In a country criss-crossed with major rivers and half situated below sea level, water largely determines how we live and work. In order to keep our feet dry, collaboration on water management is essential here. Even now, the risk of sea or river flooding is never far away. For how long will we be safe behind our dykes and dams? The upside is that water also brings riches. Impoldering has expanded our territory. For centuries, transport by water – from polder ditch to ocean – has boosted the Netherlands’ prime position as a trading nation. And the remarkable flora and fauna in the aquatic eco system is garnering increasing attention.