Projects (international)

In addition to the Blue Deal, we are also carrying out various other projects within and outside Europe. We are involved in the following:

  • Integrated water management
  • International river basin management
  • Strengthening water boards and municipalities
  • Improvement of treatment plants
  • Urban drainage and flood prevention
  • Climate adaptation and combating climate change

Current projects 

Interreg Blue Transition 

Blue Transition is a collaboration between 23 partners and 6 countries within the North Sea region. We are responding to climate change with various pilot projects.

Noorderzijlvest coordinates two Interreg Blue Transition pilots in the Drents Plateau and the northern coastal strip. We focus on drought, flooding, and water quality. 

In addition, two other pilot projects are being conducted in the Netherlands, managed by other water authorities. Twelve other pilot projects are being conducted in Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, France, and Germany. The Interreg Blue Transition program will run from 2023 to 2026. 

Distender.EU Horizon

DISTENDER is an EU-funded program that develops strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change and adapt our society to these effects. These plans are developed in collaboration with scientists, businesses, governments, policymakers, and citizens, so that everyone can contribute to better solutions.

Together with Hanze University of Applied Sciences, the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority is contributing to the development of climate adaptation strategies for the northeast of the Netherlands through DISTENDER.

Completed projects

The following are the completed international projects:

TOPSOIL (2015–2022)

An EU collaboration supported by the Interreg VB North Sea Region Program. We investigated how the upper soil layers can best be used to solve the water challenges of today and tomorrow. In doing so, we contributed to a climate-proof North Sea region. 

More information: TOPSOIL

Building with Nature (2017–2021)

Climate change poses the greatest challenge to the North Sea region. Coasts are threatened by storm surges. Heavy rainfall causes rivers and lakes to flood more quickly. Traditionally, we protect ourselves with dikes and dams, but there are more sustainable and effective ways. For example, by working with nature. This was the starting point for the Interreg BV North Sea Region project 'Building With Nature'.

More information about the role of Noorderzijlvest Project Building with Nature and the Building with Nature project

Living North Sea (2009–2012)

The Living North Sea project was part of the Interreg IVB North Sea Program and focused on improving the management of fish migration. Many migratory fish migrate between the North Sea and freshwater areas. Many of these fish species are endangered. Noorderzijlvest worked, among other places, in the Oostervoortse Diep, on sustainable solutions to better protect these species.

More information: Improving liveability | Interreg North Sea

Other projects that ended long ago

  • Territories of Rivers Action Plans (2012-2014): Together with nine European partners, work was carried out on the management of rivers and their surroundings, with the aim of protecting both the water and the cultural heritage. More information: TRAP Interreg IVC.
  • SAWA (2010 - 2014): High water, alert systems, and resilience. Part of the Interreg North Sea III program.
  • IMPREX (2015-2019): Through the Top Consortia for Knowledge and Innovation (TKI) Water Technology, a correlation study was conducted into high outdoor water levels and heavy rainfall in the management area. More information: IMPREX.