KIWI Climate Game Changers: Boosting Climate Adaptation Abroad

On October 18, the KIWI Climate Game Changers received their certificates – they are now ready to boost climate adaptation within international water board projects.

For two years, they were trained through the NWB Fund’s KIWI program in exploring climate change, tackling stakeholder management, and developing new projects — through trainings in the Netherlands and hands-on experience abroad.

The KIWI event marked the festive conclusion of this journey.

In the summer of 2022, each water board was invited to nominate one participant for the KIWI program. This group dove into everything needed to advance climate adaptation in water management. Each KIWI was linked to an existing Blue Deal partnership — the international collaboration program of the Dutch water boards and the Ministries of Infrastructure & Water Management and Foreign Affairs, working with 15 countries worldwide.

Their first assignment was to carry out a climate scan: what is the impact of climate change on a region, what measures are already in place, and what more is needed — especially in terms of water management? Based on this analysis, they engaged with stakeholders to identify opportunities and risks. This led to the development of promising initiatives, which they shaped into project proposals.

Several KIWI participants have already secured funding for their projects from sources like the NWB Fund, while others are still in progress. In this way, climate adaptation is being translated into concrete action.

The KIWI participants presented the outcomes of their assignments during the closing event on October 18 at Waterschap Rivierenland in Tiel. Their supervisors and the international coordinators from the water boards were invited, along with colleagues from the Blue Deal and the NWB Fund. The event showcased a wide range of initiatives they developed — from software to inform farmers about extreme weather, to dredging reservoirs, planting trees to combat erosion, and developing a sand motor for coastal protection.

Bert van Boggelen, Director of the NWB Fund, expressed his satisfaction with the results: “This fits perfectly within the NWB Fund’s direction to promote climate adaptation through nature-based solutions and with a strong focus on inclusivity.”

A proud line of KIWI participants received their certificates from Lida Schelwald and Ronald Hemel of Waterprof, who executed and guided the KIWI program on behalf of the NWB Fund. Most of the KIWI’s will now continue working within their respective Blue Deal partnerships to help implement the initiatives they’ve started.

As the cherry on top, the KIWI participants created a magazine titled "New Perspectives on Water Management – Learning Through International Cooperation." It features articles on what they’ve learned and what water boards themselves can gain from working internationally. Because international cooperation isn’t just about offering support — it’s also about bringing valuable insights home.

Curious? Read the digital version here: