Sybren Slimmen

Behind the research facility of NIOZ in Yerseke lie 12 concrete basins that are flooded during high tide and easy to reach during low tide. Within these basins experiments are performed on how biodiversity can be enhanced on subtidal, hard structures like dikes or pillars of wind farms. To meet current safety standards dikes need to be reinforced. In subtidal parts this is usually done through adding a layer of rock material or steel slag (a waste product of the steel industry with a high density). These reinforcements are often applied in soft sediment areas or on dikes with a high nature value. These locations often receive special protection due to their high natural value. The hard structures provide shelter for the European lobster and other important target species. Dike reinforcements can only take place when this natural value is preserved or compensated.

Additional objectives focus on allowing people to live at home longer, improving patient satisfaction and retaining and recruiting care staff.

Cycling along the coast or across the vast fields of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. Walking along the beach or through the woods of Schouwen-Duiveland. Swimming, surfing, sailing or supping on the Oosterschelde estuary. Yoga or boot camp on the beaches of Walcheren. You name it, it is possible in Zeeland.

HZ Students, commissioned by the municipality of Goes, will approach families to help them improve their health and lifestyle. By talking to families from five neighbourhoods in Goes, the students will identify opportunities to improve the health of families, find out which factors minimise these opportunities, which factors are recognised and acknowledged by neighbourhood residents and what is needed to increase opportunities and reduce risks. The results obtained from the interviews with families are compiled into a baseline picture which serves as substantiated advice for a follow-up process.

The results give schools and policymakers the right information to start targeted work. The Zeeland approach shows how education, municipalities, community sports coaches, GGD Zeeland and the province work together for more motor-skilled youth.