BANGLADESH - THE NETHERLANDS - 50 years of water cooperation opportunities together - Blue ...
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BANGLADESH - THE NETHERLANDS 50 years of water cooperation creating water opportunities together DELTA PLAN: FUTURE STARTS TODAY WATER AND SANITATION FOR MILLIONS FOCUS ON SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT TOWARDS CLEANER TEXTILE
BANGLADESH - THE NETHERLANDS 50 YEARS OF WATER COOPERATION Lilianne Ploumen Melanie Schultz van Haegen COLOPHON 3 PREFACE NETHERLANDS PREFACE PREFACE BANGLADESH 4 BY LILIANNE PLOUMEN AND MELANIE SCHULTZ VAN HAEGEN LONG HISTORY OF COOPERATION 6 Cooperation between Bangladesh and the Netherlands in the water levels. At the same time people in Bangladesh, like anywhere else FACTS ABOUT BANGLADESH 8 Bangladesh - The Netherlands 50 years of water cooperation in Bangladesh sector goes back over half a century. We have worked together on in the world, rely on surface water and groundwater for the rice flood management, drainage, river basin management and coastal they eat and the water they drink. Industries like the textile industry zone management – creating safe polders and making land available need large quantities of water. Factories discharge wastewater into DELTA PLAN: FUTURE STARTS TODAY 10 Published by the Netherlands Water Partnership for the Dutch Government (Partners for Water Programme), in cooperation with for the landless. And together with NGOs and the private sector we rivers, causing severe environmental pollution. Climate change the Bangladesh ministry of Water and the environment. have improved access to safe water and sanitation for millions of appears to increase the risk of extreme events: more severe floods www.dutchwatersector.com/bangladesh people in Bangladesh. Bangladesh has an impressive track record for and longer spells of drought. Economic growth and degradation TWELVE BUILDING BLOCKS 12 Content & Editing: Bauke ter Braak growth and development, and aspires to be a middle-income country of ecosystems in Bangladesh – and in neighbouring countries that Coordination: Christina Boomsma (NWP) within the next ten years. So over the past few years our relationship share the same water resources – may exacerbate water-related Concept and realisation Kris Kras context, content and design has gradually evolved from a single focus on development risks. So we are calling for a special focus on transboundary water DELTA ATLAS: PROBLEMS AT A GLANCE 13 For more information please contact: cooperation to a stronger emphasis on trade and investment, management and a sensible distribution of water among households, Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) creating opportunities for Dutch and Bangladeshi companies to do industry, agriculture and the environment. Dutch companies, Communications Department business. NGOs and knowledge institutes are ready to offer their experience BLUE GOLD: SOLID FOUNDATION 14 P.O. Box 82327 2508 EH The Hague and expertise, seek innovative solutions and team up with their The Netherlands Water has to be managed wisely to improve health, reduce poverty counterparts in Bangladesh. and sustain economic development. People, livelihoods and FIGHTING FLOODS AND SALINISATION 16 T + 31 (0)70 3043700 E info@nwp.nl infrastructure have to be protected against floods and rising sea We look forward to working together on these challenges. This publication was supported by the Partners for Water Programme. WATER AND SANITATION FOR MILLIONS 18 TOWARDS CLEANER TEXTILE 20 Lilianne Ploumen Melanie Schultz van Haegen Minister for Foreign Trade and Minister of Infrastructure and Development Cooperation the Environment KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE 22 2 3
BANGLADESH - THE NETHERLANDS 50 YEARS OF WATER COOPERATION COOPERATION WITH THE NETHERLANDS IN THE WATER SECTOR IN BANGLADESH Anisul Islam Mahmud Minister of Water Resources 1. BACKGROUND (1977) came up with a more integrated and participatory approach. SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT concept and the ultimate result is CDSP-I, CDSP-II, CDSP-III and CDSP-IV. The Netherlands government established relationships with Bangladesh A balance between the socio-economic development and technical The main socio-economic effects of the projects are increased These projects have benefitted thousands of landless people through after the recognition of Bangladesh in 1971. Since then, initiatives development of water management has been achieved by means of the poverty alleviation, increased agricultural productivity, changes in rehabilitation. The construction of the cross dam concept has also been within a cooperation programme by the Netherlands government have Compartmentalization Project (1990), System Rehabilitation Project land tenure, changes in employment and income, and social services. initiated through these projects. Recently, it has been discussed that, been started in various sectors of Bangladesh. These have helped to (1990), Char Development and Settlement Project (1994) and so on. Improved management of the water sector by means of protection reclaimed lands for major rivers are suitable for modernized settlement overcome enormous challenges - reducing poverty, improving livelihood The contribution to the recently started Water Management against floods, the construction of polders and a regulated water and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) development. Therefore, opportunities and achieving sustainable growth. Presently, the main focuses of the Improvement Project (2007) is also noteworthy and an example supply has increased agricultural production. Results of a field have been created to improve the socio-economic conditions of Netherlands are water and food security, with the priority areas being of integrated water resources management. These different water survey showed that the Early Implementation Project contributed to Bangladesh, by learning the lesson from past projects initiated with the good governance, gender equality and climate change. For more than management projects initiated the concept of participatory water increasing cropping intensity in project areas by 40%. On average, cooperation of the Netherlands government. five decades, the Netherlands has been involved in the development of resources management in Bangladesh and created stakeholder more than a 30% yield increase had occurred through EIP. Project the water sector in Bangladesh. The present vision of the Netherlands ownership with regard to the projects. activities also increase employment opportunities and income, which in LONG-TERM STRATEGIC PLAN cooperation in compliance with the vision of the Ministry of Water turn contributes to social livelihood improvement. The CDSP and BLUE In recent times, the Netherlands government has made enormous Resources is to promote the management of rivers from salinization, COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT Gold projects/program in particular resulted in an increase in socio- contributions to the long-term strategic planning of Bangladesh. With land reclamation and the integrated flood management, for poverty The Netherlands’ development cooperation programme has always economic development. The overall objective of the Blue Gold Program the aid of the Netherlands, the Bangladesh government has initiated the alleviation and improved socio-economic development for a sustainable shown particular consideration to the coastal zone management of is to reduce poverty for 150,000 households living in a 160,000 formulation of Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100, which is a long-term strategic environment. Bangladesh. The Delta Development Project started in 1976 with a ha area of selected coastal polders, by creating a healthy living plan for Bangladesh, in order to achieve the sustainable development vision to achieve an integrated development of land, water and human environment and lessening gender discrimination, and by sustainable of Bangladesh delta. The Delta Plan is more than just a one-off planning 2. CONTRIBUTION TO THEMED PROJECTS resources, in south west Bangladesh. Positive achievements of the socio-economic development. exercise and aims to provide the foundation for permanent deltaic The Netherlands government has funded a number of milestone project included increased agricultural production, the successful governance in Bangladesh, through the outlining of a delta framework. projects to contribute to different themed projects. These projects are organisation of landless groups, and the improvement of labour FOOD SECURITY contributing towards the implementation of integrated water resources conditions. In order to develop the socio-economic conditions of the Food security is one of the key themes in the Netherlands’ development 3. CONCLUSION management in Bangladesh. The Netherlands contribution can broadly poorest segment of the coastal zone and to strengthen the local programme. Various projects carried out have always had the aim of The Netherlands government has always aimed to assist in accelerating be classified into the following areas: institution, the Char Development and Settlement Project-I (CDSP-I) promoting agriculture production, in order to achieve food security and the economic growth and sustainable development of Bangladesh was set up in 1994, which continued up to 1999. Later on, the projects to realize a sustainable situation. The System Rehabilitation Project through development cooperation with a special focus on the water WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CDSP-II, CDSP-III and CDSP-IV were set up. The Integrated Coastal started in 1990 is one example. Nowadays, the main emphasis is placed sector. This collaboration will be continued - linking water management, Water resources management is an important component of the Zone Management Plan is also a milestone project funded by the Dutch on managing water, in order to help improve and diversify agricultural food production and market access. Bangladesh now wants to join Netherlands’ development cooperation programme with Bangladesh. government, where steps have been taken to create conditions, resulting production, aquaculture and livestock farming and to set up an effective forces with the Netherlands to work on a comprehensive approach to Since the initiation of the cooperation programme, an integrated and in the reduction of poverty, the development of sustainable livelihoods control system for food security. the water industry. The Netherlands will provide funding and expertise comprehensive approach has been taken in a participatory manner for and the integration of the coastal zone into a national process. Initiatives and invite Dutch businesses to take part in the Bangladeshi market, water resources management, as well as technical approaches. Early of the Netherlands government for the coastal region of Bangladesh LAND RECLAMATION in order to achieve its integrated vision of poverty alleviation and Implementation Projects (EIP) started in 1975, are an illustration of a are therefore contributing to land zoning, resources utilization, The Netherlands government has made a notable contribution in sustainable economic growth. Therefore, from the past experiences direct implementation to develop water management infrastructures. environmental sustainability, poverty alleviation and safeguarding Bangladesh in the field of land reclamation from different rivers for it is evident that RNE is the best friend of GoB in respect of water The Delta Development Project (1976) and Land Reclamation Projects people against natural disasters or climate change. the development of Char. The Land Reclamation Project initiated this management and development. 4 5
BANGLADESH - THE NETHERLANDS 50 YEARS OF WATER COOPERATION RELATIONSHIP BASED ON LONG HISTORY OF COOPERATION The history of today’s intensive water cooperation between Bangladesh and the Netherlands started long before the independence of the people’s republic of Bangladesh in 1971. 1975 – 1992: EARLY IMPLEMENTATION PROJECT One of the most successful water projects was the Early Implementation Project (EIP, 1975-1992) which introduced people’s participation in various project development cycles e.g. sub-project identification, feasibility, planning, design and implementation. 1956 – 1964 ‘FLOOD ACTION PLAN’ Professor Willem Johan van Blommenstein, a well-known Dutch water engineer, was one of the members of the UN mission (Krug 1960 ONWARDS: ‘POLDERS’ Mission) that took place in 1956-1957, right after the large scale Since the 1960s, many Dutch-style polders and embankments were 1987: FLOOD ACTION PLAN flooding of 1954 and 1955. The mission provided advice to the constructed in coastal areas, to protect coastal communities from After floods in 1987 and 1988 the Dutch became involved government about water and flood dynamics in East Pakistan. It salinity intrusion, daily tidal movement and occasional surges, and with the Flood Action Plan (FAP), an effort to develop a recommended to set up a Department of Waterways (modelled to support the civilian population engaged in farming and aquacul- flood management plan for the delta. after Rijkswaterstaat: the Dutch agency for public works and ture activities. water management). Firstly called EPWAPDA (East Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority) and later renamed BWDB: 1990: CEGIS Bangladesh Water Development Board. In the 1990s, the Dutch- Bangladesh relationship The Master Plan on water management was formulated in 1964. Van played an important role in Blommenstein designed a combination plan for the Brahmaputra- setting up the organization Gangesdelta. It consisted of a moveable weir in the Brahmaputra EGIS (now CEGIS), the with horizontal hydropower turbines, a channel between the two 1996 – 2002: PWM Centre for Environmental rivers, a sea dike including weirs, locks, pump stations and polders Following the success of the EIP, the Netherlands supported and Geographic as well as different irrigation systems. Later the Ganges-Kodabak 1964: ‘THIJSSE HYDROLOGY REPORT’ the participatory water management (PWM) approach Information Services. irrigation project which enabled three rice harvests per year Research by Professor J.Th. Thijsse from implemented under Small Scale Projects (
BANGLADESH - THE NETHERLANDS 50 YEARS OF WATER COOPERATION WATER COOPERATION BANGLADESH & THE NETHERLANDS ONE DELTA VISION, FOUR 147.500 square kilometres 150 million citizens, from 50 million in 1960. Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world: about 1.100 citizens per square kilometre (almost three times as much as the Netherlands). THEMES, INNOVATIVE PROJECTS As both countries face the same water challenges, working together comes naturally. The cooperation takes place on many levels, ranging from the strategic Delta Plan 2100, to very concrete projects for example protecting the ‘chars’, or newly reclaimed lands of Bangladesh. The different According to research executed for the Bangladesh In 2012, 57% of the population (approximately projects cover many urgent water issues in Bangladesh. But they all focus on the four leading themes in our cooperation: government in 2011, 31.5% of the population lived 88 million) used improved sanitation in poverty (over 50 million people). Poverty dropped facilities, leaving about 66 million people to use by nearly a third, together with increased life unimproved sanitation facilities. expectancy, literacy, etc. Since 1992, more than 15 million Bangladeshis have moved out of living below the poverty line. In 2014 Bangladesh experienced the highest Bangladesh has the aspiration to temperature in 54 years, become a middle-income country which has led to an acute In 2012 85% of the population by 2021, on its 50th birthday. GDP water shortage in rivers (approximately 131 million growth will need to increase towards and low lying areas. people) used an improved 7.5 to 8 percent per year most likely drinking water source. based on accelerated export and remittance growth. FACTS ABOUT BANGLADESH For the past decade economic growth (GDP) 5% of Bangladesh is less than 10 meters above 7 has averaged 6 percent annually. sea level and 80% consists of flood plains. 93% of the river discharge comes from outside of water, sanitation and Bangladesh, from 57 trans-boundary rivers. water and food hygiene In Bangladesh the rivers Ganges, Meghna and Brahmaputra converge in a delta covering almost the entire country. Each year about 20-25% of the country of Bangladesh is flooded, causing loss of lives and Annual floods inundate up to 60% of the country. Storm waves infrastructural damage. During from the Bay of Bengal, cyclone Sidr in 2007 and Aila in severe floods such as those of 2009 demonstrate the country’s fragile relations with water 1998, the affected area may exceed resources. Climate change increases both the unpredictability 67% of the country. The floods have and the intensity of such events as do the longer-term caused devastation throughout consequences of higher sea water levels such as more salt Bangladeshi history, especially intrusion and longer dry periods. during the years 1954-1955, 1987, 1988 and 1998. The 2007 South Asian floods also affected a large part of Bangladesh. FACTS ABOUT THE NETHERLANDS •S urface area: 41,528 km² •T hree big European rivers (18.41% water) (Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt) reach the • Total population: over 16.5 million • Population density: 488 people per km2 ocean via the Netherlands and create an important delta. water and textile water management • Highest point: 323 m • 26% of the Netherlands is under • Lowest point: -6.7 m sea level. For more information please visit: www.dutchwatersector.com or contact the Dutch Embassy in Bangladesh: bangladesh.nlembassy.org 8 9
BANGLADESH - THE NETHERLANDS 50 YEARS OF WATER COOPERATION BANGLADESH DELTA PLAN 2100 THE DISTANT FUTURE STARTS TODAY TOWARDS Bangladesh is undergoing a rapid economic growth while facing Economic Division (GED) of the Ministry of Planning. This Ministry some extensive challenges in the field of climate change, water of Planning is responsible for holistic long term planning at national safety and food interfering with the continuation of this growth. level. The Bangladesh Delta Plan serves as an umbrella that Nineteen issues THE DELTA Actually the country is one huge delta along a vulnerable coastal integrates all sector plans and policies with long term perspectives. area. This combination exposes Bangladesh to flood danger It will change the individual sectorial approach of project planning The Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 works on nineteen and large water quality problems. For that reason, in close and implementation to a multi-lateral coordinated approach. This integrated issues, organised in eight blocks: cooperation with Dutch experts, Bangladesh is working towards plan can be linked to short term plans such as Five Year Plans PLAN the Delta Plan 2100: an integrated and holistic long term vision. and Vision 2021. The plan will enable the government policies and Water Resources The Delta plan prepares the country for a sustainable future and institutions to formulate and implement climate change adaptation 1 Morphological dynamics of Bangladesh Delta at the same time optimizes short and mid-term approach. programs in a more consistent way. The Delta Plan can facilitate 2 Water resources conservation of natural resources in a comprehensive manner, 3 Coastal Polder issues In 2014 a consortium consisting of Dutch and Bangladeshi experts especially the river floodplains and coastal ecosystems. Water Supply and Sanitation initiated the design of the Delta plan in connection with an implemen- 4 Public heath, water supply and sanitation An important milestone towards the Bangladesh Delta Plan tation program. The vision for developing the Bangladesh delta is to The plan enhances the capacity of good governance through its 2100 was the signature of the Memorandum of Understanding achieve long term sustainable development through adaptive water focus on institutional arrangements, strengthening and capacity Disaster Risk Reduction (MoU) on May 2012 in Dhaka to jointly develop a long 5 Climate change issues governance, based on long term analysis and scenario’s as well as building, equity and justice among all sectors. The funding process term national flood protection plan. Planning Minister AK 6 Disaster management integration of relevant policy sectors and the creation of adequate will be more comprehensive among different governmental and Khandker of Bangladesh and former Minister for International institutional arrangements and capacity. The Delta Plan will create a non-governmental stakeholders, thus using limited funds more Spatial Planning Cooperation Ben Knapen of the Netherlands signed the clear vision or grand design of the future in 2100. effectively. The Bangladesh Delta Plan is a means of strengthening 7 Land resources MoU. The signing ceremony was attended by the honorable international cooperation with neighboring countries as well as 8 Urbanization and settlement Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The MoU outlines a strategic LONG AND SHORT TERM development partners. partnership with the Dutch government. Planning Minister Food Security The plan will translate the vision for the future to the current AK Khandker: ‘We have wasted many resources to implement 9 Agriculture and food security situation known as ‘back casting’. The authorization was granted by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign 10 Fisheries and livestock those single-unit plans. That’s why the government has taken Affairs, in close coordination with the Bangladesh Ministry of the holistic approach, encompassing different sectors like Based on forecasting and back casting, while engaging with a wide Planning and values the approximate amount of €6,5 million. Environmental Management agriculture, fisheries, industry, forestation, water management 11 Ecological Settings community of relevant stakeholders and professionals, actions leading Process time of developing/implementing the Delta plan is 2.5 and sanitation.’ 12 Forests and biodiversity from the present day to the desired future are designed. Short and years. The project connects with the Dutch policy on development 13 Environmental pollution medium term projects become an integrated part of the ‘grand aid: the goal of the Netherlands is to contribute to a better water The Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 Formulation Project was formally design’, instead of just ‘trial and error’ actions. Based on that vision management in specific countries deploying companies and Economics and Finance inaugurated on 27 August 2014. At the launch of the project short term ‘no-regret’ measures and actions leading from the present knowledge institutions. The interchange of knowledge with third 14 Growth of Population and Management in the Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal stressed the need for day situation to the desired future can be defined. Stakeholder parties in Bangladesh will ensure continuity after completion of context of resources setting development efforts to be sustained, and mentioned that climate 15 Socio-economic and demographic condition participation is an important element of success in the development the project. change is a global phenomenon affecting everyone, everywhere. Sustainable Transportation Infrastructures 16 of the Delta Plan. The basic idea behind this participatory approach is the increasing degree of involvement and trust between parties and The consortium outlining the Delta plan is managed by consultancy Governance He also thanked the Government of The Netherlands for their ownership on problems and solutions: sharing certain influence or agency Twynstra Gudde. The Bangladeshi parties are the Centre for 17 Information and creation of knowledge cooperation with Bangladesh in tackling delta management power with other parties on different levels. Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS) and management institution issues. At the ceremony H.E. Mr. Gerben de Jong, Ambassador of 18 Institutional framework/arrangement the Institute of Water Modelling (IWM). The other Dutch consortium 19 Regional cooperation the Netherlands to Bangladesh mentioned that the Netherlands UNDER ONE UMBRELLA partners are Euroconsult MottMacDonald, Ecorys, Witteveen+Bos, as a delta faces challenges similar to those in Bangladesh, and Upon recommendation of the Prime Minister’s Office of the D.EFAC.TO, Deltares, Wageningen University, Unesco-IHE and expressed enjoyment to work together to share knowledge on Government of Bangladesh, the project is led by the General Foundation Climate Adaptation Services. delta management issues. More information: www.bandudeltas.org 10 11
BANGLADESH - THE NETHERLANDS 50 YEARS OF WATER COOPERATION TWELVE BUILDING BLOCKS FOR A DELTA APPROACH Urban areas in delta’s worldwide are facing The delta approach is a strategic planning Bangladesh Delta Plan 2010. Three of which similar challenges: rapid population growth, process for delta development that integrates are of vital importance for the cooperation in flood risks, lack of spatial planning, scarce sustainability, institutional, physical and Bangladesh: natural resources. While solutions for each social economic aspects. It is an integrated • long-term approach vs. short-term delta may be different, the preconditions water management planning approach that measures for a sustainable delta approach are the has proven to be very successful in the • collaboration with other government same. In close collaboration with urban Dutch Delta program, and has been tested levels and stakeholders delta’s worldwide, the Netherlands has and developed together with international • integrated approach developed the ‘twelve building blocks for a partners. The twelve building blocks are More information on the building blocks can delta approach’. In short: the ‘must haves’ for essential for a delta approach and therefore be found here: sustainable delta management. play an important role in the design of the www.dutchwatersector.com/delta ‘HOLISTIC VISION MAKES BANGLADESH DELTA PLAN SPECIAL AND INNOVATIVE’ DELTA ATLAS: Jaap de Heer (Twynstra Gudde), project leader for the Netherlands of the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100, is positive about the cooperation and progress. In his view however in some aspects priorities. Concrete sort term plans and overall plans for the mid-term are defined. Beyond short and mid-term we work with scenarios. In our approach different possible future scenarios are being formulated. The DELTA-PROBLEMS AT A GLANCE things could be moved up a gear. strategic measurements are tested in the different scenarios, where strategies that score well on all scenarios are considered to be massive. ‘Our cooperation has become rather solid. In the first phase people were somewhat reserved: in past time there have been so many Our approach also provides actual necessary measures that in no comprehensive plans worldwide that have never actually become way essentially disconcert with the Delta Plan: the so-called no regret more than partially executed. But our own first Dutch Delta plan has measures. We mean a massive investment program for management SPACE TECHNOLOGY FOR given Urban us aninexcellent areas reputation: deltas worldwide arethe extensive facing plan similar has not only challenges: been rapid and maintenance, population growth, floodas risks, a partspatial of the new five year planning, programme scarce natural starting resources. DELTA PROBLEMS produced While but for solutions fullyeach accomplished delta mayas bewell. from June delta different, the preconditions for a sustainable 2015. approach So the total ofthe are oursame. ‘adaptive delta cooperation In close management’with urban deltas worldwide, the Netherlands has developed the ‘twelve building approach blocks differs largely for a delta from theIn approach’. traditional short: theapproach in Bangladesh, ‘must haves’ for Many relevant data are collected for the Delta Plan 2100. In Scientific and technical cooperation We are appreciated sustainable since people are aware of the fact that a large delta management. which usually applied a one dimensional solution for a one the context of the plan a total of nineteen research projects are in the field of space technology can part of the Netherlands is situated below sea-level. In the eyes of dimensional problem. contribute to the solution for food, water the Bangladeshi that makes the Dutch situation more urgent than being carried out. But how can one get an overview, and view the and climate related issues in the delta the situation in their own country: it all depends on how you look at Obviously the realisation and implementation of the Delta Plan is challenges at a glance? Well: by processing all these data in maps, of Bangladesh. Therefore the Dutch it. Besides, we are building upon the intensive cooperation that has largely a matter of money. At the start it was acknowledged that National Air and Space laboratory (NLR) been going on between the two countries ever since the seventies. Of financing should be an integrated part of the project. Otherwise the and to literally overlay them. Exactly as is already being done in the and CEGIS from Bangladesh contracted a course I would sometimes want things to speed up somewhat, we have outcome is another nice glossy plan that will never be applied. For case of the digital climate atlas ‘Delta Atlas’ for Bangladesh, which cooperation agreement. The satellite alert to deal with many rules and stakeholders. But at the same time things that reason the World Bank had initially been contacted. They are systems produced by the NLR lead to an are moving fast, compared to the duration of the preparation and the working on a review of their Bangladesh Country Assistance Strategy. was developed by the Dutch knowledge institute Alterra. improved information and communication decision making on the recent Dutch Delta plan. Sustainable vision and meaningful strategies were considered to infrastructure. be more necessary than ever before and recognised in the Delta Hasse Goosen (Alterra): ‘We collect all the In the same way, by combining and overlaying The Ministry of Planning is responsible for the project, regarding Plan. This has led to a unique Memorandum of Understanding on available map material in our touchable, map data, the drought problems in the North The NLR is an independent knowledge its cross-sector and long term character. I work closely together investment planning between Bangladesh, the Netherlands and the a powerful computer with a very large west, the cyclones and the salination at the institution in the aerospace sector. with the General Economics Division of the Planning Commission, World Bank. A comparable arrangement is supported by the Asian touch screen. The next step is to integrate coast can be mapped. The ambition is to Knowledge centre CEGIS (Centre for of the Bangladeshi government, functioning as a think-tank. Our Development Bank. and connect all that data. We overlay visualize several different climate scenarios and Environmental and Geographic Information team consists of twelve Dutch and approximately thirty Bangladeshi several layers to make the risks in the area demonstrate the great lengths that the water is Services) from Bangladesh focusses on experts, all highly educated employees in every discipline the project Last but not least: water governance and institutional development comprehensible. And so we can provide insight threatening to enter the land due to the rising resource management planning, system requires. More often than not the Bangladeshi experts have partly are important issues. In relation to the Delta Plan the governance in for instance the effects of flashfloods, sea level. development, knowledge development been educated in the Netherlands. cycle must be developed on a national level, combined with the sudden and heavy floods by abundant rainfall and research. Both parties are exploring functionalization and equipment of the implementing organisations. An in the North-Eastern part of the country on Obviously we receive a lot of input from commercial possibilities in the field of climate The holistic vision and approach in combination with the long- approach for monitoring and evaluation for the review and modification the rice cultivation. On one side you find the Bangladeshi and Dutch monitoring experts. change, climate adaptation, reduction of term view make the Bangladesh Delta Plan special and innovative. of the implementation, also related to the adaptive delta management flood charts and on the other the charts with The base of our information is formed by their calamity risks and the design of integrated Our focus is not only on flood danger, but also on water related approach will be developed as well. Most certainly these challenges the data on which type of rice cultivation takes findings, but besides we make sure to be fully environmental analysis in Bangladesh. agricultural aspects, economic and spatial development. A total of should not be underestimated. To come to a safer and more prosperous place and location and time of the harvest. informed by our sources in the region. Together CEGIS and NLR want to support bilateral nineteen coherent issues have been labelled, but with mutual evident Bangladesh, solving these challenges is a key issue.’ The harvest right before the monsoon is the we help to build a secure fundament for the programs in cooperation with partners from most vulnerable. Bangladesh Delta Plan.’ Bangladesh and the Netherlands. 12 13
BANGLADESH - THE NETHERLANDS 50 YEARS OF WATER COOPERATION THE BLUE GOLD CHAR DEVELOPMENT AND SETTLEMENT PROJECT PROJECT: The Char Development and Settlement flats, foreshores and embankments, which Forestry -, Micro Finance - and Tube Well User Project Phase IV (CDSP IV) is the fourth also provide income generation possibilities Groups. They are closely involved in planning PROVIDING phase in a series of projects that have been for Social Forestry Groups. For example: to and implementing the project as well as in developing newly accreted land (chars) improve the climate-resilient infrastructure the operation and maintenance upon the A SOLID in Bangladesh for over two decades. The the project facilitates the building of roads, completion of interventions. project activities of CDSP IV focus on bridges, culverts, cyclone shelters, schools, FOUNDATION the development of five new chars: Char refuges for livestock, markets, boat landing While forming these field level institutions, Nangulia, Noler Char, Caring Char, Urir facilities and bus stops. CDSP IV leads female participation is promoted. The overall Char and Char Ziauddin. Together these the administrative process for the official goal of the Gender action plan in CDSP IV is to Less poverty, a safer living environment encompass around 30,000 ha, with an registration of the land titles. This includes make stakeholders in the project more gender and a sustainable social-economic estimated population of 155,000 people public hearings to confirm the landless sensitive and to ensure sufficient women development, of which around 150,000 living in 28,000 households. CDSP IV households, registering the title in both the participation in the field level institutions households in an area of 160,000 hectares started in March 2011 and will be completed wife’s and husband’s name, and the digital established by the project. will profit. That is Blue Gold, the largest in March 2017. The first three phases of land record management system. programme of the Dutch embassy, aiming CDSP were co-financed by the Government on water management in the polders of of Bangladesh and the Dutch government. The agricultural support subcomponent the three districts: Patuakhali, Khulna en Blue Gold not only aims on technical polder level. The aim is to create effective The International Fund for Agricultural aims at enabling farmers to make better Satkhira. The programme enables local management and safety of water, but also on cooperations with a minimum of thirty percent Development (IFAD) has joined in the use of their land resources. Farmer Forums communities to focus on sustainable water a higher production and a better accessibility female participants, which would be a major fourth phase, which shows good donor are established, and a program to promote management. The programme started in of new markets, to stimulate economic growth. breakthrough in women empowerment. In the harmonization. agricultural technologies is implemented. 2013 and has a duration of 6 years. A project like Blue Gold will fit in seamlessly in field of Integrated Water Resource Management Four NGO’s provide micro-finance services, the Delta plan, especially in relation to climate within Blue Gold works like the repair of the The project enhances protection from provide training on income-generating The name of the multi-annual programme refers change. The effects of climate change seem to dikes and other elements of the polder system climate change on the chars by building activities and disaster management, raise to the fact that for its economic Bangladesh, become even more dramatic than was initially are carried out. Water distribution and drainage embankments, drainage sluices, channels awareness for legal rights and extend health globally the largest river delta, is largely feared. It may involve a one metre sea level is also improved. The aim is constantly at and closures. Water Management Groups are and family planning services. To ensure dependent on integrated and sustainable rise, when already at this time during heavy a close cooperation between governments formed to operate and maintain the developed people’s participation in the interventions water resource management. The three most rainfall half of the country is under water. Due and local communities. Together these are infrastructure. In addition, protective of the project, community based groups are important river stream areas determine the to continuous land reclamation the incline is a necessary condition for the improvement plantations of trees are established on mud formed, such as Water Management-, Social physiography of this country and its people. The getting smaller and smaller, so drainage of of food security, further development of water, the blue gold, made Bangladesh to what rainwater to the sea is getting problematic. agriculture and, following that, economic Flood alert through voice-sms it is today. Bangladesh water management will Blue Gold started at a local level by forming development. Through the embassy in Dhaka continue to be a huge challenge, offering great Water Management Groups at village level Dutch government contributes 50 million euro opportunities at the same time. and Water Management Associations at to Blue Gold. Bangladesh contributes 7.5 million. Forecasting flooding in Bangladesh is improving, but it continues to be difficult to reach the people in all villages in SOUTH WEST PROJECT remote areas as well. Voice sms makes that possible. Dutch consultancy agency HKV and knowledge institute Deltares have recently carried out the project ‘Mobile Services For Flood Early Warning’ in Bangladesh. The main goal of the project was From 2006 to 2015, the South West Water Water fundamentally affects rural livelihoods and strengthen WMA’s. Implementing partner to reach rural communities with flood warnings. Resources Planning and Management Project in Bangladesh as the country’s major regional is Bangladesh Water Development Board has been working on the improvement of river systems bring about annual floods, (BWDB). The results are fairly good; each of In that framework a voice SMS system was piloted, in national water resources management by severe dry-season water scarcity and periodic the 102 WMG’s have established operation and which flood forecasts are provided in Bangladesh. The Flood involving the local communities, both men disasters. The South West areas are facing the management accounts and are performing Forecasting and Warning Center (FFWC) in Dhaka produces and women, to play an expanded role; from most acute problems. operation and management independently. adequate flood forecasts for the main river systems. The planning and design to operations and FFWC disposes of an extensive system for the collection and management. The project infrastructures Effective water management is critical to the The income per household increased by production of hydrologic and other data as input for forecast are handed over to the Water Management addressing of pervasive rural poverty problems. about 32% and the total accrued benefit from models. The system is used to give flood forecasts and alerts Associations (WMA) for operation and The South West Project has introduced enhanced crop & fish production is around USD and spread these daily to governmental and non-governmental maintenance. Almost one million people in participatory Integrated Water Management 430 million by 2012-2013. The Dutch Embassy, organisations, media and other parties. The information was South West Districts benefit from improved Plans (IWMP’s) for Flood Control & Drainage/ Government of Bangladesh and the ADB are spread to the people through volunteers. In the test case these livelihoods. The South West Project (total Irrigation schemes covering about 43,000 ha discussing a possible second phase of the official forecasts of the FFWC have been translated to forecasts budget USD 43,4 million) was funded by The of land in the Southwest area. The project also project. for any given location in Bangladesh. All user groups have been Netherlands, the Asian Development Bank aimed to improve productive and sustainable trained to use this technology and understand the content of (ADB) and the Government of Bangladesh. water management systems and to establish the voice SMSes. 14 15
BANGLADESH - THE NETHERLANDS 50 YEARS OF WATER COOPERATION BALANCE ISLAND WEAPON IN FIGHT Oysters and mangroves as a first line of defence AGAINST SALINISATION Artificial oyster reefs and mangrove to 500 metres with full grown mangrove forests add to a sustainable coastal trees is needed. In the long term this defence, they form an extra line of results in a self-repairing coastal defence to protect vulnerable earthen protection system of oyster reefs and embankments from storms and floods. mangrove forests. Researchers have Besides the reefs and forests are a source concluded that this relatively cheap and of food as well as an income source for sustainable method of eco-engineering the local people. That is what Dutch and contributes to the coastal defence. The Bangladeshi experts determined in a reef and the mangrove forest attract fish pilot financed by the Netherlands, that and crabs, subsequently forming a source was finalised end 2014. The Bangladeshi of food besides the oysters. Furthermore government has shown interest in larger crabs have an additional economic value pilot projects. as a potential export product. Oyster reefs influence streams and waves. For the appearance of this sustainable The appearing sand drifts between reef and self-healing system the oyster reefs and beach make planting of mangrove and the mangrove forests must be very trees possible. An artificially formed well managed: wood nor oysters should oyster reef, with a concrete base, will be removed. Good cooperation with local speed up the growth of the mangrove communities alongside the coastline is forest. For the realisation of coastal essential for sensible management of this protection a broad strip of at least 250 natural line of defence. Impression of balance island in the Netherlands he concept of ‘Balance Islands’ possibly T of Building with Nature as it extends existing world. The concept of the Balance Island won offers an effective solution for the shallow coastal zones through sand suppletion. both the prestigious Dutch Delta Water Award salinization of drinking water and agricultural This creates a natural barrier that will guide and the international Delta Alliance Young areas in river deltas. A multi-disciplinary salt water along pre-determined channels. Professional Award in 2012. Dutch consortium is conducting an international feasibility study to determine he key advantage is that it makes use of the T he study is funded by the Global Water T the situation in Bangladesh and Vietnam. delta’s own dynamics and strengthens the program, financed by the Dutch Ministries of natural values, while at the same time offering Infrastructure and the Environment and Foreign he Balance Island is a concept to reduce T solutions that make the delta area more Affairs. The project partners will carry out coastal salt water intrusion by constructing off- inhabitable. Balance Island can also support the study in close collaboration with existing shore sand islands that create a tidal area with conservation efforts for (aquatic) fauna, flora initiatives, local research institutes and policy brackish water. Balance Island is an example and eco-systems in many river deltas around the makers. Satellite for crops Satellites provide unbiased and conditions, for supporting consistently collected data of large ACI’s management information system. areas, which, if properly processed, are the basis for agricultural monitoring This will eventualluy result in better and information services for farmers services to their customers, the and decision makers. farmers, and improvement to farm ACI, a large agribusiness in Bangladesh inputs, higher production and profits. is launching customer for a new pilot The satellite data and other (basic) in this field. data are available through an open Data Portal in order to make the data A Dutch consortium will support ACI in directly accessible for direct users and demonstrating that reliable information, other stakeholders, as well as other based on satellite data, can be provided potential business services by the year round, under various weather Dutch consortium. 16 17
BANGLADESH - THE NETHERLANDS 50 YEARS OF WATER COOPERATION SANITATION The fundament of the BRAC WASH AND DRINKING approach is the formation of Village WASH Committees (VWC’s) with their CLEAN WATER FOR own responsibility in reaching the goals for drinking water and sanitation in small CANALS AS MILLIONS OF communities. Each VMC consists of six women and five men, a group that is SAFE CITY PEOPLE representative of the village community. Together they select the best spots for FOUNDATION water dwells, raise money and supervise the managing and maintenance of the latrines. Bangladesh has made huge progress in The VMC is also responsible for granting the field of health. Even though spending micro credit to poor families to help them less on health care compared to some start their own facilities. Meanwhile over neighbouring countries, Bangladesh has the 65,000 VWC’s have been formed. The highest life expectancy, the lowest fertility working area of BRAC WASH covers more number and the lowest starvation number than half of Bangladesh. The Dhaka Water Supply & Sewerage system from processing the huge amounts planning. In this context the UDDP covers of children below five years in South-Asia. Authority has started a ten year program to of water resulting from the monsoon. the introduction of smart monitoring systems The BRAC WASH program, supported by the Having 120,000 employees in twelve clean all canals in Dhaka. Part of the program Leading to floods yearly and soiling of the as well. Netherlands, has been contributing to these countries and a yearly turnover of 819 is the Urban Dredging Demonstration Project neighbouring district. VEI has demonstrated numbers since 2006. Currently the program million dollars, BRAC is the largest NGO in (UDDP) that has started in June 2014 as a how these problems could be attacked with Another part of the project is addressing secures access to sanitation for 32.4 people, the world. The budget of BRAC WASH II for cooperation between Dhaka WASA and Vitens methods, techniques and apparatus developed behavioural change together with a safe drinking water for 2.2. million people the period 2011-2015 is 34.7 million euro’s. Evides International (VEI) as a part of the in the Netherlands. Simultaneously starting an Bangladeshi NGO: people must stop throwing and hygienic education that reaches 63.6 The Netherlands pays the larger part, 27.3 Water Operators Partnership (WOP). intensive training program for local managers, everything in the canals. The UDP project runs million people. The second phase of BRAC million euro’s. IRC International Water and supervisors and contractors to sufficiently to September 2016 and is financially facilitated WASH has started in October 2011 and will Sanitation Centre, a Dutch NGO, is involved The canals that form the main sewage system prepare, plan and execute the dredging within by Dhaka WASA, VEI and the Embassy of the run up to 2015. to handle the technical support. of Dhaka are heavily silted up, preventing the a management and maintenance long term Netherlands. ‘I like washing my hands’ DRINKING WATER AND participants. Through collaboration with water companies in developing- and transition SUISAYA’S STORY SANITATION: countries, VEI has extensive experience with improving water supply, water quality and BETTER PERFORMANCE wastewater services. Simavi, a Dutch NGO, also joined the Water Operators Partnership. FOR URBAN POOR On 11 February 2015, DWASA and VEI signed a Memorandum of Understanding expressing Suisaya, a pupil of the fourth grade class of and hygiene (WASH), combined with their commitment to intensify the existing the Yangsa School in Golkhali (Bangladesh). other programs on safe motherhood and In Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh the on the improvement of the performance of partnership and explore future opportunities. Only one year ago, the school did not have nutrition. Between 2012 and 2016, the MAX Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority deep tube wells, the reduction of non-revenue any water or sanitation facilities. She did value for WASH program in the south of (DWASA) is signaling rapidly declining water and the providing of safe drinking water This partnership focusses on technical support not have anything to drink all day and when Bangladesh will reach 800,000 people in groundwater tables, severe environmental and sanitation to inhabitants of low income on operations and maintenance of drinking she needed to use a toilet she had to walk rural Bangladesh with water, sanitation and pollution, climate change, deteriorating communities in Dhaka. The Urban Dredging water infrastructure, on demonstration of into the field. Being a girl, this made her hygiene education. infrastructure and a fast growing and Demonstration Project (see article) is also part urban dredging technologies as well as on feel vulnerable. Since one year the Max demanding population. In order to prepare of the WOP. the extension of services into Dhaka’s low Foundation has started a MAX-WASH project It is estimated that the coastal zone of itself for the future, DWASA acknowledges income communities. Engr. Taqsem Kahn, at her school, together with the school Bangladesh is the home of 38 million people that action is required. One of the actions Dhaka Water Supply & Managing Director of DWASA and Mr. management. Now, there is a water well in (7.5 million households). Of these, 38% live being undertaken is the Water Operators Sewerage Authority Marco Schouten, CEO of VEI signed the school yard and there are separated below the poverty line and have limited Partnership (WOP) between Dhaka WASA and (DWASA) was established in the memorandum of understanding. latrines for girls and boys. Suisaya smilingly access to food, income, water, sanitation Vitens Evides International, which started 1963 and today its service Engr. Taqsem Kahn reinforced: “The says: ‘I wash my hands when I have used and healthcare. The communities identified in 2012. area covers more than partnership between DWASA and the toilet. If you do not wash your hands lack of safe drinking water and sanitation 360 square km, serving a VEI is an excellent one. So far we after using the toilet you might get ill. I like as the number one issue in their daily lives. The partnership aims to enhance the population of an estimated have had good results; now we are washing my hands!’ 58% of households in Barisal Division don’t operational performance and the management 12,5 million people. replicating these results and we are have access to hygienic latrine facilities. As a of the Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage doing some rethinking. The Dutch Max Foundation aims to prevent result child mortality rates in the region are Authority (DWASA). And also to support Vitens Evides International (VEI) is a joint child mortality through an integrated above the national average (5% of children DWASA in providing water, sanitation and venture of the two largest water companies Now is the time to start the preparation for approach: work in the field of water, sanitation under 5 year, source Worldbank). hygiene promotion services (WASH) to the in the Netherlands: Vitens and Evides. Two exploring new opportunities so we can expand urban poor. The two partners decided to focus other Dutch water companies act as additional and extend in the future”. 18 19
BANGLADESH - THE NETHERLANDS 50 YEARS OF WATER COOPERATION Cleaner production: G-Star one of the front runners A group of leading textile and fashion brands works hard on cleaner production in Bangladesh. One of them is G-Star. G-Star collaborates with seven garment factories in Bangladesh that are predominantly vertically integrated. This means they perform all steps in the production process in- house, from spinning to garment making. ‘Frouke Bruinsma, Corporate Responsibility manager, explains why G-Star has joined PaCT: ‘G-Star wants to help reach lasting progress in the garment industry of our production countries by improving social and environmental sustainability in cooperation with our suppliers. Within the PaCT program, we are able to work one on one with our suppliers in Bangladesh to achieve this goal and guide suppliers towards improved chemical management, BANGLADESH WATER PACT reduction of water and energy consumption, reduction of waste water generation, improved water quality and better TOWARDS CLEANER TEXTILE Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) conditions. The PaCT program supports G-Star on coaching and capacity building Boosting of suppliers and the local G-Star team in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh textile industry is the second largest in the world. The factories annually consume Working in the PaCT program together with other innovation 1,500 billion litres of groundwater and contaminate surface water through inadequate effluent international brands encourages industry cooperation, sharing expertise and profound supplier engagement. This treatment. International fashion brands are increasingly aware of their social responsibility concerning leads to progress that goes beyond our own supply chain, the sustainability of their supply chain to achieve a cleaner textile production process. Together with improving the conditions in the entire garment industry In the forthcoming period the Textile Technology Business in Bangladesh.’ some well-known fashion brands, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Solidaridad and other Centre ‘TTBC’ will focus on the development of innovative organizations established the Bangladesh Water PaCT: Partnership for Cleaner Textile, in 2014, and practical showcases. An ‘Innovation hub’ that will include an innovation fund for the support of promising leading textile brands. new techniques will be developed. PaCT seeks to bring about systemic, positive SUSTAINABLE AND Bangladesh’s textile sector and improves its The Innovation Hub will create an enabling environment environmental change for the Bangladesh COMPETITIVE environmental sustainability. It is part of our for demonstration pilots and best practices for wet textile wet processing sector, its workers and Dutch Minister Lilianne Ploumen: “The broader initiative to help the sector thrive and processing factories on cleaner production technologies. surrounding communities, and to contribute to Netherlands aims to support this industry remain competitive,” said Jeeva Perumapillai- This can include both globally innovative solutions as the sector’s long-term competitiveness. PaCT’s in becoming more sustainable and globally Essex, Regional Business Line Manager for IFC. well as local uptake of proven (best) practices in other inaugural Annual Event was in June 2014. competitive. Bringing in cleaner production contexts. The pilot factories function as the ‘launching Ms. Lilianne Ploumen, Minister of Foreign practices and technologies that significantly Through its strong local and international customer’ to demonstrate practices. Trade and Development Cooperation of the reduce water consumption and effluent will network, the TTBC collects, analyzes and Netherlands launched the Textile Technology make the sector more resource-efficient and translates practical information on best The Innovation Fund will provide seed capital to support Business Center (TTBC), the first of its kind in more competitive”. “Launching the TTBC is an available technologies, business-to-business pilots and field-testing of innovations in the Bangladeshi Bangladesh, as a part of the PaCT-program on important step towards a sustainable garment linkages, and financing. It is shared with context. The Innovation Fund aims to stimulate local wet 26th May 2014. The TTBC was set up by the industry,” said BGMEA Vice President Md. factories, service providers, input suppliers, processing factories to start piloting cleaner production Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Ex- Shahidullah Azim. “The need of an institution knowledge institutions and other stakeholders technologies - with a focus on water sustainability – that porters Association (BGMEA) with support from that connects the industry with academia and in the textile sector. The TTBC provides are new or uncommon for Bangladesh. Besides, technology the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands provides localized, tailor-made solutions is vital unbiased information on Cleaner Production suppliers will be challenged to offer globally innovative (EKN) and the International Finance Corpora- if we are to ensure the long term sustainability (CP), Occupational Health and Safety technologies that are appropriate to the local context of tion (IFC). One of the key roles of the TTBC is to of the Bangladesh textile sector.” (OHS) and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene the factories. Suppliers can demonstrate their technologies assist the textile industry in adopting resource (WASH). TNO, a reputable Dutch research to create awareness for improving opportunities that are efficiency measures including waste water and “Supporting the Textile Technology Business organization, provided technical support in the supported by business models. Factories can submit their ground water management systems. Center aligns with IFC’s commitment to establishment of TTBC. demonstration projects to the innovation fund. 20 21
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