Future Vision 2050+
Development of new Future Vision
Living safely below sea level is less logical than you think. The current Delta Vision articulates how we deal with it now. But how will we deal with water management in our area in the future? We will work this out in a new Future Vision.
HHNK faces major social challenges: climate change, demographic shifts, system boundaries and geopolitical uncertainties. In order to be prepared for this, we started the Future Vision 2050+ process in early 2025. This will help us to make timely choices and jointly give direction to the future of HHNK.
In this future vision process questions such as:
- What is coming to HHNK?
- How do we take responsibility in a changing world?
- How do we stay relevant as a water board?
- How do we remain future-proof as HHNK?
- And what choices are involved for the future?
Target
The goal is to develop a long-term compass together with management and organization, with a clear course, guiding principles and possible solution directions. In this way we are working on a future-proof HHNK.
Step-by-step approach
The Future Vision HHNK 2050+ process has a step-by-step approach. We start by exploring the challenges and developments that will affect HHNK. We develop scenarios that help to explore possible futures. Then we translate these insights into building blocks for the vision of the future: think of course, roles, identity and guiding principles. During the process there is room for input of external knowledge and also for participation by stakeholders.
Planning/phasing
Completed: Phase 1 Prepare and explore - spring/summer 2025
During the preparation phase, the goal, design and approach of the Vision of the Future were determined together with the General Board. The goals of participation for the follow-up phases were also determined. In this phase a picture was formed of the developments that will affect HHNK. These were translated into possible visions of the future, based on autonomous trends and developments that we are already seeing and which affect our work as water managers and which we must therefore take into account.
Currently in progress: Phase 2 Deepening and elaboration - fall 2025
This phase is a deeper, image-forming phase of Phase 1. In this phase, specific subjects, questions and developments are further elaborated in order to form a better opinion in phase 3. We do this in part by consulting parties with specific expertise.
Still to do: Phase 3 Setting direction and developing future vision - spring 2026
Phase 3 is all about judgment. We connect the various solution directions and issues from phases 1 and 2 with interests, values and principles. What values does HHNK consider important? What interests do we want to safeguard towards the future? What guiding principles guide our actions? In this phase the conversation about the role and position that HHNK wants to take takes place. Stakeholders are also consulted in this phase. This will be worked out in a participation plan.
Still to be done: Phase 4 Decision-making - summer/autumn 2026
This is the phase in which we finalize and formally establish the new Vision of the Future. To this end, a separate participation process will be set up for residents and stakeholders. The result includes a clear picture of the choices HHNK is making towards the future in combination with clarity about the role and position that HHNK wants to have in the future. The Future Vision thus includes the broad outlines towards 2050 and beyond.
Still to do: Phase 5: Implementation and assurance.
HHNK will start working on the new Future Vision. This phase is all about further translating and anchoring the vision of the future in policy and agreements with partners, for example. This will bring the vision of the future really 'to life'.
Participation
In 2026, residents and other stakeholders will be involved in the preparation of the Future Vision 2050+. For this purpose, a participation plan aimed at stakeholders will be developed in 2025 in consultation with the General Board for phase 3 and phase 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 views. These will be provided with a response by the Executive Board and, where necessary, can lead to an adjustment and/or addition to the Future Vision. This Memorandum of Reply will then be presented to the General Board together with the Future Vision for decision-making.