Driving interdisciplinary coastal restoration: REWRITE at the German-Dutch Wadden Sea Programme kick-off

On 29 January 2025, our REWRITERS gathered in Groningen for the Kick-off Meeting of the German-Dutch Wadden Sea Programme—a dynamic event that marked the launch of five groundbreaking projects. These initiatives will explore the intricate relationships between sediment, ecology, human co-use, flood safety, and coastal management in the Wadden Sea, paving the way for innovative approaches to coastal restoration.

REWRITE Team in Action

Representing REWRITE at the event were our dedicated team members:

• Katja Philippart – Director at Waddenacademie, leader of DM WaddenSea, and co-lead of the Biodiversity task.
• Daphne van der Wal – Co-lead of DM Scheldt and WP3, actively involved in the SALTGARDEN project.
• Vincent Andreu-Boussut – Co-lead of WP2.
• Werner Krauß – Co-lead of WP3 alongside Daphne.
• Vona Méléder – Coordinator of REWRITE.

These experts not only contributed to the discussions on coastal management but also reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex environmental challenges.

The Interdisciplinary Workshop

A highlight of the event was the engaging workshop organized by Vincent, Werner, and Vona. Titled “Natural, Social Sciences and Humanities Working Together for Efficient, Safe and Fair Management of Coastal Areas,” the workshop aimed to foster a vibrant dialogue among researchers from diverse disciplines. To inspire creative thinking and open discussion, the team used Dixit game cards as a tool to spark conversations about the challenges and successes of interdisciplinary research.

Key Takeaways from the Workshop

The workshop yielded several valuable insights for advancing interdisciplinary research in coastal restoration:

• Open-Minded Collaboration:
  The success of interdisciplinary research hinges on the willingness to collaborate openly. Participants agreed that such approaches must emerge organically—from the bottom up—instead of being enforced from the top down. It is the open-minded individuals who drive true innovation.

• Early Career Engagement:
  Introducing youth and early career researchers to interdisciplinary methods is essential. Targeted training can help these emerging talents integrate diverse perspectives while remaining grounded in their core disciplines. This early exposure is crucial for building a future workforce that is both specialized and versatile.

• Time, Space & Networking:
  Effective interdisciplinary work demands dedicated time and space for reflection, discussion, and experimentation. Although training sessions and retreats provide valuable opportunities for deep dives into collaborative methods, the most significant breakthroughs often stem from robust personal networks and strong professional relationships. Building these networks is, in many ways, as much a matter of personality as it is of professional competence.

Looking Ahead

The Kick-off Meeting and accompanying workshop have set the stage for a new era of research in the Wadden Sea—one that blends scientific rigor with a deep commitment to societal impact. As these projects evolve, the interdisciplinary collaborations fostered at this event will play a pivotal role in driving innovative coastal restoration practices.

By bridging the gap between natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, REWRITE and our partners are not only advancing research but also ensuring that the outcomes of this work lead to more efficient, safe, and fair management of coastal areas. Our shared vision is to create resilient coastal environments that can sustain both biodiversity and the communities that depend on them.

Learn More

For more details about the German-Dutch Wadden Sea Programme and the exciting research ahead, visit the NWO Wadden Sea Research page.

Together, we are committed to driving innovative coastal restoration and making a tangible impact on Europe’s shorelines.

Stay tuned for more updates from the REWRITE project as we continue to transform our coastal landscapes through interdisciplinary research and collaboration.