Looking back at the great Fourth Partner Meeting in Groningen
From 18 to 21 June, the BONSAI partnership travelled to Groningen for our biannual Partner Meeting, hosted by Waterschap Noorderzijlvest. Almost four energising days that showed just how far the project has come.
From Planning to Practice
BONSAI is now truly underway, and there is a lot happening. After a planning phase built on extensive consultation and discussions, we are moving into the phase where things are actually being developed and tested — both on the dike and in the office. This new momentum is felt across the whole project and gives everyone an extra boost of energy. New people are joining the team, and several PhD candidates are starting their research.
Running Brigades Take the Stage
The Partner Meeting was the perfect moment to check whether we are on track, and to strengthen the connections between the different themes within our Running Brigades — the thematic working groups that meet regularly to dive into their specific topic. During the meeting, each Running Brigade presented their elaborated plans to all partners, after which the connections with other themes were explored in more depth.
These conversations were extremely valuable and are pushing the project to a higher level.
Maximising Impact
During the Partner Meeting, we also put our heads together on how to make sure BONSAI's results truly land with our partners and stakeholders, so that the project's impact is as great as it can be.
One way we are doing this is through the Bonsai Tree of Knowledge, which keeps growing steadily. It brings together all the knowledge and expertise built up by our partners, so that it can be passed on through lectures and classes to (young) professionals and students.
Spotlight on Young Professionals
We gave special attention to the young professionals who have joined BONSAI. They made plenty of connections — with each other and with other partners — giving them a flying start in the project.
Field Trip to the Meegroeidijk Test Site
On the second day, we headed out for our traditional field trip. This time, we visited the Meegroeidijk test site, where — not entirely by coincidence — a new layer of sludge was being applied as part of the trials run by the Running Brigade Nature-Based Solutions.
Looking Ahead
The atmosphere and energy at this meeting were exceptionally good. We are on track, and we cannot wait for all the results that will be achieved in the periods ahead.
A Word of Thanks
We would like to thank everyone for their contribution, and the team at Noorderzijlvest in particular for their warm welcome.
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Want to stay up to date on all BONSAI activities, or get involved yourself? Take a look at this page: https://bonsai.nweurope.eu/activities