How can we really solve the nitrogen problem?

The nitrogen issue has been a major concern in the Netherlands for years. But how can we identify potential solutions that are both scientifically sound and practically feasible?

On Tuesday 13 October, KIVI is organising the symposium:
“From the Habitats Directive to Targeted Nature Management”

This symposium is organised by the KIVI Rotterdam Chapter and the specialist sections TME (Technology, Society and Economy), FT (Philosophy and Technology) and DT (Sustainable Technology).

The symposium will take place in the KIVI building at Prinsessegracht 23 in The Hague and will run from 1.00 pm to 9.00 pm (including a light meal). A second symposium will follow in , in which the topic will be explored in greater depth from different perspectives.

It is no coincidence that engineers are organising this symposium. Engineers bridge the gap between science and practice. They translate scientific insights into technically feasible and effective solutions, based on verifiable facts. It is precisely when dealing with complex societal issues such as the nitrogen problem that this combination of analysis, facts and solution-oriented thinking is indispensable.

Provisional programme

TimeSectionSpeaker
12.00Reception
1.00 pmInformation and explanationChairperson
-How do we conduct a scientifically fruitful dialogue today?
-The assessment framework
-

From observation to action: the assessment cycle for a local habitat type

a. INTRODUCTION

b. OBJECTIVE
What do we mean by a favourable conservation status?
-Pause
-

CONTINUE

c. CONDITION
How do we determine the current state of conservation?

d. DIAGNOSIS
Which pressure factor is responsible for the observed deterioration?

e. MEASURES
From diagnosis to management: which measures are appropriate in this situation
and how do we assess their effectiveness?
Break: Sandwich, drink

CONTINUED
f. What is the situation in the Netherlands?

g. Film / Documentary
Closing remarks and summary of the symposiumChairperson
Drinks and networking
9.00 pmEnd

First part of three days of debates

The KIVI and a group of engineers from Wageningen intend to organise a series of symposia in an attempt to break the trend towards polarisation. They intend to do this by, at the very least, listening respectfully to other viewpoints and working together to define how specific measures can lead to a Netherlands where many people collaborate to solve the shared problem.

In this first symposium, the emphasis is on “What are we actually talking about?” and “What do we actually want?”.

What we aim to do in this symposium – using the construction of a house as a metaphor – is to go back to the foundations, lay them bare and describe them: what are the building blocks? We will then rebuild the house together, floor by floor, to create a well-designed home.

Detailed invitation