After some successful previous collaborations, BuildinG and the Knowledge Platform organized another conference this year. Our goal? To share knowledge and connect science, policy and real-life practice with anyone affected, involved or interested in the gas extraction case.
The gas extraction issue has been a major topic in Groningen for many years. Much has happened at the technical, social and administrative levels. What have we learned, where are we now and where are we going? This event highlighted the lessons and successes from Groningen.
We kicked off on Wednesday, June 11, at the Academy Building of the University of Groningen during an inspiring evening with international speakers. Professor Gian Michele Calvi from Italy was involved in the reinforcement approach for churches in Groningen. He took us through his research on reinforcing churches without affecting their beauty. In Kiruna, Sweden, part of the city must be relocated due to safety reasons because of the continuation of the iron ore mine. Anthropologist Elisa López and municipal official Nina Eliasson talked about what this means for the community and how it challenges public administration to make complicated choices. Arnoud Bodde moderated the evening.
On Thursday, June 12, we ventured into the region. The conference took place at De Toekomst in Scheemda. You could choose from a wide range of inspiring sessions, but you could also go on an excursion. For example, during the excursion “From Sour to Sweet,” you got a tour of buildings and “new pride” made possible in the area with earthquake funds. During the session ‘Voiced and Dissented’ we discussed how the history, and the way the case has been represented, determines the course of the case at this moment. Lyanne Levy and Jaap Romme opened the conference and reflected on what the government is doing - and can still do - to be closer to the citizen. The day was led by moderator Alice Faber. In addition, the project “Ooggetuigen van de gaswinning” provided a beautiful exhibition in the factory.