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
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.
Currently in progress: Phase 2 Deepening and elaboration - 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.
Still to be done: Phase 3 Setting the course and developing a vision for the future - spring 2026
Phase 3 is all about forming opinions. We link the various solutions 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 give direction to our actions? In this phase, we discuss the role and position that HHNK wants to take. Stakeholders are also consulted during this phase. This is elaborated in a participation plan.
Still to be done: Phase 4 Decision-making - summer/fall 2026
This is the phase in which we finalize and formally establish the new Vision for the Future. A separate participation process will be set up for residents and stakeholders for this purpose. The result will be a clear picture of the choices HHNK is making for the future, combined with clarity about the role and position HHNK wants to have in the future. The Vision for the Future thus outlines the broad lines for 2050 and beyond.
Still to do: Phase 5: Implementation and assurance
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 drawing up the Vision for the Future 2050+. To this end, a participation plan aimed at stakeholders will be developed in 2025 in consultation with the general management for phases 3 and 4.
In phase 4 (decision-making), the draft Future Vision will be available for inspection for a period of six weeks. During this period, interested parties can submit their views. These will be responded to by the board and may, where necessary, lead to amendments and/or additions to the Future Vision. This response document will then be presented to the general board for decision-making, together with the Future Vision.