I have dedicated most of my working life to the protection, management and restoration of nature. More than 40 years ago, triggered by the Berne Convention, we began to gain traction through national legislation that allowed sites to be designated to protect fragile habitats and species. It was around that time that I began working […]
Our Nature: A Legacy at Risk Read More »
It is common knowledge that the Earth has changed considerably in recent centuries because of increasing economic and population growth. These changes have been so significant in recent years that scientists see the beginning of a new geological era, the Anthropocene, an era in which man has become the most important factor in degrading the
Planetary Health: The Need for a Paradigm Shift Read More »
The degradation of nature in Europe, including issues like nitrogen emissions, declining soil quality, and the reduction of pollinators, underscores the urgent need for action. Global biodiversity agreements highlight this necessity. Nature not only holds intrinsic value but also provides essential resources and services such as clean air, water, and healthy soils, which are critical
Advocating for a Nature-Positive Future: A Call to Action Read More »
During a recent trip to Costa Rica, I had the opportunity to delve into the country’s lush landscapes alongside Don Carlos, a local resident. He introduced me to a hidden gem: a verdant patch of forest nestled within agricultural lands in the northern region, where his family owns a cattle farm. Don Carlos stumbled upon
Exploring Costa Rica’s Green Corridors and Insights for Europe Read More »
Source Photo: Karsten Russ Six years ago, our analysis of German data revealed that we have lost three-quarters of our flying insects in less than 30 years. Recent accounts on wild plants, farmland birds and hoverflies confirm that negative trends continue until today. Our ecosystems are beginning to fall apart. So, what should we be
Nature is an indispensable part of a future that desirable and feasible Read More »
I am trained as an architect and urbanist, but currently I am researching soil contamination in Amsterdam. What is an architect doing with soil? Cities are where the majority of the global human population resides. In fact, by 2100, eighty-five percent of us are projected to reside in urban areas. Cities will thus remain the
Soil-Positive Urbanization Read More »
We desperately need perspectives for (social, ecologic, economic, climate) robust agricultural practices that contribute to a healthier planet for future generations. Most modern agricultural practices are vulnerable to climate change effects. Biodiversity loss and limited genetic crop diversity in our staple foods appear to be underestimated food security and health risks. There is an urge
Food forests for robust agricultural practices Read More »
When I was 10, I witnessed my dad converting our family’s dairy farm to embrace agroecological and organic practices. Away with the synthetic inputs. No more mineral fertilisers, no more chemical pest controllers. Hedgerows of diverse native trees were planted between fields, and apple trees flourished in their midst. Complex rotations were introduced, enriching the
Let us not witness the fall of agroecology Read More »
Europeans should prioritise nature and sustainability to prevent situations like summer 2023 in the Netherlands where almost 1000 people died because of a combination of large amount of grass pollen, high concentration of air pollutants and very high temperatures. #EuropeForNature, www.EuropeForNature.eu
Deadly combination of pollen, air pollutants and heat in 2023 Read More »
This year the growing season started record early in the Netherlands due to the record high temperatures in February, March and early April. It fits in the long-term trend of lengthening of the growing season due to climate change. It is very likely that the projected future climate change will significantly worsen the impacts on
Record early start growing season in The Netherlands Read More »
