Water, climate and energy: the Netherlands and Bangladesh

The overall aim of the water program in Bangladesh is to contribute to a healthy living environment and wellbeing for the population, as well as economic growth. Particular focus is on the poor and vulnerable. It is anticipated that there will be more extreme rainfall, higher sea water levels, increasing industrial pollution and further urbanization.

Bangladesh continues to have high needs and expectations for close bilateral cooperation in the area of water management. Important challenges in that area include climate change adaptation, providing protection against storm surges along the coast, preventing floods in cities, and ensuring a sustainable water supply in light of groundwater depletion, arsenic and industrial contamination, as well as saline water intrusion along the coast.

Water management

The Dutch delta has the world’s best flood defences. 70% of the Dutch population lives below sea level. That’s why the Netherlands has so much expertise in flood control and clean water.

The Netherlands works together with other countries to tackle water-related issues around the world, like irrigation, safe river banks and clean drinking water. Our country also contributes to transboundary management of 7 international river basins in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

A Special Envoy for International Water Affairs has been appointed to promote Dutch knowledge and expertise in the area of water management.

Climate and energy

The Netherlands wants to promote the use of sustainable energy.

The Netherlands endorses international agreements on reducing CO2 emissions and the depletion of natural resources.

Water, climate and energy: the Netherlands and your country or region

For more information on this topic, contact the embassy or consulate.

The water program in Bangladesh

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (EKN) Water Program for the period 2014-2017 focusses on assisting the Government of Bangladesh in the formulation of a Bangladesh Delta Plan (BDP) and Framework 2100 which will in turn provide the basis for on-going and new activities in the areas of (i) participatory water management in the existing polders and in the reclaimed land of the coastal zone, (ii) river management, (iii) drinking water and sanitation in rural and urban areas and (iv) skills development and institutional strengthening.