cost-efficient 

and sustainable solution to combat this. 

Colombians can more readily access clean 

drinking water? 

More sustainable treatment 

The Embalse la Fe is located in the Antioquia 

department. ‘In 2012, there were already reports 

“One of the biggest challenges for Acuavalle 

of rapid algal growth in the reservoir. The owners 

is in reducing its use of chlorine. Once it does 

initially wanted to use chemical means to remove 

this, it can improve the water quality. Less 

the algae,’ explains Falco Aguilar, the key account 

chlorine use can be achieved by protecting water 

manager at LG Sonic. He managed to convince 

sources, using durable purification techniques 

stakeholders at Empresas Públicas de Medellín, the 

and implementing a closed distribution system. 

largest utility company in Colombia, to implement 

For instance, Acuavalle could utilise innovative 

sonic wave technology as a sustainable solution to 

This technology has dramatically improved the 

purification technologies such as UVGI 

combat algal growth. 

quality of the water in the Embalse la Fe. ‘The 

disinfection methods”, explains Tico Michels, 

water is now so clean that the department and 

manager of the Internationalisation programme 

Bursting air bubbles 

its stakeholders are using the water in and 

at Brabant Water. This integrated approach 

Algae ‘commute’ between the water layers. They 

around the reservoir for use in recreational and 

additionally provides an average low percentage - 

regularly travel on air bubbles to the surface of 

tourist activities. EPM has made its name as an 

5.5% - of non revenue water. 

the water, where they collect sunlight and gather 

innovative and sustainable player in the sector. 

essential nutrients. ‘Being able to travel between 

They are receiving requests from interested 

Brabant Water is providing advice to Aguas 

del Magdalena in terms of organisational 

COMBATTING THIRST IN LA GUAJIRA 

deeper and shallower depths is crucial for the 

survival of the algae. The sonic waves burst the air 

parties throughout Latin America. This is a 

solution of which Colombia can be proud of.’ 

structures, which includes advice on setting up 

an organisation responsible for the management 

and maintenance of drinking and waste water. 

Through these cooperation agreements, Brabant 

Water will be able to share its knowledge of the 

integrated approach used in the Netherlands, 

as well as decide with Colombian partners an 

approach which is geared towards local needs. 

Thirst has taken its toll on La Guajira. In 2013, 23 children died 

from lack of water. And last year, the number of deaths totalled 

15, according to the local Ombudsman. There, people have to walk 

for hours to fetch water from archaic wells. That is why Dutch 

companies such as Brabant Water, at the request of the Embassy 

of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, have begun working through 

the Cerrejón Foundation for water to seek a solution. The various 

alternatives for obtaining drinking water and thus mitigating the 

crisis include desalinating sea water, using both infrastructure 

that already exists in the area and a Dutch-designed wind turbine 

which is currently being tested on Johnny Cay, an island in the 

San Andres and Providencia archipelago. In the case of La Guajira, 

these efforts will initially be focused on the town of Media Luna 

and its 1,600 inhabitants, explains Raul Roys Garzon, executive 

director of the Cerrejón Foundation, who signed the Memorandum 

of Agreement with the Dutch government to implement this plan. 

bubbles, meaning the algae slowly die off because 

they cannot travel between water layers.’ 

Unique solution 

‘What makes our solution unique is that the ‘buoys’ 

which we use to emit the sonic waves practically 

run by themselves. Not only do they use their 

own sensors to constantly monitor the state of the 

water, they operate exclusively on solar energy. 

These parameters are sent back to the Netherlands 

in real time. Using these as a basis, we can 

communicate quickly with EPM and warn them of 

any possible new algal blooms.’ 

26 

27



WATER AND 

FOOD 

More crop per drop. Is that not what every farmer wants? 

Agriculture around the world is under pressure to manage water 

more sustainably, as the population is growing and with that 

so is the demand for food. At the same time, water is becoming 

more scarce and our climate is changing. How do we make 

sure that every drop ends up where it should be? Since 2013, 

the Netherlands has been cooperating with other countries to 

solve water problems using an integrated approach. “We want 

to share our knowledge and look at what we can learn from the 

Colombians about sustainable methods in the field of water 

management and food supply,” says Peter Prins, who works at 

the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP). With support from the 

Dutch Government, NWP is committed to promoting Dutch water 

expertise, also in connection with agriculture and horticulture. 

“If a coffee farmer washes his beans and drains the wastewater into 

the river upstream, then this will lead to problems downstream,” 

explains Prins. “The farmers whose land is located downstream 

can no longer use the water. But what if we came up with a way of 

enabling the coffee farmer to reuse his wastewater? If we can make 

that possible, he no longer needs to drain it and can manage his 

water more sparingly.” 

This way of managing drainage basins is an example of an integral 

approach in which the Netherlands has a great deal of knowledge. 

However, connecting the different user functions of water in 

households, industry, horticulture and agriculture are also part of 

this integral approach. Prins explains, “We shouldn’t look for quick 

fixes, but rather find long-term sustainable solutions. This often 

requires a combination of different measures, such as retaining 

water in certain locations or infiltrating the soil, improving weather 

predictions or using intelligent irrigation technologies based on the 

moisture content of the soil. The last method is not only a way to 

prevent excessive use of water, but also reduces the risk of fertilisers 

being washed away.” 

LOOKING BEYOND WATER 

“The Dutch integrated approach is characterised by the way it looks 

beyond water. An example of this is soil improvement, an area that 

has grown in importance in recent years,” says Prins. “Managing 

water is challenging, especially in areas with a tropical climate like 

Colombia. While there are large amounts of water during the wet 

season, the dry seasons often suffer from a lack of it. Healthy and 

fertile soils acts as a sponge for water. If enough fertiliser is used, 

then plants can develop robust roots, making them less vulnerable 

to the effects of drought. This is why it is important to constantly 

look out for resilience found naturally in plants and soil, whilst also 

implementing technical measures. Only then can we talk about 

sustainable solutions.” 

The Netherlands is working in cooperation with local partners to 

provide sustainable solutions for coffee, bananas, oil palm and 

other crops. 

28 

29



BUILDING BRIDGES 

The Netherlands and Colombia maintain a long-lasting relationship based on co-operation that 

dates back more than 50 years, a close bond that has evolved from traditional co-operation to a 

more balanced relationship based on mutual interests. The Netherlands provide Colombia with 

added value on key issues concerning the country’s sustainable development and water has always 

occupied a leading position within that framework of co-operation. 

WORKING TOGETHER 

In recent years, Colombia has achieved significant economic growth. 

It is now classified as an upper-middle income country. In that regard, 

and in view of the excellent results of our co-operation, numerous 

opportunities lie ahead to encourage contribution by the private 

sector in both the Netherlands and Colombia on water-related 

matters. Indeed, such collaboration concerns not just business 

corporations from both countries but also other institutions, 

government agencies and even the academic world. The Embassy 

of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Colombia plays a key role as 

facilitator and mediator between the parties. 

EMBASSY AS “MATCH-MAKER” 

That requires striving to build bridges: to take Dutch expertise in 

integrated water management, for which they are internationally 

recognised, and link it to the Colombian experience, a country 

immensely wealthy in water but which at the same time faces 

significant challenges in water management, flood prevention, 

civilian access to safe drinking water, etc.. In this realm, the Embassy 

plays a role of “match-maker” by recommending, connecting and 

forging relations, not only government-to-government (G2G) but also 

between the private and public sectors (B2G), among the private 

sector (B2B), and between academic institutions and universities 

(K2K). 

Economic diplomacy in issues concerning water helps the Colombian 

government to gain knowledge about Dutch initiatives, technologies, 

and innovative projects that can be applied locally. The Embassy 

forms a connection between the Colombian government and 

various bodies in the Netherlands (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 

Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment, the Agency for Business 

Development, etc.). 

OPEN INVITATION 

Dutch expertise in water management has already been put to use 

in Colombia through different initiatives, for example, through the 

Colombo-Dutch Water Alliance, which has already materialised in 

different projects, such as the Coastal Master Plan, an Academic 

Partnership on water-related issues, and the creation of a Ports and 

Logistics Centre of Excellence (formed by the STC Group and the 

Universidad del Norte), among other ventures. 

These excellent bilateral relations, which have intensified increasingly 

in recent years, are an open invitation to companies and academic 

institutes, among others, both in the Netherlands and Colombia, 

to meet and get to know each other. Traditional development cooperation 

has now matured into a ‘win-win’ relationship, where the 

supply of services and the demand for sustainable solutions are long 

term. Building bridges, figuratively, is the Embassy’s commitment in 

terms of economic diplomacy. 

At the same time, the Embassy is able to open doors in the Colombian 

public sector to help Dutch companies to build their reputation and 

find a position for themselves in Colombia. The Embassy is pro-active 

in facilitating the participation of Dutch companies and experts 

in specialised trade fairs, activities that also enhance a climate of 

business for Dutch companies and entities aiming to move into 

Colombia. 

Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands 

Contact: Alexandra Díaz, Alexandra.DiazMontenegro@minbuza.nl 

30 

31



‘INSPIRING 

COOPERATION’ 

‘ALL DUTCH EXPERTS UNDER ONE ROOF’ 

Dutch water experts were asked to help Colombia following the 

severe floods that occurred in 2010 and 2011. Holland Colombia 

Water Platform has been active in Colombia since then. How is 

cooperation between companies organised and what does the 

platform do? 

water management. “When Colombians do business with suppliers, 

they often ask for a concrete solution for a water-related problem. 

However, this approach is not always the most suitable solution. A 

better approach is to ask suppliers: how would you solve this? This 

usually translates into a better result all round.” 

Holland House Colombia, located in Bogotá, is a place where 

Colombians can learn more about the Netherlands. “When the 

Colombians and Dutch come together, the result is generally 

fruitful collaboration”, says Jan-Willem van Bokhoven, the 

director of Holland House. 

A PLACE TO CONNECT 

Alongside embassies in both countries, the Holland House Colombia 

acts as a place where Dutch and Colombian companies and 

organisations can connect with one another. “Business development 

is an integral part of what we do in Holland House Colombia. We 

help Dutch companies who are looking to do business in Colombia 

by sharing our knowledge of Colombia and introducing them to our 

networks. Once we’ve done this, we pair up Dutch companies with 

Colombian parties who we think are potential business partners. We 

also give advice and support about basic things, such as closing an 

account in Colombia, and also provide information about local laws 

and regulations.” 

FOCUS 

Holland House Colombia was founded in 2012. It represents the 

whole Kingdom of the Netherlands, including Netherlands Antilles. 

This private establishment was set up with help from the Dutch 

government. “The Netherlands and its constituents have always 

been an important economic partner for Colombia.” The support 

provided by Holland House varies regularly. “When we were first 

began operations, we connected a lot of Colombian agricultural 

entrepreneurs with Dutch businesses. It was in this period that 

many productive interconnections were made in terms of innovative 

projects. The same applies to the infrastructure and transport 

sectors.” The current focus is moving towards water issues. 

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES 

Jan-Willem believes the water sector presents many opportunities 

for businesses from both countries. “While many Colombians know 

that the Dutch are internationally the best when it comes to coastal 

surveillance, they are much less aware the Dutch also possess 

expertise in the field of water management and purification. At 

the same time, Dutch companies active in this field still have many 

misconceptions about Colombia. This means that the opportunities to 

do business here are really being underestimated.” 

PHYSICAL STRUCTURE 

Holland House is also the headquarters for the Holland Colombia 

Water Platform. In addition, a second office for Holland House has 

been opened in Barranquilla. “The Water Platform and Holland House 

complement each other very well. We provide a physical location 

where Dutch companies can come to work temporarily. This is also 

where Colombian companies can find all the information they need 

about doing business with Dutch companies. If these companies have 

any technical questions, we can put them in contact directly with our 

colleagues at the Water Platform. This set-up means that Dutch and 

Colombian partners can communicate with each other smoothly.” 

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FROM THE 

NETHERLANDS 

A place which inspires and connects - that is how Robbert van der 

Bij, business developer for the Dutch water sector in Colombia and 

associate of Holland House, describes the role of Holland Colombia 

Water Platform. “Colombians are very well educated and driven 

people. They have a rapidly growing economy and want to tackle 

issues which are in need of improvement. However, if you do not 

have any experience in areas such as coastal surveillance, it is very 

challenging to make any headway in that area. This in turn means it 

is difficult to find the best solution. We can inspire interested parties, 

local governments and businesses in terms of what they can achieve 

by showing them innovative solutions that Dutch water professionals 

have to offer.” 

SPOTTING CHANCES 

Robbert is aware that his task is not only about providing 

inspirational solutions, but also spotting chances in the market. “Take 

for example the amount of drinking water which is lost in the grid. 

Some regions in Colombia lose over 40% of their drinking water. In 

the Netherlands, we have managed to bring this figure down to 4%, 

the lowest in the world. We can help Colombian water companies to 

reduce the amount of water loss. People all over the world know the 

Dutch are excellent dyke builders, but we are also experts in water 

management.” 

IMPROVED RESULT 

The Holland Colombia Water Platform can help to put Colombians 

in contact with experts from the Netherlands. They also provide 

support with an alternative and more effective way of working so 

that it is possible to meet the challenges in the field of water and 

ENERGY AND PASSION 

More and more Colombian experts in the field of water are visiting 

the Holland Colombia Water Platform and Holland House. They 

value Holland Colombia Water Platform as a location which brings 

together everything related to water and water management. “Our 

experience has shown us that the Dutch and Colombians work really 

well together. Colombians appreciate the directness of the Dutch, and 

we value how much energy and passion Colombians invest into their 

work. It really is a great combination, and one which both countries 

can benefit from immensely in the years to come.” 

REGISTER 

Are you active in the water sector in Colombia and want to know 

how you can join forces with Dutch water companies? In November 

2015, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands together with 

Holland Colombia Water Platform are sending a business delegation 

to the Netherlands. This visit will focus on the management of 

drinking water, water purification and flood protection measures. 

For more information, please see: www.hcwp.nl. You can register 

directly with Robbert van der Bij: r.vanderbij@hcwp.nl 

32 33



ACADEMIC AND 

RESEARCH 

PARTNERSHIP 

The next level of 

knowledge exchange 

‘We can really 

benefit from each 

other’s work’ 

The Netherlands and Colombia have a long 

history when it comes to sharing knowledge, 

as the countries have already been carring out 

research together since the 1970’s. Following 

the floods in Colombia in 2010 and 2011, 

universities and knowledge institutes from 

both countries have been aiming to strengthen 

this cooperation. This is how the Academic 

and Research Partnership (ARP) was formed. 

Micha Werner, Associate Professor in Flood Risk 

Management and River Basin Development 

at the Dutch knowledge institute UNESCO-IHE 

and Juan Saldarriaga, professor at the Faculty 

of Engineering at the Colombian Universidad 

de Los Andes, and director of the University’s 

Water Transportation and Sewerage Research 

Centre (CIACUA), give us an update on the 

developments. 

WHAT DOES THE PARTNERSHIP ENTAIL? 

Micha explains: “It is an intensive knowledge exchange between 

four Dutch institutes and four Colombian universities. We are already 

working together frequently in research projects and inter-institutional 

exchanges. One example that we have already developed is a joint 

Master’s programme between UNESCO-IHE and Universidad del 

Valle. We are aiming to strengthen these activities, and expand them 

to cover more areas. In the long term, we also want to increase the 

number of universities and knowledge institutes involved - the current 

eight is only the beginning.” 

Juan adds: “On the Dutch side, the partnership consists of the Delft 

University of Technology, UNESCO-IHE, Wageningen University, and 

the Deltares Institute. On the Colombian side it includes; Universidad 

del Norte, Universidad de Los Andes, Universidad de Antioquia and 

Universidad del Valle. It includes full-time education courses, special 

subjects and Master’s degrees.” 

HOW WILL THE COOPERATION WORK EXACTLY? 

Micha says: “Our goal is to develop new joint Master’s programmes, 

and to carry out research together. The current focus is on a 

number of fields, including; Coasts and Coastal Zone Management, 

Groundwater and Hydrology, River Hydraulics and Morphology, 

Water Distribution, Urban Drainage, Waste Water Treatment, Water 

Governance, and Risk Management.” 

Juan says: “Thanks to the partnership, Colombian students from 

public and private universities are now able to visit The Netherlands 

on exchange programs while Dutch students come to Colombia to 

improve their knowledge about water.” 

WHAT ARE THE PLANS FOR THE COMING YEARS? 

Micha explains: “There are already plans to set up an alumni 

network and to create an overview of the joint research being carried 

out. We are also planning to organise an annual event for all parties 

involved. We intend to invite national and regional water managers, 

which will allow us to showcase our research, but also for them 

to pose their research questions, so that we can be sure our 

research answers a real need. We can really benefit from each 

other’s networks.” 

Juan says: “Universidad de Los Andes is currently developing a 

common Master’s programme with Delft University of Technology in 

the field of drinking water facilities. A willing attitude by both parties 

will keep this alliance alive; and in that regard, we have plenty.” 

WHAT CAN THE NETHERLANDS AND COLOMBIA 

LEARN FROM EACH OTHER? 

Micha explains: “Things are tackled differently in Colombia. 

Decisions can take longer to make. In the Netherlands things often 

work in a more structured way and there is a long history of water 

management. This experience can benefit Colombia. But we can also 

learn a lot from the dynamics of the process in Colombia. How do 

you anticipate unexpected changes? What is also interesting in for 

example flood management, is that Colombians often focus more 

on social aspects, and not only on the economic ones. This is a point 

of interest for how we approach things in the Netherlands. Besides, 

gaining experience on water management in the tropics is good 

for the Netherlands, as it is renowned for its worldwide knowledge 

of water.” 

Juan says: “Colombia is very interested in the Dutch specialist 

knowledge about coastal water systems, deltas and aquifers. In 

return, Colombia will provide insight into urban waters and mountain 

rivers. Colombian students will achieve significant professional 

enrichment because of this partnership, while the Dutch will have 

a chance to experience phenomena in Colombia, which are unusual 

and not often seen in Europe.” 

34 35



INTRODUCING TWELVE 

BUILDING BLOCKS FOR AN 


‘Preconditions for 

sustainable water 

management’ 

Urban areas worldwide are facing the same 

challenges; population growth, flood risk, spatial 

planning, scarce natural resources. Due to 

climate change, the number and intensity of 

flood hazards will increase and shifts in the 

discharges of river systems and droughts will 

pose an increasing threat to these areas around 

the world. While the solutions for each country 

may be different, the preconditions for a 

sustainable water management approach are the 

same. In close cooperation with other countries 

worldwide, the Netherlands developed the 

‘twelve building blocks for a delta approach’. In 

short: the ‘must haves’ for an integrated water 

management approach. 

The delta approach is a strategic planning process for delta 

development that integrates sustainability, institutional, physical 

and social economic aspects. It is an integrated water management 

planning approach that has proven to be very successful in the 

Dutch Delta programme, and has been tested and developed with 

international partners. The 12 building blocks are essential for a delta 

approach but are not solely limited to cities in a delta region. Nondelta 

cities face the same problems of increasing urbanisation and 

the related demands made on aspects such as water and food supply, 

transport and infrastructure, environment and quality of life. These 

12 building blocks also have relevance beyond the environs of the 

delta to further integrated water management planning processes. 

OVERALL YOU CAN SAY THAT THE 

DELTA APPROACH: 

> Provides a broad range of solutions to Delta Challenges, proven in 

practice, rooted in a strong engineering tradition and complemented 

with innovations such as building with nature, room for the river and 

water robust city design and building. 

> Is an integrated approach. Water challenges in crowded deltas are 

always connected to challenges in spatial planning, biodiversity and 

economic development. Dutch Delta Approach provides methods for 

balanced assessment of effects and stimulates integrated solutions. 

> Supports multi-level governance. Water management in the 

Netherlands is well organised across scales and water dependent 

sectors. With institutions that know how to find and deal with 

each other at their boundaries. Participation of societal groups is 

encouraged to enhance legitimacy and feasibility. In this setting the 

potential is increased that Delta challenges can be dealt with at the 

right scale and level and with the necessary support. 

> Is an adaptive planning approach which is called Adaptive Delta 

Management. It encourages flexible and robust decision making and 

design under a range of future scenarios while seizing opportunities 

arising from investment agendas outside the water domain. 

> Builds upon a strong knowledge and experience base which supports 

quantitative risk-based decision making, which practically supports 

and is targeted towards the decision making process and provides 

knowledge tools allowing for joint fact finding. 

More information on the building blocks can be found here: 

www.dutchwatersector.com/delta 


A delta approach’s main focus is water 

protection and availability, however it should 

also encompass nature, ecology, economy, 

recreation and spatial planning. To make a 

truly integrated delta plan it should address 

content as well as organisation, finance, 

process and planning 

LONG TERM APPROACH VS. 

SHORT TERM MEASURES 

By taking the long term into account 

in the short term measures that are 

taken a robust, flexible, future proof 

delta plan is developed. 

DEALING WITH UNCERTAINTIES AND 

USING SCENARIOS 

To deal with uncertainties about future 

developments scenarios can be used to integrate 

long term into short term ‘no-regret’ measures 

SUSTAINABILITY, FLEXIBILITY, 

SOLIDARITY 

The basic principles that guide 

the delta planning process are 

sustainability, flexibility and solidarity. 

The right solutions meet these three 

preconditions. The chosen solution 

should work and continue to do so in 

the future, despite other developments 

and should not harm the environment 

or society. 

COOPERATION WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT 

LEVELS AND STAKEHOLDERS 

National government, regional governments and 

other stakeholders should cooperate to develop 

a full-fledged integrated delta plan that taps into 

local developments. 

DEALING WITH UNCERTAINTIES 

IN DECISION MAKING 

Uncertainties in developments often 

lead to uncertainties in decision 

making. Adaptive decision making, 

that describes which decision should 

be made when on the basis of which 

data, is therefore indispensable. 

ANCHORING IN LEGISLATION AND 

DEPOLITIZATION 

A legal basis for delta planning and guidance 

of the process by a non-political commissioner 

depoliticizes the process, clearly sets the 

responsibilities and makes it less vulnerable to 

political mood swings. 

FOCUS ON KEY DECISIONS AND 

CLEAR DEADLINES 

By setting clear deadlines in the 

decision making process, progress 

is guaranteed and delays in the 

process are prevented 

INNOVATION 

A sustainable approach is fit for the future 

and therefore a driver for innovation and new 

technologies. 

FINANCE AND 

IMPLEMENTATION 

Financing the implementation 

of the delta plan should be an 

upfront concern. Vulnerabilities 

to political short-term thinking 

must be avoided. Private financing 

can be explored as an interesting 

opportunity. 

SUPPORTED ANALYSIS INSTRUMENTS 

Since many actors are needed for integrated 

delta planning, supported analysis instruments 

are indispensable to come to agreed upon 

facts and solutions. 

QUALITY LABEL 

Incorporating the building blocks is 

a foundation for sustainable delta 

management. A tool that enables 

professionals, governments and 

investors to assess whether an 

approach follows the same criteria 

as the renowned Dutch Delta 

Approach, or achieves the same 

quality level by incorporating Dutch 

Expertise. 

36 37



CONTACT 

For more information about Dutch Water Expertise and the projects in 

this magazine, please contact us. 

The Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) is a comprehensive network that unites Dutch Water Expertise. The partnership, 

consisting of 200 members from private companies, government, knowledge institutes and NGOs, acts as a centre of information 

on water expertise, policy developments and market opportunities. The NWP bureau coordinates international representation of 

the Dutch Water Sector on events, trade missions and facilitates incoming visits of professionals, press and politicians and is your 

gateway to the Dutch Water Sector. www.nwp.nl, info@nwp.nl 

Arcadis 

Klaas de Groot 

Klaas.degroot@arcadis.nl 

Jan van Overeem 

Jan.vanovereem@arcadis.nl 

Berson UV 

Paul Buijs 

paul.buijs@bersonuv.com 

Bluerise 

Diego Acevedo 

d.acevedo@bluerise.nl 

Water company Brabant Water 

Tico Michels 

Tico.michels@brabantwater.nl 

Corporación Autónoma Regional del Valle 

del Cauca (CVC) 

Maria Clemencia Sandoval 

Clemencia.sandoval@cvc.gov.co 

Sandra Teresa Escobar 

Sandra-teresa.escobar@cvc.gov.co 

Deltares 

Otto de Keizer 

Otto.dekeizer@deltares.nl 

DCMR Milieudienst Rijnmond 

Roel van de Loo 

Roel.vandeloo@dcmr.nl 

Findeter 

Juan Manuel Robledo 

Jmrobledo@findeter.gov.co 

Fundacion Cerrejon para el Agua 

Raúl Roys Garzon 

raul.roys@cerrejon.com 

Holland Colombia Water Platform 

Robbert van der Bij 

r.vanderbij@hcwp.nl 

Holland House Colombia 

Jan Willem van Bokhoven 

jwvanbokhoven@hollandhouse-colombia.com 

LG Sonic 

Falco Aguilar 

aguilar@lgsonic.com 

MircoLan 

Joep Appels 

Joep.appels@microlan.nl 

Netherlands Water Partnership 

Peter Prins 

p.prins@nwp.nl 

Nijhuis Water 

Rinze Knol 

Rinze.knol@nijhuisindustries.com 

Royal HaskoningDHV 

Fortunato Carvajal 

Fortunato.carvajal@rhdhv.com 

René Noppeney 

Rene.noppeney@rhdhv.com 

Solteq 

Herre Rost van Tonningen 

h.tonningen@solteq.eu 

STC BV 

Silvina Pereira Marques 

pereira@stc-r.nl 

Unesco-IHE 

Micha Werner 

m.werner@unesco-ihe.org 

Universidad de Los Andes 

Juan Saldarriaga 

jsaldarr@uniandes.edu.co 

Regional Waterboard De Dommel 

Louis Bijlmakers 

lbijlmakers@dommel.nl 

WWW.DUTCHWATERSECTOR.COM 

Wind, water and wide open spaces have shaped the 

Netherlands and its history. To be able to safely live in the 

low-lying delta that is the Netherlands, the Dutch have had 

to become skilled water managers. Our national track record 

speaks for itself. Over the years we have reclaimed land, 

increased our freshwater resources, and made it possible to 

re-use our wastewater. 

We like to share our knowledge and skills internationally. We 

believe that by putting our heads together, we can achieve more 

in confronting global water-related challenges. 

On www.dutchwatersector.com you can find the combined Dutch 

water sector. It brings you the latest on worldwide water issues, 

innovations, events, Dutch partners and projects, supplemented 

with the interpretation of Dutch water experts. 

Want to keep in touch with Dutch water expertise? 

Visit www.dutchwatersector.com, like us on facebook 

www.facebook.com/dutchwatersector and follow us on 

Twitter @HollandWater. 

38 

39


WWW.DUTCHWATERSECTOR.COM/COLOMBIA 

Creating water 

opportunities together

COLOMBIA - THE NETHERLANDS

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