Vision for the future 2050+

Development of a new vision for the future

Living safely below sea level is less straightforward than you might think. The current Delta Vision outlines how we’re addressing this issue today. But how will we manage water in our region in the future? We’ve laid out our plans in a new Future Vision.

HHNK faces major societal challenges: climate change, demographic shifts, system boundaries, and geopolitical uncertainties. To prepare for these challenges, the “Future Vision 2050+” initiative was launched in early 2025. This helps us make timely decisions and collectively shape the future of HHNK.

This Future Vision initiative addresses questions such as: 

  • What lies ahead for HHNK?
  • How do we take responsibility in a changing world?
  • How do we remain relevant as a water authority?
  • How can we remain future-proof as HHNK?
  • And what choices should be made for the future?

Objective

The goal was to work with the board and the organization to develop a long-term roadmap, with a clear direction, guiding principles, and potential solutions. In this way, we are working to build a future-proof HHNK.

Public Review: Share Your Opinion

Starting August 19, 2026, the draft Vision for the Future will be available for public review for a period of six weeks. During this review period, you may submit comments. The board will respond to these comments in a Response Memorandum, which may lead to amendments and/or additions to the Vision for the Future as necessary. The Vision for the Future and the Response Memorandum will then be submitted together to the general board for a decision. 

Planning/phasing

  1. Completed: Phase 1: Preparation and Exploration – Spring/Summer 2025

    During the preparatory phase, the objectives, structure, and approach of the Future Vision were determined in consultation with the general management. The participation objectives for the subsequent phases were also determined. During this phase, a picture was formed of the developments that HHNK can expect to face. These were translated into possible future scenarios based on autonomous trends and developments that we are already seeing and that influence our work as water managers and must therefore be taken into account. 

  2. Completed: Phase 2: In-Depth Analysis and Development – Fall 2025

    This phase served as an in-depth, exploratory extension of Phase 1. During this phase, specific topics, questions, and developments were examined in greater detail to enable us to form a more informed assessment in Phase 3. We did this, among other things, by consulting parties with specific expertise. 

  3. Completed: Phase 3: Setting the Course and Developing a Vision for the Future - Spring 2026

    Phase 3 focused on decision-making. We linked the various solution paths and issues from Phases 1 and 2 to interests, values, and principles. What values does HHNK consider important? What interests do we want to safeguard for the future? What guiding principles direct our actions? During this phase, discussions took place regarding the role and position HHNK wishes to assume. Stakeholders were also consulted during this phase. This was detailed in a participation plan.

  4. Currently in progress: Phase 4 Decision-Making - summer/fall 2026

    This is the phase in which we finalize the new Vision for the Future and formally adopt it. On August 19, 2026, the Vision for the Future was formally made available for public review so that stakeholders could submit their comments. This is explained in more detail in the section titled “Public Review.” The outcome of this phase provides a clear picture of the choices HHNK is making for the future, along with clarity regarding the role and position HHNK aims to hold in the future. The Vision for the Future thus outlines the broad strokes leading up to 2050 and beyond. 

  5. Next Steps: Phase 5: Implementation and Ensuring Sustainability

    HHNK is getting started with the new Vision for the Future. This phase is all about further translating and embedding the vision for the future in policy and agreements with partners, for example. This will really bring the vision for the future to life. 

Step-by-step approach

The HHNK 2050+ Vision for the Future process followed a step-by-step approach. We began by exploring the challenges and developments facing HHNK. We developed scenarios to help us explore possible futures. We then translated these insights into building blocks for the vision for the future: such as direction, roles, identity, and guiding principles. Throughout the process, there was room for input from external experts as well as for stakeholder participation.  

Participation

In 2026, residents and other stakeholders were involved in drafting the Vision for the Future 2050+. To this end, a stakeholder-focused participation plan for Phases 3 and 4 was developed in 2025 in consultation with the general board. In the spring of 2026, participatory discussions were organized with stakeholders and young people.

Documents, Reports, and Records on the Development of a Vision for the Future