Jim de Wit | 07.11. 2024
Above: Jim de Wit hangs up a LIFE flag with Inga Racinska (Eurosite Conservation Finance Accelerator) left and Zsofia Toth (Project Manager), both Eurosite. Photo Harm Schoten
It starts with a rather dizzying spiderweb of the Eurosite network: working groups, member associations, partner organisations, multi-stakeholder alliances, and more. Once you dive into Eurosite’s activities and the way the organisation represents itself, the complex structure breaks down into the straightforward goal of enriching Europe’s biodiversity. This is a noble goal, one that would benefit all, particularly for young students like myself, as I would like to look at a tree or two when I turn grey. Unfortunately, this goal is often hindered by the short-term interests of both consumers and producers.
Eurosite aims to be realistic and collaborates with its members to ensure steps are taken in a greener direction. This approach appeals to me personally, as I feel that the involvement of interest groups is essential for driving change. A network in which policy advisors, project managers, landowners and farmers all sit at the same table can encourage progress to a far greater extent than relying solely on top-down restrictions and limitations.
My home office: I am glad my colleagues don’t see the chaos beyond the Microsoft Teams square. Are six notebooks scattered with information on one internship enough?
Although, I may sound inspired now, this is not what I would have noted down before starting my internship at Eurosite. I initially pursued this opportunity because I felt my alternatives (a minor or an exchange) would lack something I have been missing recently: practical application of theoretical knowledge. The environmental field was not particularly interesting to me, as I was planning to pursue a master’s degree in international development. However, a small taste of the nature conservation world has given me food for thought. It has introduced me to passionate people who create a sense of hope in an often discouraging world of climate change impacts and biodiversity loss.
Conservationists gather around a nature-friendly farmer in Durham’s countryside. This day made me realise I have much to learn (my sneakers aren’t white anymore)
I was fortunate enough to attend Eurosite’s annual meeting, where this story of hope was shared, best practices were discussed, and limitations were analysed. Inspiring workshops on topics such as conservation finance, conservation in military areas, nature-friendly farming and paludiculture (farming on wetlands) allowed attendees to present, listen, and debate, creating a stimulating environment.
Eurosite has given me a lot of freedom in my tasks related to advocacy and fundraising. What might feel like being thrown into cold water can sound daunting, but with the right set of colleagues, it really isn’t. For now, it is up to me what to do with the new skills I gained here at Eurosite. At the very least, it has broadened my horizon, and who knows, I might just return to nature conservation and join the fight for that tree or two.