Essence of the study
As a water authority, we work with our stakeholders to discover how we can implement the Water and Soil guiding principle (WBS). With this WBS study, we want to develop a broadly supported vision and strengthen collaboration. This starts with studying and discussing the different perspectives.
What does the Water and Soil principle stand for?
The Water and Soil guiding principle (WBS) stands for building and designing with respect for natural water and soil systems. It helps to prevent problems caused by too much or too little water and promotes sustainable, future-proof choices. WBS affects all aspects of a sustainably designed physical living environment. Because we as a society are jointly responsible for this essential principle, it is also up to all of us to establish a shared vision of it. After all, together we are shaping a resilient living environment that is in balance with climate and nature.
What exactly are we studying?
Our study question describes the scope of the study. Based on this question, we will now carry out research in our region :
How do our stakeholders view the Water and Soil guiding principle as a guiding factor in relation to the quality of the living environment in our area, and how can we work together to address opportunities and challenges in respect of this principle in order to strengthen sustainable cooperation in a future-proof area?
The phases of our study
During our study, we complete three important phases.
- Listening
After the summer of 2024, we started with listening in our own organisation. The goal is to gain insight into the perspectives of managers and employees on this principle. All these perspectives form the basis for relevant and appropriate solutions.- We will continue the listening phase from the beginning of 2025 with many external partners: fellow governments, institutions, companies, land-management organisations, knowledge institutes, consultancies, and residents.
- Creating
We analyse all the perspectives and insights we gather. We create and test practical and feasible solutions on how we can use the shared view of WBS to give substance to a joint and shared view of WBS in our region. - Delivery
The goal is to deliver an impactful, sustainable solution that gives practical shape to the ideal vision of the future and who has what role in realising it.