The promising areas of Dutch expertise are in modeling, risk management, water quality management and also institutional strengthening. The Dutch stakeholders across the board can also contribute through a cooperative and integrated approach to river basin management. All of this has to be taken into account as well as the spatial aspects of water for te new water management to be effective. It is a recognition of the need for wetlands as a water retention resource that has to be maintained in the balance. Then, there will not be a crisis. The water-shed will be most sustainable if it can be developed as a protective barrier ("Waterland Information Network") . The Biesbosch is also becoming as an economic as well as a water retention resource. The future of the area lies in the field of sustainable tourism. In the history of the place, man has worked both with and against the water. Now, we are trying to work with the water. The area serves as an important tourism/recreational stop as evidenced by the 1.5 million visitors each year to the park. The Biesbosch natioanal park is now responsible for development of the National park in the field of nature, tourism and recreation as well as in nature preservation This Strategy and Action project comprises not only the National Park, but also includes the surrounding area. The region covers an approximate area of 400 square kilometers. The surroundings of the National Park consist mainly of agricultural land. In total the Biesbosch, the region's population count is approximately 235.000 inhabitants ("Step-projects.eu").

In the Biesbosch zone, there are many opportunities for water-based tourism and recreation.

There are around 9 entrepreneurs active in the field of water cruises and excursions. Also Water cruises are available from smaller to bigger scale and can be simple or more luxurious. Many of the day cruises can also be combined with the guided walks on the land. Private boat owners have many possibilities for a multiple-day-trip. There are around 18 marinas in the area, which have a total amount of 5.700 landing stages. Also within the National Park, there are possibilities for a 3-night-stay in hotels and cabins (ibid).

Waterpoint Management Solutions

The key to the problems of the Biesbosch area ( as well as to similar watershed areas) is Water Point Mapping (WPM). This is a tool for the monitoring and the distribution and status of water supplies. In the field, experts collect data about the different aspects of the problems that are related to the water facility. This includes overlays as well as point data including information about the population and the administrative boundaries. WPM also helps to visualize equally the spatial distribution of

The information that is collected also provides valuable insights into plans long-term sustainability levels. This also includes management-related aspects of he water points. WPM can also be used to inform experts of the planning of investments to improve the water supply coverage efforts. It can additionally be used to allocate the resources to deliver the basic services where they will be most needed. Finally, it can also be used to promote the increased investments in the sector that measure progress and performance (Hopkins).
Conclusions

To sum up, in this essay, the author examined a watershed in Holland. We looked at the current water status of the De Biesbosch National Park watershed, including water quantity, quality and supply and demand issues. We looked at the cities and/or industries which are putting stress upon the water-shed. It have pointed to present practical schemes such as environmental tourism and water point mapping as advocated by conservationists to guide the way to a more equitable and sustainable system of water management based upon the spatial characteristics of water and making use of watersheds as natural barriers and reservoirs of water to help maintain a more stable level of water supply for human and natural uses. In this way, extremes in flooding, drought and other disasters can be moderated by conserving and managing water more effectively and efficiently.

In closing, the author wishes to raise Marq De Vellier's question of is the crisis looming or has it loomed. Really, it is a perfect storm of crises that come and go and come again. By understanding the trends in history and through planning, we can break the cycle of mistakes and inject real balance and water management into the system for the benefit of nature and humans as well (De Velliers 3) .

Work Cited

Biswas, Asit K. Water Management in 2020 and Beyond. 1st. New York, NY: Springer, 2009. 190.

De Velliers, Marq. Water: The Fate of Our Most Precious Resource. 1st. New york, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2001. 3.

Hobbelen, P.H.F., J.E. Koolhaas, and C.A.M van Gestel. "Risk assessment of heavy metal pollution for detritivores in floodplain soils in the Biesbosch, the Netherlands, taking bioavailability into account." Environmental Pollution . 129. (2004): 40919. Print.

Hopkins, Anna. "Communities and Waterpoint Management." The Chapter Buzz. / blogs.ewb.ca/annahopkin, 21 Oct 2011. Web. 25 Oct 2011.