PGP’s Research Team on Island Sustainabilities: Excursion to the North Sea

Early November, the research team (RT) on island sustainabilities embarked on a six-day excursion to East Frisia, a critical region for coastal protection, energy production and biodiversity conservation. The trip aimed to explore potential research opportunities for the team’s upcoming joint projects in East Frisia and Kepulauan Seribu, Indonesia.

By visiting key institutions and engaging with local experts, the team sought to refine the focus of their research on the intersection of coastal protection, nature preservation and biodiversity conservation- topics that are central to both regions. For the case of the North Sea region, the team additionally focuses on energy production.

The team visited four key locations – Emden, Greetsiel, Wilhelmshaven and Borkum – where they met with local stakeholders and institutions working at the forefront of these issues.

The trip began in Emden, an important port city that plays a central role in Germany’s maritime economy. In Emden, the team met with the Krummhörn dyke association, activists from “Saubere Luft e.V.” and did a daytrip to the fishing village Greetsiel. In Wilhelmshaven, the team met with the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat and the National Park Authority and participated in a “Tour de Gas” with NABU, an environmental NGO.

The RT then took a ferry to the island of Borkum, which is one of only three of the seven East Frisian islands with an extra employee for environmental protection. After an informative meeting with Borkum’s environmental officer, the team enjoyed a guided tour of the island’s historic water tower. They then braved the windy and chilly weather for a cycle tour of the island. The tour focused on coastal protection issues and the team cycled to different types of dunes and salt marshes, some of which are in natural protected areas.

Throughout the excursion, the team had ample opportunities to sample local cuisine, including the iconic „fish sandwich“— a delicious and memorable part of the trip’s cultural experience. The East Frisia excursion proved to be a highly productive and inspiring journey, laying the groundwork for a more focused research agenda.

Greetings from the Research Team Island Sustainabilities!