“New Roots for Lasting Change”  

Strengthening Nature Connectedness to promote sustainable behaviour and well-being through biodiversity action, sensory-based education and artistic experiences.

On June 1, 2025, the Interreg project "New Roots" was launched. Ten partners from Germany and the Netherlands (Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe) will collaborate to strengthen the connection between people and nature in the Ems-Dollard Region. The network, led by the province of Friesland, consists of knowledge and educationals institutions, artists, and businesses.

The project focuses on Nature Connectedness, a scientifically based concept where connection with nature forms the basis for sustainable behavior and well-being. Programs for various target groups and age groups will be developed through three pillars (Business & Government; Education & Nature Education; Arts & Culture). For example, green schoolyards will be developed, students will map biodiversity, and by listening to the soil, participants can experience nature with their senses. Artists will also be involved to transform these soil sounds into a symphony.

Science LinX focuses primarily on the Education & Nature Education pillar and, together with partners IVN Nature Education, Park der Gärten, and Ökowerk Emden, will develop creative lesson plans focused on listening to the soil (Sensing Nature), citizen science initiatives, and action-oriented knowledge to enhance a connection to nature.

Curious? Listen to the Groninger Grond podcast, produced by Science LinX with GRAS, where you can literally listen to different types of soil. And come and listen to the soil during the European Researchers' Night in the "Voice of the Soil" / Sounding Soil section.

The project concludes in 2029 with an international symposium.

The New Roots project is carried out within the framework of the Interreg VI Programme Germany–Netherlands and is co-financed with €2,181,958 by the European Union, the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Lower Saxony (MB Niedersachsen), and the provinces of Groningen, Fryslân, and Drenthe.

For more information, please contact Renske de Jonge, Science LinX via r.m.de.jonge rug.nl