The Dutch Water Envoy in the Pacific - New Zealand
The Dutch Water Envoy in the Pacific
The islands in the Pacific are vulnerable to climate change induced extreme events such as extreme storms, floods and periods of low rainfall. Consequently, critical water and wastewater assets are damaged and have reduced the availability of clean water. Therefore, a futureproof water infrastructure is of high importance to the islands. The Dutch water ambassador, Meike van Ginneken, visited Fiji on the 29th and 30th of September, where she met with several water partners to share knowledge on nowadays water challenges.
The Dutch Water Envoy in the Pacific
On the first day of the visit, the Envoy held constructive discussions with partners including the United Nations (UN), the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Hub, the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The ADB supports water projects across the Pacific improving water treatment in Fiji among others. With the SPC, the Envoy shared her insight on how the Pacific can realize its ambition to create a Pacific Water Security Warriors programme to develop a new generation of champions advocating for water security nationally, regionally, and internationally. This was an ambition articulated at the Ninth Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting in Honiara this month. All of these institutions do important work with the support of the Netherlands and the EU.
On the second day in Fiji, the water Envoy visited an informal settlement where Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE) is trialling a new water sensitive approach to water and sanitation management. Subsequently, the envoy met with Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Biman Prasad, Hon Lenora Qereqeretabua, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Acting Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Desna Solofa, and the Water Authority of Fiji.
The visit of the Water Envoy to Fiji concluded with a water security stakeholder reception. Atishma Lal of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, one of our Pacific water Alumni form the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, spoke about her experience studying in the Netherlands. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is proud to support Small Island Developing States (SIDS) scholarships at IHE, helping to expand the network of the Pacific water alumni. Upon their return, these experts contribute directrly to the implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
The Kingdom' s Caribbean SIDS face many of the same challenges as the Pacific such as rising seas, extreme wheather and water management pressures. By sharing experiences and working together we can safeguard communities across our regions.
