Deep-dive sessions

1. From Financing Change to Changing Finance: Mobilizing the Financial Sector for a Water-Secure World - Claire Elsdon (Climate Disclosure Project), Iona Dobrescu (Water Footprint Implementation), Nicola Lei Ravello (White Stag Investing) and Joe Ray (RVO)	How can we align trillions in financial flows with the achievement of a water secure world? This session will examine the water-finance nexus from two distinct perspectives. On the one hand, we will explore how to finance change – getting funding to the projects and initiatives that need it in order to deliver water security in specific contexts and regions. We will also examine what it takes to change finance – exploring the challenges and opportunities for engaging with mainstream financial actors on water issues in a systemic way at the global level. We will conclude with a discussion on how water professionals can help drive the changing finance agenda forward
2. Water warden –board gaming for middle-out participatory planning - Stephanie Janssen (Deltares), Shahnoor Hasan (Deltares) and Willem van Deursen (Carthago Consultancy)	While identifying and understanding social realities and complex governance issues in delta areas is key to inclusive delta development, they are often only partly understood. Participating in the serious board game ‘inclusive delta development’, social inclusion becomes a reality, through experiencing the widespread gap between the formal decision-makers and grassroots at the community level of planning. In this session participants will experience inclusive (or exclusive) delta development, providing a basis for collective reflection and conversation to inspire and encourage the shift towards inclusive water and climate adaptation.
3. Locally-Led Development in Practice: what are the implications for the Dutch international water security and water safety initiatives. - Dennis van Peppen (Lead International Water Programmes RVO), Karen Stehouwer (Reversing the Flow), Sandra Cats (Reversing the Flow)	What is locally led development and what does it mean for the Dutch water sector internationally? We will discuss this with relevant stakeholders. Based on the experiences in the Reversing the Flow programme and the Locally Led Adaptation principles, we will address the meaning of, for example, local ownership, social inclusion, local capacity and flexible programming in international water cooperation. What does it deliver and what are the drawbacks?
4. Unraveling the Build-Neglect-Rebuild (BNR) cycle – Insights from Mozambique and Bangladesh - Jaap Kroon (RVO), Frank van Steenbergen (MetaMeta) and Ben Lamoree (Lamoree Consult)	The persistent challenge we face concerns the short life cycle of our infrastructure investments, which is the result of inadequate asset management. What are the genuine 'root causes' sustaining this ineffective regime and what perpetuates this system? This session aims to push you beyond your comfort zone by revealing the root causes within the BNR cycle. In addition, we aim to engage in a discussion on the barriers hindering us from addressing these root causes and what collective and individual actions are needed to understand and prioritise solutions. Drawing from real cases in Bangladesh and Mozambique, we invite you to delve into the complexities. If you are ready to confront these realities, we welcome you with open arms!
5. Space technologies for (water) dummies	Explore the "Wonderful World" of space technologies in an engaging session hosted by the Netherlands Space Office (NSO) and industry experts. Unveiling the crucial role of space data and technologies in water management and climate solutions, this tailored event offers a comprehensive introduction and ample room for questions. Join us for an insightful discussion as we collectively navigate the limitless potential of satellite data and technologies for local and global water challenges.
6. How to deal with saline intrusion? - Kathelijne Beenen (Netherlands Space Office), Peter Prins (Salta), Catharien Terwisscha van Scheltinga (WUR), Kees van Duijvendijk (Netherlands Space Office), Pim van Tongeren (VU) and Arjen de Vos (The Salt Doctors)	Saline intrusion is a wicked concept occurring globally and threatening food, biodiversity and fresh water supply. (How) can saline intrusion be prevented and what are sustainable approaches to deal with salinization of soils and fresh water resources. During this deep dive session various people will give 5 minutes pitches on how to get an overview on saline intrusion via remote sensing, as well as in-situ monitoring, next to examples of bottom-up innovative local solutions and involvement of stakeholders. After the round of pitches participants will be divided in two groups to further discuss in one group challenges and opportunities within measuring saline intrusion, and in the other group implementing locally fitting and inclusive approaches for dealing with salinity of soil, surface- and groundwater. The session will end with defining a combined action agenda how to combine various data sources, to support local initiatives and improve solutions.
7. How can Aid and Trade Accelerate Achieving SDG Targets in the Water Sector? - Carlijn Mol, Hein Molenkamp (Water Alliance) and Arjan Braamskamp (NWP)	Globally, 884 million people still do not have access to drinking water, while 2.4 billion people do not have access to sanitation. Despite many efforts from NGOs, IFIs and others, the SDG targets cannot be achieved through the current approach therefore additional mechanisms are required. Currently, Aid and Trade rarely go together, partly because of 'ideological differences of opinion'. The heart of the resistance lies in the fact that there is an assumption that aid should by definition be ‘untied’. But is this true in all cases, or are there situations in which Aid and Trade can interrelate? We welcome your thoughts and ideas on how to better use Aid and Trade to achieve the water SDGs
8. How can water credits and carbon credits be part of financing water projects? - Steven van Rossum (Valuing Blue) and Harry Farnsworth (Rabobank)	Financing water projects has proven to be challenging. Everyone knows Carbon credits and they could be part of the finance mix. But the investments in water treatment are so huge, and the challenges so overwhelming . Doesn’t Water deserve its own credits? WaterCredits! Be part of the creation of WaterCredits and join us at the Waterproof session. Together we will explore the possibilities and support for Water Credits using Carbon Credits as an example. This session will provide insight into how ‘credits’ can contribute to the realization water projects, covering the market's history, segments, and practical aspects like planning and verification. Join us for an engaging dialogue on this cutting-edge environmental financing strategy, led by Steven van Rossum (WTEX10 - Valuing Blue) & Harry Farnsworth (Wholesale and Rural Innovation Rabobank).

9. The importance of (visual) storytelling in international water management - Kadir van Lohuizen	Let’s talk visual! Photojournalist Kadir van Lohuizen, renowned for his international exhibition Rising Tide, will take you on a journey about making an impact with visual storytelling. The session will demonstrate how the right image in combination with clear graphical data and a short storyline can improve your outreach and contribute to knowledge sharing, awareness creation and active participation. It will start with an overview of examples in the field of water, climate, biodiversity and food and participants are asked to bring images they use to tell their story or examples of images they experience as visually strong. These will be shared and discussed with each other.
10. Biodiversity, an untapped opportunity- Nico Tillie and Rosa de Wolf from TU Delft Ecocities lab-landscape architecture (Architecture Department)	Not just talk about biodiversity but act upon it; demonstrating the synergies. Biodiversity – together with our climate and water systems – forms our life-support system. All projects carried out under the umbrella of Partners for Water should restore and/or strengthen this life-support system. For many stakeholders active in the international water sector, biodiversity is still an abstract concept. In this deep-dive session we will demonstrate how biodiversity can be a starting point instead of a box to tick off at the end of a project or process and apply the theory to one or more cases.
11. NL2120: The Green Economic Potential Abroad - Job Udo (HKV/Ecoshape), Heleen van Hombergh (IUCN Nederland), Paula Lambregts (HKV) and Petra Dankers (Ecoshape \| NL2120 \| RHDHV)	Can environmentally sustainable solutions contribute to economic growth? We are optimistic about their potential. Within the recently launched 10-year knowledge and innovation initiative, NL2120, we are conducting thorough research on the implementation of nature-based solutions and their capacity to drive economic growth, both domestically in the Netherlands and internationally. During the upcoming Waterproof event, we will present the NL2120 program and host a workshop specifically focused on applications of nature-based solutions (NBS) abroad. We aim to leverage the expertise and insights of professionals from the Dutch water sector that attend Waterproof. The central topic in our workshop is: "What obstacles are identified by participants in the realization of NBS in an international context?" This question will serve as a focal point for discussion, followed by an exploration of strategies to overcome these challenges. These discussions are very relevant to the NL2120 initiative, because they guide our research as we seek to address and resolve the identified obstacles.
12. Nature-based Solutions as leverage for a climate proof future at Rijkswaterstaat - Marieke de Lange (Rijkswaterstaat)	Gain insights into the profound impact of current climate and water crises on Rijkswaterstaat's assets in a session designed to navigate towards innovative solutions. Acknowledging that traditional technologies may fall short in addressing these emerging challenges, a crucial transition to Nature-based Solutions (NBS) is imperative. Join us to explore how these solutions not only address critical issues but also contribute additional benefits to both society and the environment. This session will delve into the untapped potential within Rijkswaterstaat's expansive water domains. We'll focus on strategies to maximize nature values and optimize ecosystem services, including water purification, flood defence, recreational enhancement, and fostering a sustainable living environment. The social impact of this transition is a significant consideration, and we'll examine how to overcome hurdles when integrating NBS practices.
13. A big problem as well as a great opportunity: water quality in Europe - René aan de Wiel (Ministry of Affairs and Climate Policy), Harro Brons (Water Alliance) and Danny van Iersel (Atradius)	In 2027, all European member states are expected to comply with the European Water Framework Directive (in Dutch: Kaderrichtlijn Water). Major investments are required in all member states for healthier rivers, lakes and groundwater. A large part of the required investment is financed from EU budgets. This means great opportunities for the Dutch water technology sector! However, this requires a combined approach. In this interactive session, we will explore how we can act to contribute to these challenges, both nationally and internationally