At KIMO's recent Annual General Meeting 2026 in Nyborg, Denmark, Henk van Putten, Chair of KIMO Netherlands and Belgium was elected Vice-President of KIMO International.
This is an important role within our organisation so we caught up with Mr van Putten recently and asked him a few questions to help all KIMO members (as well as followers of KIMO’s work) to get to know him a little better.
Q1. Can you tell us a bit about your background before you were appointed Vice President of KIMO International?
In 2022, I was appointed an alderman for the municipality of Goeree-Overflakkee. My portfolio included agriculture, nature, fisheries, recreation and tourism, as well as the policy and management of outdoor spaces. In this role, I was introduced to KIMO NL/BE. I was interested in KIMO and decided to apply for a vacancy on its board at the time.
I grew up as the son of an agricultural entrepreneur on our beautiful island near the North Sea coast. From an early age, I saw what it means to live alongside nature and how it shapes our lives.
I went on to work in education for many years, progressing from teacher to director.
My second term as alderman has now begun, and water-related responsibilities have been given a much more prominent place in my portfolio. This makes working with and for KIMO even more interesting and important
From an early age, I saw what it means to live alongside nature and how it shapes our lives.
Q2. What inspired you to join the ‘KIMO family’?
When you grow up close to the coast and are surrounded by water because you live on an island, you understand better than most the importance of clean seas and clean beaches. Access to clean, usable water can no longer be taken for granted. Being able to work towards this goal alongside other local government representatives and stakeholders on the Dutch and Belgian coasts is a great challenge.
Q3. What are the biggest challenges facing KIMO, and how do you plan to tackle them?
KIMO is already addressing many challenges, both internationally and nationally. It makes me proud and grateful to be part of an organisation with so many enthusiastic people.
An important challenge remains ensuring that KIMO is financially sustainable, both internationally and nationally, so that we can achieve our ambitions. Together, we face the challenge of bringing more coastal municipalities into the KIMO family. Other affiliated members can also make an important contribution in the future.
It is also sensible to regularly assess whether our objectives remain achievable, so that we can make realistic choices together.
We do not have to do it alone! Fortunately, there are other organisations around us that pursue similar goals. It is sensible to support one another and continue to seek opportunities for cooperation.
When you grow up close to the coast and are surrounded by water because you live on an island, you understand better than most the importance of clean seas and clean beaches.
Q4. What is your vision for the future of KIMO?
In my view, an important step was taken last year with the arrival of the international secretariat in Aalborg and the appointment of its staff. This has enabled us to reposition ourselves and ensure that KIMO remains vibrant and relevant, both organisationally and in its work. This cannot be taken for granted and requires strong support and involvement from us as a board.
Q5. How do you spend your free time when you’re not working?
The beach remains an attractive place to visit in every season, and you can often find me there. We are also fortunate to have a large garden where we grow vegetables, keep chickens and have several fruit trees. Watching the seasons change outdoors is a welcome contrast to my work as a director.