Marco De Graaff Email & Phone Number

Groningen, Netherlands

As a Development Consultant with the Aqua Nirvana Foundation, I lead and provide strategic guidance on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs, alongside business education and vocational training initiatives in rural Kenya. I combine strategic leadership with hands-on project management, ensuring the successful implementation of sustainable, context-specific solutions in some of the country’s most underserved areas.By collaborating closely with local communities, partners, and stakeholders, we enable individuals and groups to take charge of their own development, and create sustainable and positive long-term change. We rely on data-driven monitoring and evaluation to assess and optimize the impact of our initiatives. Through the use of real-time data, we track progress, refine our approaches, and ensure that our programs deliver lasting benefits.

Kenya

Providing specialized technical expertise in designing, implementing, and optimizing safe drinking water, wastewater and sanitation technologies for rural communities in Kenya. This role combines technical knowledge in water systems with a deep understanding of the practical challenges faced by communities, ensuring effective, scalable, innovative and long-term appropriate solutions.

MINDSHIFT-ITN brings together six leading European universities to train a select group of top PhD researchers and their supervisors. The program aims to drive scientific advancement and innovation by strengthening communication and leadership skills, both personal and professional.

Netherlands

Nautic Waterloo is a spin-off from Wetsus, dedicated to developing innovative water treatment technologies for black and grey water aboard boats. Our systems enable the safe and legal discharge of treated black water into surface waters across the Netherlands. We anticipate our first market-ready, certified systems by 2025.

Out-of-the-box consulting for sustainable environmental solutions, focusing on appropriate water technologies, nature based solutions, resource management, education and social entrepreneurship. My work spans developing countries and global industries, and I help organisations integrate innovative technologies and strategies with local contexts to create lasting impact.

Worldwide

As a certified ANVR Tour Leader, I guide hiking groups through diverse and challenging landscapes, ranging from high alpine to tropics. My expertise spans several regions, including Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Scotland, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Costa Rica, Panama, and East-Africa.In this role, I ensure the safety, enjoyment, and education of participants, while fostering a deep appreciation for the natural environment. My responsibilities include trip planning, guiding, and interpretation of natural and cultural history, all while delivering a memorable and enriching experience for each group.

Leeuwarden, Friesland, Netherlands

Wetsus is a European leader in water technology, focused on advancing solutions to global water challenges. At Wetsus, I led business and knowledge valorisation programs, helping PhD students, researchers, and start-ups transform innovative ideas into sustainable business models with significant societal impact. I built an extensive national and international network across the public and private sectors, spanning areas such as (waste)water technology, water management, agro-food, and environmental sustainability.Key Contributions:o Initiator & Coordinator of the Business Development Course.o Co-organizer of the European WaterCampus Business Challenges.o Mentoring & Coaching for researchers and start-up founders.o Head of Scouting & Screening for the NEW-ttt Program, accelerating water tech innovation.

Netherlands

Within the Wetsus Talent Program, I contributed to educational initiatives aimed at inspiring and educating primary and secondary school students about water technology, climate resilience and innovation. These programs highlight the importance of scientific research in solving global water challenges and encourage students to pursue careers in water technology and related fields.The core principles of our approach are "Learning by Doing" and "Having Fun", with a focus on making science engaging and accessible. Over the years, many MSc students and PhD researchers have supported these programs by sharing their expertise and mentoring younger students.Key Contributions:o Team Member in the Water Professor Program for primary school students.o Initiator & Coordinator of the Wetsus Honours Program for secondary school students.o Coordinator of the EU RawMaterials@Schools Program, spanning 15 EU countries.o Co-organizer of science fairs, workshops, and various educational events.

As co-organizer of the Investor Readiness Programme, I contributed in designing and executing this innovative initiative to accelerate the growth of Dutch water technology SMEs. Our goal was to equip water technology start-up, scale-up and SME companies with the knowledge and tools necessary to secure private finance, driving the development and deployment of innovative water solutions.

Groningen Area, Netherlands

As an Environmental Consultant, I work with international organizations and knowledge institutes to drive sustainability and innovation. With expertise in microbiology, I specialize in optimizing aquatic systems, improving water treatment processes, and advancing resource recovery technologies. My consultancy covers areas such as natural resource management, environmental monitoring, and appropriate water technologies, focusing on practical, sustainable solutions.Key Areas of Expertise:Key Areas of Expertise:o Microbial processes for water treatment & resource recoveryo Aquatic systems & environmental healtho Sustainable water technologies & innovationo Natural resource management & optimization

During my PhD research at Wageningen University and Wetsus, I developed an innovative bio-based water treatment technology for detoxifying toxic industrial waste streams. My research demonstrated that hydrogen sulfide and aromatic compounds could be detoxified and degraded by bacteria capable of thriving in extreme saline and high-pH conditions. This work was conducted in close collaboration with Wetsus, Shell Global Solutions, and the Technical University of Delft, contributing to advancements in sustainable water treatment technologies.

Msc Degree, Marine Biology, Environmental Biology & Microbiology

Activities and Societies: Marine & Freshwater Biology, Environmental Ecology, MicrobiologyMy Master's program focused on marine &.

Professional Communication, Leadership & Organisational Development

completed a three-year Professional Communication program at Phoenix Academy, focused on personal and professional development, coaching.