Hoogheemraadschap van Rijnland

The Regional Water Authority of Rijnland (https://www.rijnland.net/overig/english) is one of twenty-one Regional Water Authorities in the Netherlands. Rijnland is located in Leiden. The area in which Rijnland works extends from Wassenaar to Amsterdam and from IJmuiden to Gouda. This area is 1,175 square kilometers and is bordered on the west by the North Sea.

Rijnland’s core business includes:

• Flood Risk Management (ensuring that dunes, dikes and embankments are in good condition);
• Management of the water quality of surface water for recreation, agriculture and  nature;
• Water provision to ensure adequate waterlevels and to provide (fresh) water.

Internationally Rijnland is working with the other Dutch Water Authorities (https://dutchwaterauthorities.com/) in the Blue Deal Program, helping 20 million people around the world gain access to clean, sufficient and safe water. That is the ambitious goal of the Blue Deal: the international program of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and the Dutch Water Authorities.

One of the reasons for working on international projects is to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. Another reason is strengthening the position of the Dutch water sector and improve the awareness of water. By our membership we connect with other organizations that work internationally and exchange knowledge on a technical, relational and institutional level.