Dr. Neila Akrimi, DG of CILG-VNG International had taken part of the Panel on sustainable development during the “Dutch Moroccan Water Days” organized by the Dutch Embassy in Morocco, Casablanca on Tuesday, 10th of October 2023. It was important to bring the perspectives of local governments to the conversation between Dutch and Moroccan experts. Access to water, sanitation, and a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment are internationally recognized as human rights that are universal, inalienable, indivisible, and interdependent. But globally, water faces multiple crises, ecological and economic crisis but also an equity and governance crisis where local government are at the frontline and have the mandate and the responsibility to contribute constructively. The experience of water management in the Netherlands at the local level is quite interesting and inspiring. In fact, Dr Akrimi had mentioned that it is a big part of the knowledge transfer which VNG International has been enhancing at WASH international projects. Dr Akrimi had the privilege to share this perspective at these Dutch Moroccan Water Days. It is known that the danger of flooding makes water management and innovative thinking necessary for the Netherlands at all level and stronger at the local level.

The permanent risk of rising sea levels has resulted in a highly pragmatic attitude in the Dutch governance when it comes to water management. Dutch municipalities sometimes take unconventional measures to battle the water to create a plan that is not only safe, but also adds to the appearance of the city. Generally, the development and realization process of spatial projects in Dutch municipalities is characterized by a strong focus on cooperation. Municipalities work closely together with other levels of government, such as the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, Water Boards (Waterschappen) and the provinces. This multi-level government cooperation guarantees the right level of expertise and finance needed for these kinds of complex projects. Moreover, making sure that everyone has the rights and possibility to be heard creates a certain trust in the local government. Citizens, civil society groups and associations have many possibilities for public consultation (inspraak), which is a fixed part of the Dutch policy cycle. #CILGVNGi