Joint action required
The availability of freshwater in Limburg is increasingly under pressure. Climate change, increasing drought especially during summer periods, and growing demand for water from the economy and population all play a role. Research shows that current measures are insufficient to ensure enough clean water. Only through cross-sector collaboration can we ensure that water remains available in Limburg for residents, agriculture, industry, and nature.
The joint ambition to ensure sufficient freshwater and better adapt Limburg to the changing climate requires a long-term effort. Climate extremes, such as drought and heavy rainfall, show that water management in Limburg must be structurally adjusted. This is significant. Therefore, the parties choose a stepwise approach towards 2050, building further in different implementation periods towards a climate-resilient water system. The long time horizon explicitly means no postponement: it is a conscious choice to allow room for sustainable, structural solutions. With the signing of this covenant, all involved parties start this process.
Clear goals and ongoing cooperation
The collaborating parties are working towards an implementation program with concrete measures. This program describes which actions will be carried out in the coming years, how progress will be monitored, and how joint adjustments can be made. The goals for 2050 are ambitious: raising groundwater levels by 10 to 50 cm in many places and about 20% less water consumption. This requires conscious choices, such as more water-conscious spatial planning, better water retention, and careful water use. Technical innovations, landscape adjustments, and conscious water use by residents and companies are essential. Where water nuisance already exists, groundwater levels will of course not be raised further.
Working together for the future
As Limburg, we must take action now to ensure sufficient water in the future. Only by working together and continuing to innovate can we prepare Limburg for the consequences of drought and climate change, says Michael Theuns, Deputy for Water of the Province of Limburg.
Josette Van Wersch, director at Waterschap Limburg, also emphasizes the importance of cooperation: With this covenant, we take the first step together towards the implementation program. In it, we will have to make choices together: how we use space, retain water, and limit consumption. Participation in the covenant is voluntary but certainly not without obligations. Only in this way can we preserve scarce freshwater and work towards our goals for 2050.