The Dutch are famous for a few inventions, from creating telescopes, to flower bulbs and even cheese wax! However, some of their most notable inventions have to do with managing the water that has been knocking on the door of Holland for a long time.
Perhaps the most innovative way the Dutch have managed the water is by claiming land from the sea. Today, 26% percent of the country is reclaimed land, making the region of Holland below sea level. While Amsterdam is 2 meters (approximately 6.6 ft below sea level), locations such as Zuidplaspolder can be up to 7 meters below sea level (approximately 22 ft).
This skill is not something that the Dutch developed over night, but is one they have had to constantly refine and develop over centuries. The first discovered technology the Dutch implemented were Dykes. Dykes are walls that prevent floods of water, that run parallel to rivers, and the first usage of this technology in Holland dates to the 8th century. Since the area was very prone to flooding, the Dutch were forced to unite against their common enemy in order to survive.
Between the 8th - 13th centuries, the Dutch continued refining this technology and it allowed them to make sure of farmland, fishing and eventually for their population to flourish. In the late 13th century, while Windmills were also invented to dry the land, it was not just the technology they were improving but their management of the system as a whole. Willem V, the Count of Holland at the time, instituted the Delftland Water Authority. This authority, which is still active today, is responsible for maintaining the dykes and dams, water level control and water quality control. The Delftland Water Authority is also the first form of democratic government in the Netherlands, reflecting their culture of pragmatic collectiveness.
Dutch collectiveness today
The theme of practicality is still alive and well in the governing systems of the Netherlands today. Examples of this include the housing regulations, taxes and community programs.
Housing regulations in the Netherlands are aiming to prevent gentrification in big cities by requiring affordable housing in every neighborhood. This keeps neighborhoods economically diverse - your neighbors can be working, students or everyone in between. Additionally, the Dutch Affordable Rent Act prevents landlords from charging rent that is too high depending on its scoring.
Water taxes are the highest tax that every resident of the Netherlands will pay. Depending on the living situation, a resident will end up paying anywhere from 200 EUR - 500 EUR. These water taxes go towards maintaining the dykes & dams, water level control and quality control. The taxes may be high, but we would certainly pay a higher price without these systems in place.
Community programs in the Netherlands are readily available, whether those be in apartments to connect you to your neighbors, in work places to promote mental health or networking, or even independent companies ready to help connect you to new friends. There are always systems in place to bring people together, and connect.
intangible heritage
Just like cheese, tulips, and windmills, the sense of community is one of the symbols of the Netherlands. The intangible heritage of a nation is extremely important for understanding its culture, and in the tours we offer at Sapiens Travel, we place a strong emphasis on it.
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