Both the Netherlands and the UK face similar challenges in living with water in low-lying, densely populated delta regions threatened by climate change-driven sea-level rise, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events.

For many years, the UK and the Netherlands have turned these shared vulnerabilities into a powerful alliance founded on trust, knowledge exchange, and practical collaboration.

At the governmental level, the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW) and the UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) collaborate closely.

This cooperation is strongly supported at the operational level by Rijkswaterstaat and the Environment Agency, which regularly exchange expertise on flood risk management, dike design, early warning systems, nature-based solutions, and innovative engineering.

The Netherlands' experience & innovation in coastal and flood management is being applied in numerous important collaborations with UK counterparts, e.g. along the coast of Kent, Norfolk & Dorset. One example of this is the nature based solution, the Sand Motor. 

The Sand Motor approach moves sand to the seabed some distance from the beach and uses the wind, waves  & currents to naturally distribute the sand along the coast over time. The forming of new beach & dunes will provide protection against a rise in sea level  & create more space for nature and recreation.

Together, we develop cutting-edge approaches to make our coasts, rivers, and cities more resilient. From joint research and technical visits to sharing best practices on adaptive delta management, our collaboration delivers real results for citizens on both sides of the North Sea.

This partnership is not just historical; it remains very much alive and forward-looking. In November last year, Dutch Minister Robert Tieman (IenW) and UK Minister Emma Hardy (DEFRA) reaffirmed and strengthened our joint commitment to even closer cooperation in the years ahead.

Water knows no borders. By standing shoulder to shoulder, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands continue to set an example of what effective international collaboration on climate adaptation and water safety can look like.

As North Sea Neighbours, we are proud to work together for a safer, more resilient future.