World Water Academy Strengthens Collaboration with South Africa and the Netherlands on Water Resources

World Water Academy actively participated in the Joint Steering Committee (JSC) meeting for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on water resources cooperation between South Africa and the Netherlands during the recent WISA conference in Durban. The Dutch delegation, led by Her Excellency Joanne Doornewaard, Dutch Ambassador to South Africa, fostered a productive discussion alongside representatives from Blue Deal South Africa, Wetskills, the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, DWS, and Rand Water.

The MoU addresses several key themes: water safety, flood protection and integrated water resources management, water for food and ecosystems, water supply and sanitation, water and climate, and water governance. The primary goal is to establish a long-term cooperative relationship based on equality and mutual benefit.

Building on successful cooperation

The MoU aims to enhance the strong relationship between South Africa and the Netherlands, building on successful cooperation between the water sectors of both nations. It seeks to explore the vast potential for bilateral scientific, technical, managerial, and institutional collaboration in water resources and management. Focus areas within the MoU include:

• Climate adaptation at the core of water management
• Innovation and digitalization
• Promoting the international water agenda and multilateral collaboration
• Sanitation and wastewater treatment
• An integrated and inclusive approach to water management
• Strengthening water governance
• Maintenance of water infrastructure
• Water efficiency
• Implementation of the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan
• Capacity building and knowledge exchange

A Work Plan to facilitate and monitor the practical implementation of the MoU was discussed and agreed upon. We look forward to our continued collaboration!