Timeline Guide

To understand this timeline to its full potential, it is advised to read the global WASH timeline first.

The WASH timelines are built up in chronological bullets from a policy development perspective, at the global level and at the national level of the Netherlands, in terms of its policy regarding WASH in international development cooperation. This timeline focuses on the developments linked to The Netherlands. The timeline that looks at WASH developments from a global perspective can be found here.

This timeline is made up of 2 levels as 2 independent timelines, addressing developments in the WASH sector linked to The Netherlands. Both timelines are built up chronologically,  focusing on policy and actors and instruments. Where appropriate a reference is made to crucial time markers in (technology and finance innovation-driven) development and lessons learned. The 5 time periods focussed on are as follows:

  1. 1945-1975: Dutch Emergency Aid
  2. 1976-2000: Dutch WASH choices from 1980 to 2000
  3. 2000-2008: The MDG period
  4. 2006-2007: Sustainability of WASH systems
  5. 2008-2020: Exploring innovative approaches

This WASH timeline is being developed by Sjef Ernes, former managing director of Aqua for All, based on interviews with Dick van Ginhoven, former senior policy advisor Water and Sanitation at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both are connected to NICC as key resource persons with regard to the development of WASH over the last 50 years.

Additional WASH information can be found in the collection of Stichting NICC.