Water as Leverage

What an insightful, inspiring, and successful two-day interactive "Water as Leverage" workshop in Bangkok we had. It’s been two weeks now, but we are still with our minds and hearts full from the experience. The event sparked critical and creative conversations about living with water in an integrated manner, and we explored practical approaches to Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and funding strategies. On the first day, sessions were collaboratively organized by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Thailand and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, Water as Leverage team, alongside the Office of National Water Resources of Thailand and the Royal Irrigation Department (RID). We were honored to have Remco Van Wijngaarden, the Netherlands Ambassador to Thailand, welcome the participants. Using water management projects from the lower Chao Phraya River Basin as case studies, we engaged in discussions centered on the WaL Academy principles. Participants connected with these principles and reflected on how they shape their work, with a notable focus on inclusive design. The second day, held at the RID Training Center, deepened our exploration of co-creation and adaptive pathways using NbS. Participants worked with toolkits to propose NbS strategies for the Chao Phraya River Basin, fostering a hands-on approach to sustainable solutions. We had the privilege of hearing from financiers like the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Green Climate Fund (GCF), and Climate Finance Network Thailand (CFNT), who shared their insights into financing NbS projects. Discussions covered the challenges and opportunities of financing NbS across different scales and time frames, emphasizing climate adaptation, mitigation, and even the value of leaving ecosystems undisturbed to protect biodiversity. The highlight of the third day was exploring Bangkok’s historic canals, led by Deputy BMA Governor Mr. Sanon Wangsrangboon and Ms. Rujira Arin, Bureau of Cultural Tourism and Sports. Participants kayaked along the canals, experiencing the city from the water and gaining insight into reconnecting Thai culture with these waterways. The goal is to inspire public engagement and spark dialogue on sustainable development. The day ended at a community center with discussions on innovative technologies and approaches to regenerate Bangkok’s waterways. Stayed tuned for the next steps! Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) | Partner in Sustainable Development | Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Waterstaat | Bangkok Metropolitan Administration | ROYAL IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT | Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Thailand | Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Department of Public Works Town and Country Planning (DPT) | Deltares | Monica Velasco B.|Robert Proos | Stephanie Janssen | Kotchakorn Voraakhom | Sutdhapanya Pantipa | Victoria Elema | Patarisa Boonserm | Naim Laeni | Sandra Schoof | Sander Carpay | Sanjay Pahuja | Geoff Wilson |

🌍 Join us tomorrow at the Water as Leverage City Champion Challenge session at WUF12! Discover how cities worldwide are scaling up urban water resilience through innovative, sustainable, and inclusive solutions.   When: November 6, 2024 Time: 17:00 - 18:30 Where: Multipurpose Room 19 Livestream: Accessible via the WUF12 app! This is a unique opportunity to connect with urban water resilience champions, hear their inspiring stories, and explore pathways to a more climate-resilient future. Let’s learn, share, and pave the way for water-resilient cities together!   Link to the session: https://lnkd.in/ex9rDy9d   Don’t miss out—see you there! 💧 #WUF12 #WaterAsLeverage #UrbanWaterResilience Water as Leverage Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) | Partner in Sustainable Development UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) Deltares Meike van Ginneken Sander Carpay Naomi Hoogervorst Sandra Schoof Annemieke Nijhof Åsa Jonsson Stephanie Janssen Sabrina Couvin Rodriguez Josien Grashof Laure Garel Alina Koschmieder Diego Vivas Huaccho @Marco Russo Robert Proos Joost van den Broek Monica Velasco B. Kotchakorn Voraakhom Bapon Shm Fakhruddin, PhD Mahesh Rajasekar Anton Earle David White aldayjover Kounkuey Design Initiative Jack Campbell Clause André van Ommeren Judith Arends Iris Bijlsma Lisa Hartog Roxanne van Deursen Andre Visurraga @Juan david hoyos arquitecto

Only one week away to join us on 6th November at 17hrs at WUF12 for the Water as Leverage City Champion Challenge event. A unique opportunity to meet the winners and apply the Water as Leverage principles at the Innovation Lab yourself! 📅 Join us on 6th November at 17:00 📍Multipurpose Room 19 🔗 Link to the event: https://lnkd.in/ex9rDy9d #WaterAsLeverage #WUF12 #UrbanWaterResilience #CityChampions #WaLInitiatives #ClimateAction Water as Leverage Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) | Partner in Sustainable Development UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) Deltares Meike van Ginneken Sander Carpay Naomi Hoogervorst Sandra Schoof Annemieke Nijhof Åsa Jonsson Stephanie Janssen Sabrina Couvin Rodriguez Josien Grashof Laure Garel Alina Koschmieder Diego Vivas Huaccho Marco Russo Robert Proos Joost van den Broek Monica Velasco B. Kotchakorn Voraakhom Bapon Shm Fakhruddin, PhD Mahesh Rajasekar Anton Earle David White aldayjover Kounkuey Design Initiative Jack Campbell Clause André van Ommeren Judith Arends Iris Bijlsma Lisa Hartog Roxanne van Deursen Andre Visurraga @Juan david hoyos arquitecto

🌎 Meet the Water as Leverage City Champions! 🌍 We are thrilled to announce the 4 winners* of the first-ever Water as Leverage (WaL) City Champion Challenge! They will join us at the 12th World Urban Forum to explore innovative ways to build urban water resilience. 📅 Join us on 6th November at 17:00 📍Multipurpose Room 19 🔗 Link to the event: https://lnkd.in/ex9rDy9d They are true champions of practicing the WaL Principles! 🙌 A big thank you to all applicants for their inspiring urban water resilience initiatives. Stay tuned for updates as we showcase all the shortlisted projects and share exciting moments from WUF12. #WaterAsLeverage #WUF12 #UrbanWaterResilience #CityChampions #WaLInitiatives #ClimateAction Water as Leverage Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) | Partner in Sustainable Development UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) Deltares Meike van Ginneken Sander Carpay Naomi Hoogervorst Sandra Schoof Annemieke Nijhof Åsa Jonsson Stephanie Janssen Sabrina Couvin Rodriguez Josien Grashof Laure Garel Alina Koschmieder Diego Vivas Huaccho Marco Russo Robert Proos Joost van den Broek Monica Velasco B. Kotchakorn Voraakhom Bapon Shm Fakhruddin, PhD Mahesh Rajasekar Anton Earle David White aldayjover Kounkuey Design Initiative Jack Campbell Clause André van Ommeren Judith Arends Iris Bijlsma Lisa Hartog Roxanne van Deursen Andre Visurraga juan david hoyos arquitecto   *Due to the quality of the works submitted, the Jury decided to chose 4 winners.

Exciting News from Bangkok! On July 1-2, 2024, the Water as Leverage Academy Workshop (WaL Academy Bangkok 2024) was organised as the first global case study,, hosted at the Embassy of the Netherlands and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Office (BMA). Experts and innovators  gathered to tackle one of today’s biggest challenges—urban water management. Co-organized by Landprocess Landscape Design Office and the Embassy of the Netherlands, with key support from the National Water Resources Office of  the Department of Climate Change and Environment and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, this dynamic workshop focused on reshaping Bangkok's water future by blending sustainable urban development with cutting-edge water solutions by adopting the Water as Leverage Principles. Over two action-packed days, diverse stakeholders engaged in collaborative activities, which fostered discussions across disciplines and sectors. These efforts were aimed at breaking down traditional silos and creating an inclusive network of water professionals. The workshop's participatory approach encouraged knowledge exchange and the co-creation of practical solutions, aligning with the larger Water as Leverage Program initiated by the Netherlands. This event is a part of ongoing efforts to address Bangkok's climate-related water challenges and to enhance urban water resilience through transformative and inclusive projects. The final report, detailing key insights and outcomes from the workshop, is now available here! This week, on Thursday & Friday, October 24-25, the Embassy of the Netherlands in Bangkok and the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) are hosting the 2nd WaL Workshop!  This time, national stakeholders will be front and center, as we dive into the critical discussions on understanding the complexity of integrating Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) into water management infrastructure. We’re thrilled to also welcome representatives from international financial institutions (IFIs) to discuss funding future-proof urban infrastructure solutions. Get ready for two impactful days of “water-talks and water-actions,” connecting diverse minds to build partnerships and create a resilient, future-proof Bangkok. Stay tuned for updates! Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) | Partner in Sustainable Development | Water as Leverage | Deltares | Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Thailand | UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) | Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Waterstaat | ROYAL IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT (RID) | Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) | Bangkok Metropolitan Administration | Landprocess | Remco Van Wijngaarden | Sander Carpay | Victoria Elema | Stephanie Janssen | Sutdhapanya Pantipa | Patarisa Boonserm | Kotchakorn Voraakhom | Naim Laeni | Monica Velasco B. | Robert Proos |   Naomi Hoogervorst | Sandra Schoof | Iris Bijlsma |

🌟 The WaL City Champion Challenge deadline has been postponed! 🌟 We’re excited to welcome even more visionary urban changemakers to join this global initiative. If you're passionate about tackling critical water challenges like flooding, drought, and pollution, now is the perfect time to submit your ideas! This is your chance to showcase innovative solutions, connect with like-minded leaders, and contribute to creating sustainable, climate-resilient cities. Finalists will attend the World Urban Forum in Cairo, Egypt, November 2024. Submit your ideas and be part of the movement! New deadline: October 14th, 11:59 pm CET. 👉 More info: https://lnkd.in/dvhc3Ab8 Water as Leverage | Deltares | UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) | Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Waterstaat | Meike van Ginneken | Sander Carpay | Åsa Jonsson | Global Water Operators' Partnerships Alliance/UN-Habitat (GWOPA) | Bapon Shm Fakhruddin, PhD | Green Climate Fund | Kotchakorn Voraakhom | Mahesh Rajasekar | Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure | Anton Earle | ICLEI | Sandra Schoof | Naomi Hoogervorst | Laure Garel | Alina Koschmieder | Monica Velasco B. | Robert Proos | Diego Vivas Huaccho | Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) | Partner in Sustainable Development

🌍 Meet the Jury for the Water as Leverage City Champion Challenge! 💧 We are thrilled to announce the incredible panel of experts who will be reviewing and evaluating the innovative solutions submitted for the Water as Leverage City Champion Challenge! 💡   Our esteemed jury members bring a wealth of expertise in urban development, climate resilience, social inclusion, landscape design, NBS, water management, and climate finance. Their insights will guide the selection of forward-thinking initiatives that can drive real impact.   The top projects will be showcased on the global stage at the World Urban Forum in Cairo, putting your ideas in the spotlight! 🌎✨   🗓️ Only 6 days left until the submission deadline! Don't miss this chance to shape the future of water-resilient cities!   🔗 Submit your initiative now and join us in building climate-resilient urban landscapes!🌱🤝 https://lnkd.in/dvhc3Ab8 Water as Leverage | UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) | Deltares | Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Waterstaat | Meike van Ginneken | Sander Carpay | Åsa Jonsson | Global Water Operators' Partnerships Alliance/UN-Habitat (GWOPA) | Bapon Shm Fakhruddin, PhD | Green Climate Fund | Kotchakorn Voraakhom | Mahesh Rajasekar | Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure | Anton Earle | ICLEI | Sandra Schoof | Naomi Hoogervorst | Laure Garel | Alina Koschmieder | Monica Velasco B. | Robert Proos | Diego Vivas Huaccho | Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) | Partner in Sustainable Development

🌟 Water as Leverage Nakuru for a Resilient Sponge City Call for Action's deadline is this coming Monday 7th of October at 12:00 CET. 🌟 We are looking forward receiving all the innovative proposals for together working towards a future proof Nakuru. 👉 We have published an Addendum of the 2nd Q&A answering few more questions. Find the publication in this link: https://lnkd.in/dD-fa-hX Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) | Partner in Sustainable Development | Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Waterstaat | Water as Leverage | Sandra Schoof | Iris Bijlsma | Monica Velasco B. | Robert Proos | Sander Carpay | Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Kenya | Viola Chelang'at Kilel ,CDFA | Myrko Webers | Joy Karimi | VEI | TenderNed | Carla Dekker | UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) | Naomi Hoogervorst | Laure Garel

“Water has long been a priority for the Netherlands, and we are proud to continue leading global efforts contributing to the water action agenda. The water action agenda is in full swing. It is crucial in addressing the global water crisis, not just  for the survival of our ecosystems, but for the safety and wellbeing of communities everywhere.” Meike van Ginneken | Water Envoy Kingdom of the Netherlands 🌟We are eagerly anticipating submissions for the first-ever WaL City Champion Challenge 🌟 Around the world, incredible and inspiring initiatives are emerging, and we are excited to share and welcome them into the growing WaL Global community. Together, we can make a real difference in addressing the most urgent water and climate challenges of our time. Building resilience and securing a future-proof planet is our top priority, and we believe that innovative solutions and local actions are key to achieving this goal. This is a unique opportunity to showcase these works on a global stage, connect with like-minded changemakers, and be part of a movement that is driving real impact. 💧 What is the Water as Leverage City Champion Challenge? This global initiative aims to bring together visionary urban stakeholders who are passionate about tackling critical water-related challenges such as flooding, drought, and pollution. By integrating innovative solutions, we strive to create cities that are not only sustainable and inclusive but also resilient to climate impacts. 🌍Why Should You Participate? Be at the forefront of global climate action Help create long-term solutions for millions of urban residents Contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals Join us on this journey to transform cities and make a lasting impact on urban water resilience! 💡 Who Should Join? The challenge is open to a diverse range of participants including urban planners, engineers, policymakers, innovators, and community leaders. The finalists will attend the 12th session of the World Urban Forum WUF held in Cairo, Egypt, 4-8 of November 2024. 👉 Submit your ideas until the 12th of October 23:59 CET. Click the link for more info: https://lnkd.in/dvhc3Ab8 Water as Leverage | Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Waterstaat |Meike van Ginneken | Sander Carpay | Netherlands Enterprise Agency | Victoria Elema | UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) | Deltares | Green Climate Fund | Bapon Shm Fakhruddin, PhD | Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure | Umamaheshwaran Rajasekar | ICLEI | Anton Earle | Kotchakorn Voraakhom | Global Water Operators' Partnerships Alliance/UN-Habitat (GWOPA) | Åsa Jonsson | Naomi Hoogervorst | Sandra Schoof | Stephanie Janssen | Laure Garel | Alina Koschmieder | Monica Velasco B. | Robert Proos | Diego Vivas Huaccho | Sabrina Couvin Rodriguez | Iris Bijlsma

🚀💧 This is your chance to showcase innovative solutions that create sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient cities. Join the Water as Leverage City Champion Challenge now! In the video our colleague Stephanie Janssen sets out the principles and encourages you to move away from fragmentation to integration as you design your new solution.    🤔 It’s clear that we need to rethink our current approaches if we want to create more sustainable urban water systems. The 8 principles of the Water as Leverage guidelines can help create these solutions.   🤝Spearheaded by Water as Leverage, the City Champion Challenge embraces an integrated approach to tackling the impacts of climate change on city water systems and communities. Flooding, drought, pollution, are only some of the issues that cities face. Deltares is proud to be part of the challenge, alongside the Netherlands Enterprise Agency  and UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme). Submit your ideas now and help shape the future of water-resilient cities! More information at 👉 https://rebrand.ly/9mfardh #EnablingDeltaLife #UrbanResilience #WaterAsLeverage #CityChampionChallenge