In April, NBSO Texas had the pleasure of welcoming a Dutch delegation to Texas as part of the Partners for International Business (PIB) Flood Resilience Solutions missions, following an initial program in Florida. The mission brought together Dutch companies, knowledge institutions, and public stakeholders to engage with partners across the state and explore opportunities for collaboration on flood resilience.
The Texas program focused on practical application and knowledge exchange, with two key events in Houston and San Antonio.
In Houston, NBSO Texas in collaboration with Harris County Flood Control District organized a technology demonstration and expert exchange the Michael Talbott Service Center. The event brought together a broad group of stakeholders, including public sector representatives, engineers and community leaders. The program features contributions from key local organizations, including the Harris County Flood Control District, the Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas (IDRT), and the Community Flood Resilience Taskforce. These sessions provided valuable insights into regional flood resilience strategies, community engagement approaches, and ongoing efforts such as the development of Harris County’s Flood Resilience Plan.
The program continued in San Antonio with a site visit to the San Antonio River Inlet, offering the delegation a closer look at local water management infrastructure and ongoing resilience efforts. Later that day, a second technology demonstration and expert exchange was organized, hosted by the San Antonio Water System (SAWS).
The San Antonio program included contributions from the host San Antonio Water System (SAWS), the San Antonio River Authority (SARA), and the City of San Antonio’s Resiliency and Sustainability Office. These presentations provided insights into the region’s integrated approach to water management, including stormwater management, resilience planning, and community-focused strategies.
Together with the interactive demonstrations and discussions, the San Antonio program further strengthened the exchange of knowledge and practical experiences between Dutch and Texan stakeholders. The day concluded with a barge tour along the San Antonio River, offering an additional perspective on the city’s water system and its integration into the urban environment.
Across both cities, the mission was characterized by open dialogue and a strong emphasis on mutual learning. By bringing together different perspectives and experiences, the program created a solid foundation for continued collaboration between Texas and the Netherlands in the field of flood resilience.
The mission began in Florida, where the delegation had the opportunity to meet Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, marking a special and memorable moment for all involved.
NBSO Texas looks back on a successful first PIB mission and is encouraged by the positive feedback received from partners across the state. The connections established and insights gained during this week provide a strong basis for follow-up activities and continued cooperatin in the years ahead.
If you are interested in learning more about the Dutch Flood Resilience Solutions Partnership or exploring collaboration opportunities in Texas, please feel free to get in touch with our team through office@nbso-texas.com.
Learn more about the Dutch Flood Resilience Partnership:
