Launch of the second edition of the ‘Salinity Magazine’ highlights how Dutch expertise is tackling global groundwater salinisation
‘The challenge of groundwater salinisation’, the second edition of the ‘Salinity Magazine’ has been published. The magazine was developed under the Saline Water & Food Systems (SWFS) partnership, coordinated by the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) and the Netherlands Food Partnership (NFP). This edition looks at the increasing challenge of groundwater salinisation – a complex, underground issue threatening water and food security worldwide.
Second edition: Groundwater salinisation
The second edition of the ‘Salinity Magazine’ focuses on groundwater salinisation, a key area within the broad and complex realm of salinity. Groundwater supplies nearly half the world’s drinking water and over 40 percent of irrigation water, yet its salinity levels are steadily increasing. Salt intrusion in coastal aquifers, over-abstraction of freshwater, and pollution from agriculture and industry are all reducing groundwater quality and availability. With estimates continuing to rise, this growing pressure threatens ecosystems, food production, and human well-being worldwide.
What you can find in the magazine
The magazine gives an accessible overview of the science behind groundwater salinisation, complemented by facts and figures, inspiring project examples, and innovative mitigation and adaptation options. It includes interviews, expert insights, and a timeline of international events and developments. The publication aims to raise awareness, promote knowledge sharing, and inspire practitioners to join a global network of salinity solvers.
NWP and member contributions
The magazine features several NWP members.
- IGRAC presents global data, facts, and impacts of saline and brackish groundwater, highlighting the scale of the issue and its implications for water and food security worldwide.
- Deltares demonstrates how groundwater models and field pilots translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions for managing salinity and freshwater resources in both the Netherlands and abroad.
- Royal Eijkelkamp illustrates how real-time monitoring and data-driven insights help manage salinity, protect health, and strengthen water resilience.
- Acacia Water shares how managed aquifer recharge supports farmers in saline regions to secure freshwater and strengthen crop resilience.
Additional features include SkillEd on how blended learning equips farmers in saline-prone regions with practical knowledge and tools to manage salinity; Partners for Water on international pilot projects; the Free University of Amsterdam, NFP and NWP on the updated Saline Agri Map; and, the Province of North Holland on regional approaches to salinity. These contributions illustrate how Dutch expertise shapes global efforts towards more resilient water and food systems.
NWP and partners distribute the Saline Water & Food Systems Magazine
At the Rome Water Dialogue, part of the World Food Forum in Italy, NWP’s Martijn van Staveren presented the ‘Salinity Magazine’ to Yvonne van Laarhoven, Agricultural Attaché at the Permanent Representation of the Netherlands in Rome, and to Jippe Hoogeveen, Chief Technical Advisor at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
During NFP World Food Day, NFP’s Babette Bodlaender distributed the magazine to Catharien Terwisscha van Scheltinga of Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Kate Negacz of the Free University of Amsterdam/IVM, Elisabeth Lictevout of IGRAC, and Ella Lamers of the RVO.
In addition, at Cairo Water Week, Elie Gerges of IGRAC presented the magazine to Bisher Imam, Senior Programme Specialist and Regional Hydrologist at the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science in the Arab States.
