Dutch Sector Engagement in the WACA Program

Africa Climate Resilience

On 24 September 2020, an online session entitled 'Enabling Dutch Sector Engagement in the WACA Program' was held to inform the Dutch water sector about the West Africa Coastal Areas Management (WACA) Program and further elaborate on the NWP and WACA collaboration. With input from NWP, the World Bank, RVO and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Dakar, the session was an opportunity for the Dutch water sector to get a better understanding of the WACA Program, its ongoing activities and potential ways to engage in the programme. In addition, the session provided an opportunity to collect input on potential services of a Dutch WACA Hub.

World Bank and NWP

A presentation by the World Bank clarified that there are multiple ways for Dutch water organisations to engage in the WACA Program; be it through financing, knowledge sharing, technical assistance to countries and partners, capacity building or project implementation. It was also stressed that a collaboration with the WACA Program is not only a collaboration with the World Bank, but that the programme consists of a wide range of local, regional and international institutions and implementing partners. Through the Hub, both the World Bank and NWP can play a role as facilitator and overall connector.

Further reflection on the event emphasised the interest from the Dutch water sector to engage in the WACA Program across a wide range of themes, of which nature-based solutions, private sector engagement and resilient ports are prominent. Furthermore, participating Dutch water organisations indicated the programme's complexity and the French language as perceived obstacles for engaging in the WACA Program.

The World Bank and NWP will work together to organise targeted follow up meetings, developing some key communicational material and exploring the options for possible pilot projects or other types of activities.