Publication date:	13 mei 2008
More information:	Drs. C.M. (Charles) van Schaik E-mail: c.m.van.schaik@innonet.agro.nl Phone: +31 (0)70-3784469 Mobile: +31 (0)6-48131218 Expertise: water, salty perspectives

There was a buzz in the air right from the outset, the room packed full of professionals with a passion for innovation in water management: the cream of creative and innovative minds from the world of water: the Water Knowledge Conference 2008.
In her introductory talk the state secretary of Transport, Public Works and Water Management immediately caught the spirit of the day, with some off-the-cuff philosophical remarks about the ideal mix of hard and soft sciences and of men and women. She made a point of praising the knowledgeable audience for their valuable and vital contributions to innovative water management and, in passing, also touched on her own policy.

The conference, which was organized by several parties including InnovationNetwork and Leven met Water (Living with Water), centred on the theme: giving water a new place through innovative water management.
InnovationNetwork is also working hard on water system innovations. The aim? To advance a new appreciation for water. Because this can really enhance the quality and sustainability of our country. Relevant projects are aimed at improving our river delta management (Nieuwe Rivieren, Zandgenoten), advancing novel approaches to salinization (Rijke Delta, Zilte ProefTuin, Zilte Polder) and promoting smart economic use of the large volumes of water in our country (Waterleverende landbouw, Rieteconomie).

The conference marked a step towards integrating the projects from the various programmes. Such connections between knowledge, ‘experts’ and experience accelerate and broaden the learning process: innovation is by and for people - people who enjoy sticking out their necks in order to explore new ways of working and make new connections. Outfits such as Leven met Water and InnovationNetwork facilitate this in very different ways.

The conference included four workshops involving projects of both InnovationNetwork and Leven met Water. As in previous years the conference organizers and participants were enthusiastic about the excellent cooperation during the preparations and the inspiring outcomes.
One example concerned a lively workshop on a bio-based economy that was organized by two groups who have always operated on their own but eagerly seized this chance to synergize their knowledge and experience about developing agriculture in wet areas.
Another workshop centred on the opportunities or – some would say – threats of salinization. The participants were treated to a delicious appetizer made of silty ingredients – not just typical sea products like samphire and sea lavender, but also green asparagus, rucola, spelt and even tomatoes.

Elsewhere two project managers gave a workshop on their findings concerning the crucial distribution of fresh and salt water in the Netherlands. Here the central assertion was that the national water system in the Netherlands (i.e. the large rivers and waters) must move with the advance and retreat of salt water to remain climate-proof in the more distant future. To this end, a national vision must be developed for the management of fresh and salt water. It is really odd that a small country lying one-third below sea level still lacks such a vision. So the government must start making an active contribution and taking responsibility for consistent water management at all levels instead of complacently letting things run their course at local and (sub)regional level.
In short, this day was all about connecting: water is an excellent medium for that. 
 

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