For marine waters in 2030 and for rivers, lakes and estuaries in 2050 there will be a balance between ecological capacity and water management (water safety, freshwater supply and water quality) on the one hand and the challenges for renewable energy, food, fisheries and other economic activities on the other.

SDG14 “Life in the water” reads: Preserve and make sustainable use of the oceans, seas and maritime resources. SDG6 and SDG15 have a similar objective for inland waterways, which also calls for sustainable water use. SDG 13 (take urgent action to combat climate change and its impact) is also important in this context. Due to the many existing and planned activities (including for energy transition) and climate change, the quality and management of many waters and their resources are under pressure. The Netherlands as a delta country has many large waters such as the North Sea, the Wadden Sea, rivers, estuaries and large lakes (such as the IJsselmeer). The economic importance and potential of these waters are great, both for the food supply, energy transition, water transport and recreation. In addition, freshwater is essential for the freshwater supply of the Netherlands. All waters can also pose a threat against which we must protect ourselves. The Netherlands is responsible for the proper management and sustainable use of these waters. This responsibility is laid down in international and European treaties and directives and national legislation. The Netherlands is also
responsible for the management of the part of the Caribbean Sea that lies within the territorial waters or. EEZ. For the oceans and other seas outside the territorial waters, there is a more general responsibility, which is mainly fulfilled through the use of knowledge gained in our ‘own’ waters. The task of all areas is to arrive at an integrated system approach in which sustainable use is made possible within ecological and spatial frameworks. (Source:https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/publicaties/2019/04/26/missies)

This mission has the following sub themes:

• North Sea
• Caribbean
• Rivers, lakes and intertidal areas
• Other oceans and seas
• Fishing