Foreword

Facing the threat of extreme weather together

Three years on, none of us have forgotten the dreadful flooding that affected parts of Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Extreme weather exposes our vulnerabilities and brings increasing challenges with regard to protecting our people, infrastructure and economy. As countries with dense networks of rivers and deltas, we share not only geographical features but also our susceptibility to the effects of extreme weather. And we must cooperate in order to protect ourselves, because our national borders present no obstacle to water. Cooperation is the driving force behind the Joint Cooperation Programme for Applied Scientific Research (JCAR ATRACE). It’s wonderful to see how much it has already accomplished since its foundation last year, and now the launch of its magazine. I am honoured to provide the foreword for this very first edition.

Working towards better protection against water

We face a future in which extreme weather is likely to become more frequent and more unpredictable. JCAR ATRACE is a valuable platform for investigating and taking action on urgent issues. It will address issues such as early warning systems, improved high water prediction, information sharing and alerts. And it will help us identify shared risks, including through the joint development and implementation of stress tests that will help lay the foundations for better protection against water.

Inspiration and hope

Climate resilience is essential for the future of our countries. Working together on this enables us to consolidate our knowledge and plan for improved water security. That’s why the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management invests in knowledge programmes like JCAR ATRACE. The energy and professionalism in this platform’s work are a source of inspiration and hope. And I heartily recommend this magazine to everyone who wants to find out more about cross-border cooperation and contribute to more resilient regional river basins.

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