Dutch Disaster Risk Reduction and Surge Support - DRRS

The DRRS programme operates in all disaster management cycle phases: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. Foreign governments and humanitarian actors can request support. Every intervention is tailor-made. DRRS can assemble a team with relevant stakeholders and (local) experts based on the challenge and expertise needed.

An increasing need for water expertise

The number of weather, climate and water-related disasters has increased five-fold over the past 50 years. Extreme weather events are also increasing in intensity. This has long-lasting impacts, especially for the most vulnerable communities.

Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

SIDS is a group of countries in the Caribbean, Pacific and Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean and South China Sea region (AIMS). These small island developing states are some of the most disaster-prone countries in the world.

SIDS are highly exposed and vulnerable to cyclones, floods, droughts, sea-level rises, earthquakes, and tsunamis. As a result, they face significantly high economic, social, and environmental impacts.

The Sendai Framework Monitor data shows that the disaster mortality rate in SIDS is more than double the global average. SIDS are small and remote. Also, they experience more frequent and intense disasters, making them face some of the highest disaster costs in the world.

Sign up as a DRRS expert

Are you an expert on, for example, water management, water safety or water supply? And would you like to help prevent or reduce the impact of water-related disasters worldwide? DRRS is always looking for experts, so sign up as one in our database. We are also interested in expertise on water topics with a more social approach toward inclusiveness.

• Sign up as a DRRS expert

The database will store your CV and contact details. You will receive information on our deployments and training opportunities. Registering will only take a few minutes.

Private sector opportunities

The Netherlands aims to be highly active, knowledgeable and relevant in the international approach to water and climate-related disasters. This means the Netherlands has relevant water expertise and is also involved in foreign countries to learn from different challenges.

RVO has a relevant network in the Dutch water sector and beyond, enabling us to find the right expertise to match the challenges. Through DRRS, knowledgeable, talented professionals can actively share their knowledge and learn from others in an interesting dynamic context.

Sustainable Development Goals

DRRS contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation
• SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities
• SDG 13: Climate action
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals

More information

Are you interested in DRRS? Or are you looking for water experts in your country? Contact us or your country's embassy or consulate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.