NWP joins the Benelux Climate Platform

Climate actions must be accelerated if we are to create a more resilient world. Water is fundamental in this. Flooding events in the summer of 2021 caused by heavy rainfall further demonstrated the need for cross-border cooperation. There is still much to learn and knowledge to exchange that could benefit all Benelux countries. 

NWP has joined the Benelux Climate Platform as it provides our members an opportunity to gain more insight into climate and water-related issues across our borders, while our neighbours consider solutions for similar challenges. The NWP network is an impressive resource of expertise. Together, we can make a bigger impact and can do it faster!

Thematically, a partnership between NWP and the Benelux Climate Platform will give our members a closer connection with Brussels and discussions at the EU-level on the nexus of water and climate change. In addition to the above-mentioned concerns about flooding, there are other water issues of concern such as groundwater usage in manufacturing and agricultural processes, drought throughout the Benelux region, and water quality in both surface and groundwater resources.

Water will continue to be unpredictable – even more so as the climate continues to change and cause more extreme weather events. As water does not respect political borders, approaching water challenges from a transboundary perspective will be beneficial for all in the Benelux.

Other Dutch organisations that have recently joined this platform are Holland Circular Hotspot and Klimaatverband Nederland. If you want to know more about this recent collaboration, or if you see opportunities for further collaboration with the Benelux Climate Platform, please reach out to us.

About the Benelux Climate Platform

The Belgian Minister for Climate launched the Benelux Climate Platform at COP26 in Glasgow in 2021. The Platform is an interactive website that brings together current expertise in the Benelux countries to boost knowledge development and exchange in the region. In the spring of 2022, the Climate Platform was expanded with a knowledge centre that offers organisations the opportunity to obtain knowledge about the three countries’ national climate policies and the activities of the Benelux. It clearly shows the role that the Benelux governments play. 

Above all, the Platform’s intention is that public and private organisations involved in the climate, environment, sustainable development, or a part thereof, come into contact with each other to share knowledge or start joint projects. The power of innovation, diversity in approach, and wealth of knowledge in the Benelux countries can be optimally utilised through cooperation.