This is the second SG e-newsletter. Through this e-newsletter we intend to inform you on our activities.
1. Brackish groundwater on the Cape Verde islands: Assignment for Acacia
2. Egypt
3. Protecting urban water resources in Eastern Indonesia
4. The European Water Framework Directive
5. System approach to groundwater management
6. Informal mediation in Northern Netherlands
7. Company Organization
Brackish groundwater on the Cape Verde islands: Assignment for Acacia
SG was assigned to contribute to the cooperation between the Acacia Institute and the Ocean Desert Institute (ODE) in exploring the possibilities for biosaline agriculture on the Cape Verde Islands. Biosaline agriculture can be seen as an alternative for current agricultural practices on the islands which have considerably affected aquifer conditions. Some traditional agricultural activities have seen a reduction in productivity over the years. Biosaline agriculture could therefore have socio-economic benefits. A conceptual groundwater model was designed to observe the groundwater quality (salinity) trends for a number of scenarios. Although the model confirmed that biosaline agriculture could be considered, the issues facing these islands require a truly integrated approach.
Egypt
Following the trade mission to Egypt, a number of Egyptian parties have formed a consortium with Van Essen Instruments, Kiwa Water Research, Waternet and SG to implement the artificial recharge (AR) of groundwater in Egypt. This new consortium will build on earlier experiences of Egyptian and Dutch consortia, focusing on the incorporation of AR in desalination plants along the coastal areas as a cost-cutting method. The consortium has written and submitted a proposal to the Dutch Partners for Water program. An allotment would give the consortium the opportunity to implement a pilot project.
Protecting urban water resources in Eastern Indonesia
In Eastern Indonesia the water supply company, Waterleidingmaatschapij Drenthe (WMD) is cooperating with Indonesian water supply companies to rehabilitate the total water delivery. These companies are facing technical water supply issues such as high percentages of leakage and illegal connection which result in in high unaccounted for water. Moreover, the quality and quantity of their water resources are increasingly threatened by land use changes. The water resources are gradually becoming increasingly unreliable, with larger discharges and flooding during the rainy season and limited discharges during the dry season. SG was assigned to setup a hydrological program that will monitor current and future conditions in two cities, Sorong (Papua) and Ambon. The program aims to obtain insight in watershed functions and to assess watershed characteristics and will therefore be operational for at least two years. The hydrological program is part of the initial phase of a larger watershed program commenced by the WMD.
The European Water Framework Directive
In the groundwater field the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the directive on the protection of groundwater against pollution (GWD) can not be ignored. On the contrary, these directives have penetrated all aspects of the groundwater sector, both commercially as well as the individual legislation of each member state. SG has been involved and has remained up-to-date on all the latest developments in regards to the WFD. Due to this experience and knowledge SG was asked to conduct a number of market analysis studies for parties interested in the business consequences of the WFD. SG and many other parties are very enthusiastic about the possible flywheel effects of both directives.
System approach to groundwater management
The European water guidelines are based on scientific and managerial concepts of ecosystems, water system and water bodies. It is interesting to follow the merging of these approaches with more technically orientated concept of reservoir management and hydraulical engineering. In the Netherlands definitions of (ground)waterbodies have been included in the newly proposed Integrated Water Law. In the further discussion and dissemination of these concepts SG is involved at two levels. For the ministry of Housing, Physical Planning and Environment SG has analysed the willingness of organizations to incorporate the concepts of system approach. The overall conclusion was that there is a considerable group of people and organizations who prefer to apply the system approach to their specific field of work. More dissemination is still required in order to attain national benefits.
On a second level SG is co-organizing meetings of the Platform for System Based Groundwater Management. In three sessions per annum the Dutch Groundwater Community has the opportunity to meet and discuss various themes. The themes of the two recent meetings were ‘The future of (ground)water and soil management within watershed management’ and ‘Groundwater management: weighing of interests and making use of opportunities’. The many case studies that stimulate discussions amung the attendees and the practical conclusions drawn from these, illustrate the importance of the meetings.
Informal mediation in Northern Netherlands
SG is responsible for an informal mediation between an agricultural party and institutions dealing with spatial development. The issue arose with the possible changes in groundwater levels faced by farmers surrounding an area which is planned to be converted to a natural reserve. Besides bringing the involved parties to openly discus the issue, the systems approach was also introduced fueling entrepreneurial solutions and alternative ways of thinking. This creates a dynamic and conflict resolving environment.
Company Organization
In 2006 we changed the company’s name and structure into SG Consultancy and Mediation Ltd. The expansion of activities into risk-bearing projects and administrative reasons has led to this transformation. The abbreviated name, SG, has also been registered.
After two years of dedicated and very good work, Renger will take up a new challenge in the sector in 2007. Details and information about new staff will follow.
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SG Consultancy and Mediation ltd
Kraanvogellaan 68
5221 GB Engelen
the Netherlands
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) 2006 SG
SG Consultancy and Mediation ltd
Kraanvogellaan 68
5221 GB Engelen
the Netherlands
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) 2006 SG