SALTA Zoet-Zout 2-daagse strengthens international cooperation on salinity and freshwater challenges
In June 2026, the SALTA Zoet-Zout 2-daagse (SALTA sweet-salty 2 days) was held in the Dutch province of Friesland. It brought together researchers, policymakers, farmers, businesses and international experts to share knowledge and practical experiences on freshwater scarcity, drought and salinisation in delta regions worldwide. The event combined the Dutch Zoet-Zout network meeting with the international ‘Practical Solutions for Agriculture in Salinising Deltas’ workshop, attracting participants from Europe, North Africa and Asia, including delegates from Egypt, Bangladesh and Vietnam.
From understanding risks to taking action
A key theme throughout the event was moving beyond understanding salinisation challenges towards identifying practical solutions and pathways for implementation. Rick Elmendorp, Director and Chair of the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) in his opening address highlighted the importance of collaboration between knowledge institutions, governments and the private sector, as well as cross-sectoral collaboration between the water and food sector, to successfully address salinisation challenges. Martijn van Staveren participated in connection with the Saline Country Partnerships Initiative, convened by the Netherlands Water Partnership and the Netherlands Food Partnership (NFP). His intervention called for joint efforts to advance international collaboration on the topic of salinisation. As concrete actions, NWP and NFP will coordinate SALTA’s working group on international collaboration, and 4 working groups will be set up to advance the formulation of salinity programmes in Senegal, Egypt, Bangladesh and Vietnam.
The event's programme also reflected on the broader question of how societies can make informed decisions for a climate-resilient future. The presentations explored not only the risks of freshwater scarcity and salinity, but also the opportunities to adapt agricultural systems, water management practices, market dynamics and governance structures.
Mobilising global action
One of the international highlights was the keynote presentation by Dr Dionyssia Lyra of WASAG/FAO. Her presentation explored what is needed to move from pilot projects to large-scale action programmes. She addressed critical questions such as whether salinisation and freshwater scarcity should be framed more explicitly as climate adaptation in order to unlock national and international funding, and how global programmes can be organised and managed to deliver tangible results on the ground.
Her contribution underscored the importance of connecting local innovations with international policy frameworks and financing mechanisms to accelerate implementation at scale.
Insights from science, finance and practice
The event brought together scientific experts and engaged stakeholders in the COST Action “SUSTAIN” (Sustainable Use of Salt-Affected Lands), led by Kate Negacz of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. This COST Action project aims to build a global transdisciplinary network of researchers and practitioners interested in salinisation issues.
The programme featured a wide range of expert contributions. Marjolein Mens (Deltares) discussed future developments in freshwater supply to the low-lying regions of the Netherlands and the implications for water management and agriculture. Jildau Boerma of Rabobank Nederland examined the role of the financial sector in supporting the transition towards more climate-resilient water systems.
Participants also gained first-hand insights during a visit to a newly established salt-tolerance testing facility in Sexbierum. This unique field location, opened in June, is being used to assess crop varieties and cultivation methods under varying saline conditions, helping to translate scientific knowledge into practical applications for farmers.
International perspectives were provided by Dr. Ed Barrett-Lennard (Australia). Based on decades of research and international projects on the topic of salinisation, Dr Barrett-Lennard shared lessons on translating scientific research into practical guidance and workable solutions for agricultural producers facing salinity challenges.
Knowledge exchange at the heart of the event
In addition to plenary presentations, the event offered extensive opportunities for interaction and collaboration. A knowledge and innovation marketplace enabled participants to showcase projects, technologies and experiences in an informal setting, while thematic group sessions focused on freshwater supply, irrigation and saline soils.
These exchanges reinforced the value of international cooperation and demonstrated how knowledge developed in the Netherlands can support climate adaptation efforts in delta regions worldwide.
