Pillars

The focus of the Asia-Netherlands Water Learning Week 2021 is water quality. The theme is  split into four pillars which cover various sub-themes in water quality with a focus on the various aspects of the Dutch Delta Approach. More information on each theme is provided below:

Pillar 'Governance'
Governance of water quality in the Netherlands is influenced by national as well as EU policies. The policies include the polluter pays principle, EU Water Framework Directive, Dutch Delta Approach (freshwater supply), and Netherlands International Water Ambition (NIWA). This pillar will explore the institutional framework (policies and standards) that address water quality governance in the Netherlands as well as the implementation on the ground. Additionally, the sessions will dive into water quality governance and implementation of policies and standards in the Asian context in order to develop and exchange ideas and knowledge. The governance pillar will also look into the future, exploring the impact of global changes on water quality and the ability of the current standards and policies on addressing future challenges.

Pillar 'Finance for Water Quality'
Financing water projects, while important for water security, are often not viewed as a compelling financial case as they are either too small to be of financial interest for financial institutions or too large an investment for government bodies and private non-financial organisations. Worldwide, water projects are disproportionally financed with public money but future water challenges will never be met by the public sector. This is particularly the case in the water quality sub-sector. Additionally, a challenge often faced by water sector experts is that while there is a myriad of technically sound, innovative ideas and solutions, they do not always translate into tangible projects. If we manage to bridge the gap between the finance and water sector, more (private) money will become available to meet water challenges and the financial feasibility of projects will be sufficiently considered.
The sessions under this pillar will provide some of the tools to bridge the gap between water (technical) experts and financial experts as well as improve the intersection and cooperation between public and private financing. It will cover aspects such as different financing possibilities and mechanisms (public-private partnerships and R&D related financial assistance); identifying appropriate financial mechanisms for your project needs; the links between utility performance, operationalisation and financial feasibility; harnessing private capital (blended finance or pooling projects); and innovative financing solutions for WASH.

Pillar 'Technology and approaches'
From more advanced water filtration systems to circular wastewater treatment systems, technology and innovation are important aspects of improved water quality and its sustainable management. This pillar showcases the Dutch technology and innovation landscape for water quality which includes water quality for drinking water, wastewater, agriculture, energy and biodiversity. Additionally, sub-themes such as eco-engineering and nature-based solutions, smart measuring and operations, water and ICT, circular (waste) water systems will be covered. The sessions will also explore the future impact of global changes on water quality and the ability of the current research, technology and approaches to address future challenges.

Pillar 'Capacity development'
Capacity development is a crucial aspect of not just water quality management but in all sectors. Investment in human capital (capacity development) is the most sustainable investment one can make. This pillar aims to inform participants and assist them in the development of (new) skills and approaches required for the appropriate management of water (quality). Additionally, it will provide insights into the importance and practice of knowledge management and transfer within organisations as knowledge provides a solid base for development. Furthermore, knowledge exchange of good practices, from operation and maintenance of water quality infrastructure to participatory and inclusive processes, will be explored. In order to continue capacity development, investments in personal development will be dealt with and a global network will be set up as part of this pillar for participants to access at all times.