Kenniscentrum NoorderRuimte - Cure

In many urban areas, flooding, drought, and declining water quality are becoming increasingly important challenges. By using smart, nature-based solutions such as rain gardens and swales, urban water systems can become more resilient.

These green interventions help capture, filter, and reuse water, making cities better prepared for extreme weather conditions. In this project, we investigate how different nature-based solutions can be designed, combined, and implemented on a larger scale.

The project focuses not only on the hydrological performance of these measures but also on their social, ecological, and economic value. The goal is to improve the effectiveness of nature-based solutions and increase public trust, awareness, and support for their implementation in Groningen. This project takes place in a living lab environment and focuses on nature-based solutions that have been implemented in the neighbourhoods of Paddepoel, Vinkhuizen, Reitdiep and on the Zernike Campus. 

• Which nature-based solutions are currently present in north-west Groningen, and what are their key characteristics? 
• How effective are these nature-based solutions, and how can their performance be monitored most effectively? 
• How do residents and stakeholders perceive nature-based solutions, and how can public support for them be increased? 
• How can knowledge about the performance and benefits of nature-based solutions be communicated and experienced in creative ways? 

Together with the project leader of this specific project, the final assignment will be determined. Because one of the key challenges of this project is increasing awareness, trust, and public support for nature-based solutions. Possible contribution of IC students:  

• Public Awareness Campaign; students develop a communication campaign that explains how nature-based solutions help prevent flooding, improve water quality, and increase climate resilience (campaign strategy, social media content plan, visual campaign materials)
• Create communication materials that explain complex water-management concepts in an accessible and engaging way for the general public (including e.g. infographics, short videos,  web content, (educational) posters) 
• Research Communication Strategy; students develop a strategy for translating scientific findings into clear and engaging messages for non-expert audiences.
• Stakeholder Communication Strategy; students develop a communication strategy for engaging residents, municipalities, researchers, housing associations, and environmental organisations.

This assignment can be done in a group of 2-3 students.

If you want to work on this assignment, make sure you attach your cv(s) to the mail to the contact person. In January there will be a symposium in which you are expected to share the updates and results of your work for the assignment with other students from other school who work for Noorderruimte.