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23 October 2025‘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.
The magazine was launched in the third week of October at several international events, including the Rome Water Dialogue as part of the World Food Forum in Italy, NFP World Food Day in The Hague, and Cairo Water Week in Egypt. The launch of the magazine was met with great enthusiasm. These well-attended international events underline how collaboration and knowledge exchange across sectors are essential to tackling salinity and safeguarding global water resources.
Salinisation is rapidly becoming one of the greatest challenges to global food production. Rising sea levels, prolonged droughts, and unsustainable water use are driving the spread of salt-affected soils and water sources. Salinity limits crop growth, degrades freshwater supplies, and threatens the livelihoods of millions of people. Integrated, cross-sector action is vital to preventing and adapting to these impacts.
To address the growing challenges of salinity worldwide, the SWFS partnership was launched in 2022. The partnership connects the Dutch water and agrifood sectors with international partners to address salinity in low and middle-income countries. Facilitated by NWP and NFP, the partnership supports collaborative research, policy dialogue, and field implementation – strengthening the link between Dutch innovation and local action abroad.
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.
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.
The magazine features several NWP members.
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.
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.
These partners are well positioned to ensure that the magazine will be distributed to all relevant national and international networks involved with groundwater salinisation.
Join the conversation via NFP Connects: https://www.nfpconnects.com/insights/launch-of-the-salinity-magazine-2
Download the second edition of the ‘Salinity Magazine’ and explore how NWP members and partners are tackling groundwater salinisation worldwide.
Featured NWP members: International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre (IGRAC), Deltares, Royal Eijkelkamp, Acacia Water
Featured NWP partners: Netherlands Food Partnership