Van Aa naar Zee

A citizen initiative called 'Van Aa Naar Zee' aims to restore the natural transition between fresh and salt water and strengthen socio-ecological connections in the north-east of the Netherlands.

Over the last few centuries, land has been reclaimed from the sea in the north-east of the Netherlands. The Westerwoldse Aa River evolved alongside this process, becoming canalised with the installation of sluices to prevent the ingress of salt water and facilitate the drainage of land for agricultural use. A citizen initiative called 'Van Aa Naar Zee' has emerged with the aim of restoring socio-ecological connections in the area. The initiative seeks to restore the natural transition between fresh and salt water between the Westerwoldse Aa and the Dollard estuary. The Riverhood/River Commons team is investigating how local people relate to their riverside areas. Since April 2025, we have been investigating how the present connects with the past and with visions of the future of the river and the sea among the different actors and organisations in the area. By the end of 2026, it is expected that RH&RC researchers and the inhabitants of the Westerwoldse Aa will co-design creative representations of an enlivened river.

To this end, MSc students are invited to join the RH/RC team through two types of internship/thesis opportunities.

Knowledge Exchange

Helping to build a national and international network of initiatives similar to Van Aa Naar Zee. Specifically, mapping river rewilding and sociocultural revitalization initiatives across the Netherlands and Europe and organize exchange visits, webinars, and events to share knowledge with the inhabitants of the Westerwoldse Aa river. The goal is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge about river rewilding and/or sociocultural revitalization initiatives between the Van Aa Naar Zee initiative and the inhabitants of the Westerwoldse Aa river in the Oldambt area.

Start date: From April 2026 onwards

Requirements: A part of an excellent command of English, Dutch and other languages are highly appreciated

Collective Designs

Creating collective designs for river markers and events that tangibly relate to cultural, riverine, and socio-economic pride in the Oldambt area. These designs should incorporate art, history, ecology, politics and culture, as well as creative ideas to invigorate the future of the river. The goal is to gather different perceptions of the river, both present and future, and encourage discussion about the socio-cultural transitions needed to address future river and sea ecological challenges due to climate change.

Start date: From April 2026 onwards

Requirements: Excellent command of English and Dutch