Non-governmental organizations
Dutch non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) have a solid institutional and financial base, as well as a strong international focus. NGO’s are involved in international decision making on water, through their participation in UN organizations, sessions of the Global Biodiversity Forum (with inputs from the World Conservation Union, IUCN), the Ramsar Bureau and Convention, and the World Water Forum. Dutch NGO’s are combining their efforts on watersubjects to reach their goals.
Within the last decade, Dutch development organizations have been involved in many international water management projects, including irrigation, dam-building and capacity building, in co-operation with the Netherlands government. International umbrella organizations are being encouraged to establish their headquarters in the Netherlands. For example, with support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries, the international NGO’s Wetland International and BirdLife International are now based in Wageningen. Their presence has not only helped to improve the interactions between Dutch ministries, knowledge institutes and NGO’s, but has also strengthened the effectiveness and scope of Dutch wetland protection strategies.
Source: Dutch Water Sector 2007-2008