Continuing our commitment to collaboration, we were thrilled to host the Brazilian delegation at the EcoShape and NL2120 office in Amersfoort on February 26. They visited the Netherlands to deepen their understanding of Resilience, Flood Management & Nature-based Solutions and see first hand how Dutch experts are implementing these innovative approaches, especially in the context of flood recovery.
We welcomed our guests with a full and engaging program. The morning began with welcoming words from Erik van Eekelen, director of the EcoShape Building with Nature III program, followed by insightful introductions from Eduardo Leite, Governor of Rio Grande do Sul, and Sebastião Melo, Mayor of Porto Alegre.
Participants were provided a thorough overview of EcoShape’s initiatives, showcasing our commitment to Building with Nature. This includes our focus on using Nature-based Solutions that restore natural landscapes to enhance flood resilience and recovery efforts. Alex Hekman then introduced the NL2120 program, and focused on integrating Nature-based Solutions into city planning.
Representatives from our partners, including Danilo Cançado from Royal HaskoningDHV, Fredrik Huthoff from HKV lijn in water/IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, and Joana Vlaanderen from Witteveen+Bos, shared their valuable project insights related to Nature-based Solutions, demonstrating how resilience can be achieved in urban settings.
The discussions were rich and thought-provoking, fostering a collaborative spirit and deepening our international ties.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in making this event a success and to our Brazilian delegation for their enthusiasm and commitment to learning, in particular NBSO Porto Alegre! We look forward to continued collaboration and exchanging innovative solutions for a sustainable future.
The Official Mission in Testimonials: Watch the video featuring Caspar van Rijnbach, Chief Representative of the Netherlands Business Support Office – NBSO Porto Alegre, Eduardo Leite, Governor of Rio Grande do Sul, and Sebastião Melo, Mayor of Porto Alegre, as they discuss the conclusion of this initiative and the potential of its legacy for a more resilient future in southern Brazil.
