Schiermonnikoog, an island known for its tranquility and pristine landscapes, is taking significant steps toward a sustainable future through its involvement in the Interreg North Sea project FREIIA.
Schiermonnikoog, an island known for its tranquility and pristine landscapes, is taking significant steps toward a sustainable future through its involvement in the Interreg North Sea project FREIIA. Almost entirely designated as a National Park since 1989, the island’s biodiversity and dark skies have made it a jewel in the Wadden Sea. With only 950 inhabitants and a flourishing ecosystem of over 300 bird species and 500 plant species, the island faces unique challenges related to climate change, tourism, and resource management. This is where FREIIA steps in, with a primary focus on promoting circularity and water conservation.
A Focus on Circularity
One of the key goals on Schiermonnikoog is enhancing the island’s circular economy. This involves rethinking waste streams, product design, and policies, all to reduce environmental impacts. In collaboration with students from the Hanse University of Applied Sciences, the project has already made strides in developing souvenirs made from local materials such as pruning waste, coffee grounds, and discarded bicycle tires. These efforts aim to replace environmentally harmful souvenirs with items that resonate deeply with the island’s identity and values.
These circular souvenirs are just the beginning. The island is engaging its local entrepreneurs and community members to push the boundaries of circular product development further. With future groups of students set to arrive, more innovative solutions are on the horizon, especially in addressing the waste streams prevalent on Schiermonnikoog.
Water Conservation Initiatives
Water self-sufficiency is another crucial element of Schiermonnikoog’s sustainability efforts. The island’s supply of drinking water, already under pressure from climate change and the influx of tourists, is being preserved through a variety of water-saving initiatives. In partnership with Vitens, the largest drinking water company in the Netherlands, and local authorities, Schiermonnikoog is implementing technical solutions, raising public awareness, and promoting conservation measures in homes.
Inspiration from Other Islands
FREIIA has provided opportunities for Schiermonnikoog to learn from other islands. A visit to Koster demonstrated how small initiatives, like a permaculture garden, can strengthen community ties, particularly engaging younger generations. On Groix, the focus on producing local products with limited resources, such as shellfish farming and brewing local beer, inspired the islanders to explore new opportunities. Finally, the trip to Bornholm highlighted how circularity can intersect with social issues, particularly through projects related to climate change, biodiversity, and water purification.
Schiermonnikoog's future plans include expanding the circular economy on the island and fine-tuning water conservation techniques. With continuous collaboration between students, experts, and local entrepreneurs, the island is steadily progressing toward sustainability.Through the FREIIA project, Schiermonnikoog is not just preserving its natural beauty but becoming a beacon of innovation in circularity and resource management—setting an example for islands across the North Sea and beyond.