Native European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) reefs have strongly declined in the Dutch Delta, motivating restoration efforts that use engineered substrates to support settlement and early reef development. In Lake Veere, Project Asta tests the Mother Reef concept: biodegradable clay blocks that are conditioned …

The Dutch national CO2 emission targets for heritage buildings are a 60% reduction by 2040. However, holistic insights on the impact of this reduction on heritage values, energy performance, and CO2 emissions are understudied. In this article, the impact in four heritage buildings by comparing the situation …

Neighbourhood as a Biotope (Wijk als Biotoop - WaB) focuses on enhancing biodiversity in urban areas by fostering collaboration between people, nature, and technology. The project brings together 15 partners, including municipalities, nature foundations, technology companies, and diverse groups of residents, …

Academic research has traditionally privileged etic (external) perspectives over emic (internal) perspectives rooted in lived experience. In the context of decolonial and epistemic sensitivity, there is growing recognition of the value of knowledge generated through life itself. This study contributes …

Flood events have become increasingly frequent and severe, presenting significant challenges to urban environments, ecosystems, and public health. This study explores the potential of Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis in enhancing flood management strategies, ecosystem health monitoring, and community …

This thesis investigates the restoration and structural reinforcement of a historically protected 19th-century residential building on the island of Hydra, Greece. Undertaken within the strict constraints of Greek heritage law (ΦΕΚ 594Δ/1978), the project aims to enhance structural safety and environmental …

Already for many centuries the only hill castle of the Netherlands is kept in the present picturesque, yet ruined state. Its fate was sealed by historic twists, which brought the willful loss of its strategic status. Today the site is protected by the monumental ruins and is conserved as part of the …

The restoration of native flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) reefs in Lake Veere is a key ecological goal of the Oyster Heaven project. However, successful reef development may be hindered by predation. The European green crab *(Carcinus maenas),* a known bivalve predator in Lake Veere. This study investigated …

Oyster reefs were once abundant in European waters, but they are now rare. In Zeeland, the wild population of the native flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) has declined significantly in recent decades, with serious implications for coastal water health in relation to biodiversity and water quality (Colsoul …

This paper explores the relationship between Circular Economy (CE) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks—a connection that remains ambiguous in both academic literature and practical application. This lack of clarity hinders corporate accountability and progress toward sustainability …