Focal Point Nature-based Solutions, Blue Deal and good water governance
Focal Point NbS
The Focal Point Nature-based Solutions was started in 2021 with financial support from the NWB Fund. The objective of this central point of contact is to build up knowledge about Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for water problems and to make it actively available to the Blue Deal partnerships, in which water boards work together with foreign water managers.
Based on the results of recent years, the NWB Fund has decided to continue to support the Focal Point Nature-based Solutions in the 3rd Phase Blue Deal up to and including 2030.
Why NbS in water management
Nature-based Solutions play an increasingly important role in modern water management. NbS are measures that harness natural processes and ecosystems to address societal challenges, such as flooding, drought, and water quality.
Instead of relying solely on technical infrastructure, such as dikes and sewers, NbS combine ecological insights with practical applications.
The benefits of NbS
Regulating water flows
Natural systems, such as wetlands, forests, mangroves, and green riverbanks, can temporarily store excess water and release it gradually, reducing erosion. This lowers the risk of flooding while simultaneously easing pressure on existing infrastructure.
Improving water quality
Plants and soils can filter and break down pollutants in water. This natural purification process helps keep surface and groundwater cleaner, which is essential for drinking water supply and ecosystems. In addition, these solutions contribute to biodiversity by creating habitats for plants and animals.
Resilience to climate change
Due to more extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall and prolonged periods of drought, the pressure on water management is increasing. NbS make systems more flexible and better able to adapt to these changes. At the same time, they offer additional benefits, such as urban cooling and a more attractive living environment.
In short, Nature-based Solutions are essential for sustainable and future-proof water management. They combine ecological, economic, and social benefits and form a valuable addition to traditional techniques. By giving more space to natural processes, they can address water challenges more effectively and sustainably.
NbS as an implementation force for climate adaptation within the Blue Deal
THE Blue Deal Programme
The Blue Deal is the international programme of the Dutch Water Authorities (DWA). Launched in 2018, it runs through 2030 and comprises 17 long-term partnerships across 15 countries.
Thanks to the programme's extended duration, participating water authorities can truly build lasting, sustainable partnerships based on equal cooperation. They focus on three crucial components of effective water management:
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Sufficient knowledge and expertise
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A well-functioning organisation
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Cooperation with key stakeholders
NbS as a Pillar for Climate Adaptation
Water managers worldwide are facing the impacts of climate change, making climate adaptation one of two key cross-cutting themes within the Blue Deal, alongside Social Inclusion.
Nature-based Solutions play a vital role in making water systems climate-adaptive by increasing their flexibility and ability to adjust to these changing conditions. They also serve as a powerful implementation tool because they directly align with local societal challenges and are frequently executed and maintained by local communities. This fosters broad support, while the nature of these measures allows them to be quickly tested through pilots and scaled up.
All these factors make NbS a fundamental pillar for climate-adaptive water system transformation.
