Climate change and the loss of biodiversity are the grand challenges of our time. Nature is however society’s best ally to deal with climate change. In the minor Future Shores, you learn about the opportunities of coastal Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for a flood safe and resilient Dutch Delta. You study the state-of-the-art of flood-risk management and gain knowledge on nature restoration along the primary coastal water system of the Netherlands.

With a team of fellow students, you will design a dike or dune reinforcement for a real client. This real-life case is directly coupled to the ongoing Flood Protection Programme (HWBP) and nature restoration programmes (Natura-2000, Water Framework Directive, PAGW).

Starting from the NL2120 perspective of a climate-resilient and more natural Dutch Delta, the minor will take you on a journey through the Netherlands to learn how nature can be used as a solution to social issues such as climate adaptation and use of space. You will visit inspirational examples of NbS in practice in the coastal, river and urban landscapes.

Lecturers from several programs give the lectures and guide you when working on your projects. The Flood risk management and Ecology tracks provide you with a solid foundation to critically analyse and design NbS for coastal resilience. Frequently, experts from public authorities and private companies give guest lectures on related topics such as salinization, land-use and governance to allow you to develop integral and sustainable solutions for our future shores.

The Future Shores minor considers the Biosphere as the foundation of thriving societies and economies and, in doing so, you will contribute primarily to these Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts by employing NbS for greater coastal resilience.
• SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
• SDG 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and halt biodiversity loss.

The core competencies you will work on in this minor are:

1.        Evaluate the functioning of coastal nature-based solutions: you understand the relevant technical, ecological and social aspects of dynamic coastal dike and dune zones, are able to analyse the functioning of these aspects in a changing environment, and can evaluate the coherence of these aspects;

2.        Conduct applied research on coastal nature-based solutions: you can design applied research based on relevant theory and methodologies related to NbS, you can execute the applied research and you can share results with different target audiences;

Design and develop nature-based interventions in coastal systems: you are able to identify the issue at stake, understand the perspective of stakeholders involved and develop technically sound and ecologically valuable interventions.

You must have completed the propedeuse and 30 credits in the main phase.

Jorissen, R. (2021), Waterkeren - Waterkeringen in Nederland, STOWA, uitgeverij Studie Bijdehand, ISBN 9789492141132

Bouw, M. & van Eekelen, E. (2021), Building with Nature – Creating, implementing and upscaling Nature-based Solutions, nai010 publishers, ISBN 978-94-6208-681-4

Thursday and Friday lectures at HZ or partner organisations.

The remaining days you work on your project, follow trainings, participate in events and go on field trips.

• Written knowledge test (20%)
• Presentation (10%)
• Report (30%)
• CGI (40%)

HZ has study programmes in Vlissingen and Middelburg. Students from all over the world study here. We think it is important that you get the best out of yourself and develop your talents. At HZ, you matter.

Do you have any questions? Or would you like to discuss whether this minor suits you? We will be happy to help. You can contact Wietse van de Lageweg at wietse.van.de.lageweg@hz.nl.