Delta Commissioner's weblog - week 27 2010
The Delta Programme as an export product
It was hot in the Netherlands and in Singapore too. Last week I was there to attend the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) at the invitation of the organiser PUB – the national water agency of Singapore.
During the plenary opening session of the SIWW, I spoke about our Delta approach. In addition to the water conference, the World Cities Convention was also being held here. A full house with the Prince of Orange in the hall. It was most enjoyable to participate and to shine the spotlight on our approach.
In a separate workshop on Delta and River Basin Management, I was able to explain in detail what the Netherlands can do to make its Delta future-proof. I also visited the University of Singapore and learned about four research projects related to our work. I spoke to top researchers from four different countries. The Singapore-Delft Alliance is a success, for our knowledge institute Deltares too. I spoke with Permanent Secretary Tan and his staff at somewhat more length and in more depth about the approaches of our two countries to climate change and involving the population in these approaches. A lot of support, from the Dutch business community as well.
Naturally, I visited the Marina Barrage (modelled on the Oosterschelde Dam) and I had a meal with some of the local people in China Town. Two full, productive and interesting days with a top performance by our embassy under the direction of Ambassador Hans Jansing. Attention from abroad is growing. At the SIWW, I gave two interviews for Asian media. This week in The Hague I also gave interviews for Finnish and Australian radio.
On my return I had several talks at my home base, on the structure of our 1st Delta Programme, among other things. And then, along came Brazil – on the hottest day of the year so far...