Sustainable Water Solutions

The Netherlands’ strategy for water management involves preserving and rebuilding ecosystems to prevent degradation and using smart urban design to economize water usage. That protects against rising sea levels and maintains natural barriers that keep communities safe.

Today, Dutch and U.S. companies, experts, non-governmental organizations and government leaders are collaborating to protect America’s shorelines, cities and people from climate change, storms and other natural disasters through healthier waterways and coastal ecosystems. In projects across the United States, we are helping protect American economic and environmental interests.

• Dutch experts are working with U.S. federal and state officials in Louisiana on restoring marshlands to their natural state, so they serve as barriers and natural water storage basins during storms and floods. We are implementing programs that rebuild marshlands after years of degradation and development so they can slow storm surges and prevent flash flooding.
• The Netherlands and U.S. states at risk of rising sea-levels, such as Louisiana, Florida, New York and California, actively exchange best practices on how to use water for protection, rather than let it become a threat.
• In Florida, an agreement with Governor Charlie Crist facilitates information sharing on water and land use issues as they relate to the impact of climate change, particularly in the Everglades.
• Dutch and American government officials are collaborating on flood risk assessment and management research programs, helping determine where flooding poses the greatest threat and how to build preventative systems that respect the natural environment.