About Janneke Pouwels

Janneke Pouwels MSc works in the field of freshwater availability and groundwater. She graduated in 2018 from Wageningen University with a degree in Hydrology and Water Management.

She is involved in assessing the future availability of freshwater in the Netherlands as part of the Delta Programme Freshwater (DPZW). The main goal of the DPZW is to ensure that the Netherlands is resilient to freshwater shortages by 2050. This involves preparing all sectors to effectively manage and minimise damage during periods of freshwater scarcity.

Within the DPZW, Janneke takes on various roles, ranging from hydrological analyses to more comprehensive hydro-economic assessments. She is also responsible for internal project management for this programme.

In addition, Janneke conducts research with colleagues into options for rewetting peatland areas. Rewetting is necessary to reduce CO₂ emissions from these areas. As part of the NL2120 project, two pilot initiatives have been launched: an adapted dairy farm and wet crop cultivation. Janneke is currently developing a monitoring plan for these pilots to track the water balance.