In 1966 kreeg ik, van Sinterklaas, ongetwijfeld na het eerst zingen van “Hoor wie klopt daar kinderen” het vogelhandboekje “Zien is Kennen” van Nol Binsbergen en D. Mooi (6de druk. 1962). Daardoor ging de wereld van vogels voor het eerst voor me open. Ik was dat jaar ook al goed begonnen met het zien van […]
Een vreemdeling, zeker, die verdwaald is? Läs mer »
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 Läs mer »
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 Läs mer »
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 Läs mer »
I grew up on a farm in Hoornaar in the beautiful area of the Alblasserwaard, part of the green heart of the Netherlands. From early childhood on, I was intrigued by nature. I scoured the ditches catching fish, leeches and amphibians, collected plants on the meadows creating my own wild garden and watched birds. My
Nature is not political Läs mer »
Human technologies and our comprehension of natural systems have empowered us to adapt, survive, and thrive in densely populated areas. However, this understanding has also fostered a specific cultural and economic approach to the natural system, creating a second nature that could be labeled the Anthropocene lifestyle. In this lifestyle, human actions continuously impact the
Ecosystem Participation Läs mer »
Wat heb je liever, je eigen benen of een prothese? Voor mij is het antwoord op de vraag waarom te investeren in gezonde ecosystemen net zo vanzelfsprekend. Iets meer dan dertig jaar onderzoek aan gezondheid en herstel van venen en duinen heeft me overtuigd dat goed functionerende, gezonde, ecosystemen net zo belangrijk zijn voor onze
Waarom investeren in natuur en duurzaamheid zinvol is Läs mer »
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 Läs mer »
Wat als er geen Europees natuurbeschermingsrecht bestond? Geen Vogel- en Habitatrichtlijnen dus, met hun vérgaande verplichtingen om gebieden en soorten te beschermen, die rechtstreeks kunnen worden ingeroepen bij de nationale rechter. En geen Europees Hof van Justitie, dat deze verplichtingen handhaaft en uitlegt in het licht van hun doel, en dus voorrang geeft aan natuurbehoud
Europese wetgeving van groot belang voor biodiversiteit Läs mer »
Together with MSc and PhD students I have done a lot of research on the effects of (multiple) stressors on ecosystems. These stressors include global warming, drought, salinisation and emerging chemicals like pharmaceuticals, pesticides and nutrients. We found that biodiversity is the way to counter and alleviate the impacts of these stressors on life on
Biodiversity needed to protect life on earth Läs mer »
