Vision for the future 2050+

Development of a new vision for the future

Living safely below sea level is less logical than you might think. The current Delta Vision outlines how we are currently dealing with this issue. But how will we manage water in our region in the future? We are working this out in a new Future Vision.

HHNK faces major social challenges: climate change, demographic shifts, system boundaries, and geopolitical uncertainties. To prepare for this, the Future Vision 2050+ process was launched in early 2025. This will help us make timely choices and jointly set the direction for the future of HHNK.

This future vision process 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 is to work with the board and organization to develop a long-term compass, with a clear course, guiding principles, and possible solutions. In this way, we are working to make HHNK future-proof.

Step-by-step approach

The HHNK 2050+ Vision for the Future project takes a step-by-step approach. We start by exploring the challenges and developments that HHNK will face. We develop scenarios that help to explore possible futures. We then translate these insights into building blocks for the vision for the future: think of direction, roles, identity, and guiding principles. Throughout the process, there is room for input from outside expertise and for participation by stakeholders.  

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 is an in-depth, exploratory phase of phase 1. In this phase, specific topics, questions, and developments are further elaborated in order to be able to form a better judgment in phase 3. We do this by, among other things, consulting parties with specific expertise. 

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

    Phase 3 focuses on decision-making. We link the various solution paths and issues identified in 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, we discuss the role and position HHNK wishes to assume. Stakeholders are also consulted during this phase. This is outlined in a participation plan.

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

    This is the phase in which we finalize and formally adopt the new Vision for the Future. On August 19, 2026, the Vision for the Future will be formally made available for public review so that stakeholders can submit their comments. This is explained in more detail in the section titled “Public Review.” The outcome of this phase will provide 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. 

Participation

In 2026, residents and other stakeholders will be 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, participation meetings were organized with stakeholders and young people.

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, stakeholders may submit comments. The board will respond to these comments in a Response Memorandum, and where necessary, this may lead to amendments and/or additions to the Vision for the Future. The Vision for the Future and the Response Memorandum will then be jointly submitted to the general board for a decision. 

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