In 2022, I had the unique opportunity to participate in the third meeting of Women for the North Sea, a network of dedicated women committed to a healthy future for the North Sea. Founded by Sybilla Dekker, chair of the North Sea Consultation, this network brings together women from different sectors to work together on the vitality of the North Sea.
The meeting began with an inspiring welcome speech by Sybilla Dekker, in which she emphasised the importance of women’s networks. Sybilla called for solidarity among women and mutual support in order to achieve common goals. Women for the North Sea is committed to a liveable North Sea. The Women for the North Sea network revolves around meetings within and outside our own sectors, so that we can inspire each other and find each other more easily.
These meetings are organised by various members of the network and offer a platform to inspire and connect with each other in the context of the major transitions currently taking place in the North Sea: the energy transition, nature transition and food transition.
The third meeting took place at Stichting de Noordzee and brought together women from various fields to discuss North Sea nature and the protected areas of the North Sea. It was a fascinating meeting with a diverse group of women who are actively committed to the North Sea.
This year, I once again attended two interesting meetings organised by Women for the North Sea. The meeting I attended focused on the food transition at sea and was hosted by Annerieke Vrolijk and Caroline Verwijs. The theme of this meeting was “the importance and opportunities of food supply from the sea”. Annerieke Vrolijk, director of Cornelis Vrolijk, explained the importance of food from the North Sea. Caroline Verwijs, director of Krijn Verwijs, talked about the opportunities for shellfish farming at sea. Both family businesses were founded in 1880 and therefore have more than 140 years of experience in innovating with the latest techniques and adapting to new circumstances.
After the informative presentations, we had the opportunity to board Cornelis Vrolijk’s trawler ship Afrika, a 125-metre floating “factory”, and take a close look at the fishing and processing process. We ended the day with a delicious seafood tasting.
On Wednesday 20 June, the Women for the North Sea network visited Energie Beheer Nederland (EBN). This public energy company has several women at the helm and a wealth of knowledge, expertise and vision when it comes to realising a sustainable energy system.
We learned about the E&P industry, CO2 transport and storage, hydrogen storage, and took part in an interactive quiz. The day ended with an inspiring presentation on protecting the marine ecosystem by Marcelien Bos.
The meetings of Women for the North Sea inspire and strengthen us to contribute jointly to a healthy and sustainable North Sea. During the networking meetings, we challenge each other, learn from each other and build a healthy North Sea that is liveable for everyone.
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