The Flemish Network for Water (VWN) aims to give a forum for discussion related to water research, between the government, the research groups and the private sector. The discussions will lead to the identification of problems and needs in the field of water system knowledge. The VWN builds up and maintains the network and makes its information available on a website. The activities the VWN plans and develop have to concern actions stated in the Environmental Policy Plan for Flanders. Expected basic activities are the organization of a Forum for Water research, the launch and organization of a metadata bank, including drawing up an inventory of all relevant and available water system knowledge in Flanders, the identification of needs for research related to reporting for environmental analysis in the context of water research, and to follow up and make announce relevant information about European initiatives concerning water.