Collaborative governance
Sustainable management of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug is not a straightforward task. The region consists of diverse ecosystems and land use types on land that is owned and managed by a multitude of private and public actors, each with their own priorities and goals. Effective cooperation is crucial to solve these complex challenges. Collaborative governance runs like a thread through each research theme by studying how collaboration between public, private and non-profit organisations can address complex societal problems and overcome difficulties that are inherent to successful collaboration.
Through Stichting NPUH, the UU is able to collaborate with a large variety of stakeholders within the area
Stichting NPUH serve as a broker between different parties within the Heuvelrug including municipalities, the Province of Utrecht, water authorities, nature conservation organisations, farmer groups and many more. By doing so the foundation aims to cooperatively protect and improve the unique natural and cultural heritage of the region. With its expertise on sustainable and collaborative governance, UU research could investigate ways to navigate among these stakeholders in order to collectively explore alternative futures of a changing landscape.
Showcases
MSc thesis: A stakeholder perspective on overcoming governance gaps in order to create a climate-adapted landscape at the Utrechtse Heuvelrug
Climate adaptation is necessary to ensure that future generations can also enjoy the NPUH. However, the implementation of climate-adaptive measures is proceeding slowly. This UU MSc thesis examines the socio-ecological system in which various actors work on climate adaptation in order to map out the problems that play a role in the area and solutions. In this way, the transition to a climate-adaptive system can be accelerated.
BSc report: Exploring the similarities between residents’ and national park’s ambitions for the Utrechtse Heuvelrug
This BSc student report discusses the extent to which the ambitions of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park correspond with the opinions that residents have about the functionalities of nature.
BSc report: the future of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug as imagined by its residents
This bachelor report discusses discusses how the residents of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug view a sustainable future for the area in relation to nature & biodiversity, tourism & recreation, mobility and housing.