15 march
EU promotes cooperation between Surat and Rotterdam on climate resilience
A Dutch delegation payed a second visit to India last week to share best practices on water management and climate resilience.
Within the framework of the European Union, International Urban Cooperation (IUC) project, and in cooperation with the 100 Resilient Cities initiative, a delegation of five Rotterdam City representatives led by Mr. Arnoud Molenaar, Chief Resilience Officer (CRO) and Mr. Henk Ketelaars from the Rotterdam drinking water company Evides is visiting the City of Surat between the 11th and 15th of March.
The Dutch delegation is sharing the city’s best practices on water and climate resilience and is being informed about the latest developments in Surat. The five days program is a follow up to the visit of the Surat delegation in Rotterdam in July 2018. During this second visit the focus is on storm water management and applying innovative concepts like water plaza’s and use of ‘blue roofscapes’. Also water quality monitoring and water treatment are part of the program. In order to enhance the quality of life, the two cities will work together on a specific action plan on water management.
Thennarasan, Honourable Municipal Commissioner of Surat stated: “We welcome the Rotterdam delegation to Surat and are happy to participate in this European Union exchange program. Our city has taken a number of effective initiatives in the fields of urban development and we are ready to share this experience and also adopt new initiatives especially on water management.”
Dr. J. Patel, Honourable Mayor of Surat stated: “We look forward to collaborate with Rotterdam and implement some best practices for a joint beneficial outcome. City to city cooperation on urban issues can lead to a more sustainable world in line with international frameworks.”
Mr. A. Molenaar, Chief Resilience Officer of the City of Rotterdam said: “Our initial interactions and discussions with Surat a few months ago set the context for a long lasting relationship. As part of this visit we are now focusing on more specific collaboration possibilities, especially on water and climate resilience. As part of the EU IUC India project, we are looking forward to a productive cooperation and exchange of ideas to the benefit of both cities.”
IUC/India, is part of the corresponding global IUC Programme. It is financed by the European Union, and implemented by a consortium of GFA Consulting Group GmbH (leader) and CRISIL. The IUC aims to boost cooperation on sustainable urban development with EU partners in Asia and the Americas.
For more information contact Mr. Ashish Verma, IUC/India, averma@iuc-india.eu and see: http://iuc.eu/about/
