Preface: Sharing memories of Mr. Cees van de Guchte

Abstract

I, together with hundreds and thousands of water people including international and national leaders, politicians, scientists, researchers, administrators, experts, representatives of the private sector and civil society, and stakeholders and citizens, would like to express my deepest respect and sincerest thanks to our beloved friend, the late Mr. Cees van der Guchte. Although the sorrow and regret of losing him from this world will never leave us and his family, his path of achievements will not be lost on earth, reminding us of his tall silhouette relentlessly working for the global good.His dedication and passion for water issues have been internationally known. Cees extensively contributed to the public by proactively engaging himself in a cornucopia of water issues, particularly on water risks and emergency management. High-level Experts Leaders Panel on Water and Disasters (HELP), to which Cees was a respected advisor, always relied on his thoughtful advice and suggestions in pursuing its mission.When COVID-19 hit the world, HELP decided to create the Principles to Address Water-related Disaster Risk Reduction under COVID-19 Pandemic, a guidance that helped all stakeholders prevent infection during disasters, while at the same mitigate disasters even under extremely difficult situations of spreading infection and through lockdowns. Cees gave numerous good suggestions and advice in meetings online and in person to help the idea of Principles shape up into a concrete document. Thanks to him, Principles was launched only two months after the advent of the infectious decease and before the first rainy season in many countries, after the start of the pandemic. Principles has been translated into 16 languages and saved millions from double impacts of disasters and COVID-19.Cees’ international contribution was prominent particularly in drought management. I was reminded of his profound insight and broad knowledge when I read his proposal to create a document, Developing Inclusive, Adaptive Strategies for Prevention of Water-Related Disaster Risk and the briefing note: Droughts: At the Intersection of Water, Climate, and Disaster Risk Reduction. I was greatly impressed, not only by his well-crafted systematic approach supported by viable facts and data, but also by his deep sympathy and compassion for the people who are hit by serious water shortages in many parts of the world, especially the poor.Cees was always gentle and polite. When I looked up to see his face (because of our height difference), his smile was always there. When he opened his mouth, however, his logics were crystal clear, straight, and to the point, guiding politicians, experts, and others to the direction of actions he suggested. HELP Principles for Drought Risk Management under a Changing Climate is his legacy work, though he did not see the launch of this masterpiece. His colleagues from the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and Deltares finalized his work with equal passion and dedication. The document will help millions of people on earth escape the crunch of water shortages and survive the fiercest natural hazard.I was fortunate to work with and learn from him in the most mature days of his life, although I wish I could have learned more from him by knowing him earlier. The following excellent articles, however, will help me and dear readers know more about his personality and work. I sincerely hope they will help all of us learn from his thoughts, dedication, and passion.May his soul rest in peace.