This is the first version of the new bi-annual SG e-newsletter. Through this e-newsletter we intend to inform you of the activities of SG.
1. Assignment VROM System Input Soil and Water Management
2. Dutch Groundwater Consortium mission to Egypt
3. Stakeholder analysis for the BeNeKempen project
4. Partnership with Acacia Institute: Groundwater course Eritrea
5. Netherlands Water Partnership’s (NWP) Overview of the Dutch Water Sector
6. Mediation
7. Company Organization
Assignment VROM System Input Soil and Water Management
The word ‘system’ often denotes a ranking order and an interrelationship between different components. Words such as ecosystem and water system have the same connotations. In a contract granted by the Dutch Ministry of Housing and Environment (VROM) SG together with BOdemBeheer and NOK, is analysing how the system approach can further contribute to regionally directed integrated groundwater management. As part of this project, numerous interviews have been conducted with key water managers, policy and decision makers. In September a workshop will be held to discuss the results with the interviewees. During the groundwater symposium in Zwolle on October 11 further discussions will take place. Two following conferences have been planned during Bodembreed and the SKB Groundwater Platform.
Dutch Groundwater Consortium mission to Egypt
During the trade mission to Egypt in the beginning of April headed by the Dutch Minister of Development and the Secretary of State for Economics, SG represented the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) Groundwater Consortium a consortium of eight other Dutch companies. For a positive socioeconomic development in Egypt the optimalization of water management within the water cycle is essential. Sustainable management of groundwater is crucial in this process. This was confirmed in discussions with the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, the Egyptian Water Partnership, the Dutch Embassy and Egyptian companies within the sector. There are ample opportunities for the Egyptian Groundwater Consortium and other NWP members (click here for the completed document).
Stakeholder analysis for the BeNeKempen project
In 2004 SG played a crucial groundwater advisory role in the heavy metal contamination of the ‘Active Soil Management Project’ in Kempen, in the Netherlands. The remaining fields of research, such as the risks of heavy metals in groundwater in both the Dutch and the Belgian areas of the Kempen form the main backbone of the Interreg project BeNeKempen. By 2007 this project should develop methods for a cross border approach which could be implemented to resolve the contamination issues. Under the leadership of Vito, the Flemish Institute of Technological Research together with TNO and SG the initial analysis of the project have been carried out. Thus far the international cooperation has led to interesting results.
Partnership with Acacia Institute: Groundwater course Eritrea
Acacia and SG are partners and work closely together in a number of projects. In one of these projects SG assisted in the preparation of a UNESCO course with the title “Integrated Groundwater Management and Water Harvesting” for decision makers in Eritrea. The course includes a general introduction of hydrogeological and hydrochemical processes based on the Eritrean scenario; the socioeconomic aspects of groundwater development; artificial recharge and water harvesting techniques including case studies; and a few practical exercises in which participants could obtain a ‘feeling’ for groundwater management through model of a groundwater dam. The initial reactions of the participants have been very positive. Through the presence of Acacia and the IHE the Dutch (ground)water expertise were well represented and perhaps the new contacts could provide perspective for cooperation within the water sector in Eritrea (see www.acaciainstitute.nl).
Netherlands Water Partnership’s (NWP) Overview of the Dutch Water Sector
Within the Dutch water sector there are many different active organizations, institutes, kennisclusters and platforms. For experts within the sector and especially for those outside the sector it is often difficult to obtain a general overview of all the initiatives and programs being formulized. The NWP has started an overview to map out all these initiatives. Within this project SG was contracted to obtain all available public accessible information. This data was compiled in a concept version of ‘The Dutch Water Sector’ that has been presented to the Dutch water sector. The corrections that will be sent back will be edited into the final version which will be published in Dutch on the Waterland website (www.waterland.net).
Mediation
Mediation is a process of alternative dispute resolution in which a neutral third party, the mediator, assists two or more parties to help them negotiate an agreement, with concrete effects, on a matter of common interest. As organizations become more complex and individuals claim more rights, our society is become increasingly dependant on the judicial system. By taking into account interrelated factors, a mediator could resolve a conflict once the involved parties have reached a stagnant situation. Within the field of groundwater, Ebel Smidt’s past work experiences have often been closely compared to that of a mediator. Therefore in 2004 he started a course (www.mediation.nl) to become an official registered mediator. Since 2005 he reached this status by passing the Dutch NMI exam (www.nmi-mediation.nl).
Company Organization
Since January SG has been strengthened with the employment of Renger Smidt. Renger has enabled SG to obtain new projects such as the NWP overview of the Dutch water sector and through an input for Acacia’s Eritrea groundwater course. In other areas his input has had an invigorating effect. The first half year has been a good, all the reasons to continue in the future.
back to top
Smidt Groundwater and Mediation
Smidt Grondwateradvies
Kraanvogellaan 68
5221 GB Engelen
tel: +31 (0)73 6312777
mob: +31 (0)6 51274524
fax: +31 (0)84 7510766
e-mail: smidt.sg@inter.nl.net
web: www.smidtadvies.nl
(c) 2005 SG
Smidt Groundwater and Mediation
Smidt Grondwateradvies
Kraanvogellaan 68
5221 GB Engelen
tel: +31 (0)73 6312777
mob: +31 (0)6 51274524
fax: +31 (0)84 7510766
e-mail: smidt.sg@inter.nl.net
web: www.smidtadvies.nl
(c) 2005 SG