UN Water Envoy exchanges international knowledge
Water Envoy Meike van Ginneken is a global advocate in the field of water, a position that opens many doors. ‘And we need that, because if you share knowledge, you also gain knowledge in return,’ says Meike. But what exactly is her role as water envoy?
What does a water envoy do?
Meike van Ginneken is the Water Envoy for the Kingdom of the Netherlands and also serves as the director of the Climate Adaptation and Water International Programme Directorate at Rijkswaterstaat.
‘As Water Envoy, I am the figurehead of the Netherlands as a water nation abroad. We share our expertise while also advocating for water to remain high on the international political agenda. I frequently speak at international forums because the Dutch government views this as essential.’
‘We deploy our water expertise as a form of diplomatic influence. As Water Envoy, I work across government ministries to coordinate efforts towards the Dutch International Water Ambition.’
How does this exchange of knowledge work?
‘I frequently speak at international conferences, such as those hosted by the World Bank. Visits to countries are always highly targeted. For example, during a trip to India, I learned how they manage water in the Brahmaputra and Ganges rivers, knowledge that can inform our approach to the Rhine.’
‘Sometimes, I accompany trade missions, such as one to Canada, or support embassies in shaping their water programmes, as I did in Iraq. Water-related challenges, which are universal, often serve as an excellent starting point for collaboration. Even in countries with complex diplomatic relations with the Netherlands, water often provides a neutral platform for building better ties.’
The role of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in environmental impact assessments (EIAs)
‘EIA legislation and the EIA Commission must safeguard the SDGs. This goes beyond the right to clean water. Hunger, poverty, climate, and living environments are all intrinsically linked to water. At the World Bank, I worked extensively on EIAs.’
‘Personally, I find the social dimension of impact assessments—the equivalent of a social EIA—especially critical. Addressing the social environment is particularly important in areas where the local population lacks sufficient protection.’
How do you establish links with other countries?
‘Success doesn’t come from flying between conferences to deliver speeches. It’s about fostering collaboration for tangible action at both local and national levels. For instance, farmers adopting water-efficient practices locally, or improved cooperation on transboundary rivers.’
‘You lay the groundwork for these agreements at conferences, but the real progress happens on the ground, through organisations working directly within the country.’
The role of water in climate adaptation
‘Water can be the driver for climate adaptation. Think of natural water buffers that manage surpluses or act as reservoirs during periods of scarcity. Climate change can mean both more and less water. We need to recognise that not all activities will remain viable everywhere.’
‘In the Netherlands, water and soil are now central to spatial planning decisions. Crisis management is also vital. Crisis management is also crucial, as there’s no such thing as zero risk.’
The growing importance of water and soil
‘What’s remarkable is that water and soil are becoming central not just in the Netherlands but globally. Climate change and population growth highlight the limits of what can be achieved. Increasingly, solutions are designed with an integrated view of entire areas. Strategic EIAs and area-based plans are essential tools for this.’
Key developments in the Netherlands
‘For 800 years, we fought against the water. The biggest shift now is that we are learning to live with water and nature. This means moving away from draining water into the sea as quickly as possible. Instead, we’re storing it for drier periods.’
A striking international project
‘In Cartagena, Colombia, the Dutch government supports the Water-as-Leverage project. Here, water is used as a lever to plan a climate-resilient and liveable city in collaboration with local residents. This includes safe coastal defences and lagoon restoration. It’s a fantastic starting point.’
Improving planning and EIAs
‘In my experience, EIAs need stronger follow-up. Monitoring the mitigation of environmental and social effects is crucial. Experience shows that approved plans aren’t always fully implemented. Monitoring helps address this gap and allows for adjustments to be made when necessary.’