In many countries, particularly the developing countries, water pollution threatens the health of man and the aquatic environment. Daily we see pictures of polluted wastewater – filled with bacteria and heavy metals – which runs directly into watercourses or seeps down to the groundwater. In too many places, people have no choice but to drink and bathe in water that is so polluted that it constitutes a great risk to their health.

Luckily, this is not the case in Denmark where an offensive environmental policy has placed us in a leading position internationally – also in the water sector. The Danish tradition for co-operation and dialogue between companies and public authorities has contributed to the development of sophisticated environmental technology. The Action Plan for the Aquatic Environment, for example, has added impetus to the development of equipment and technology so that wastewater can be purified in the best way possible and our groundwater reserves are protected.

One significant side benefit is the technological innovations, which provide Danish companies great export opportunities in international markets. These opportunities must, of course, be exploited, and this is already the case. In 1998 Danish companies exported for more than EUR 0.27bn within the water sector alone. This is shown by this study which is the first of its kind which assesses the Danish environmental export within the water sector. This study will be followed up by studies for other environmental sectors such as waste.

In its assessment of the Danish environmental policy the OECD recently concluded, among other things, that Danish environmental policies have not adversely affected Denmark’s economic growth or international competitiveness – on the contrary. According to the OECD, environmental protection has become an important sales pitch for Danish industry.

The message is therefore clear. Danish expertise and know-how within the field of environment must be exploited to the fullest. Danish companies, authorities and sources of finance must co-ordinate and target their efforts to promote the sale of Danish environmentally sound technology and know-how.

In this way Denmark helps push the global development towards sustainability.

[Front Page] [Contents] [Next] [Top]

Foreword