Workshop #1: a multi-stakeholder approach to plastic pollution

On Tuesday, October 15th, 2024, AMS Institute hosted the "Bridging Views – A Multi-Stakeholder Approach to Plastic Pollution in Amsterdam’s Waterways" workshop at Gebouw 027W in Amsterdam. This engaging event brought together citizens, stakeholders, and environmental enthusiasts to discuss innovative solutions for plastic pollution in the city’s waterways.

The workshop is part of an internship project led by Theodoros Vougioukas, a Wageningen University student specializing in Urban Environmental Management, currently working at AMS Institute on Solving the Urban Plastic Soup project. Since July 2024, Theodoros has been working to raise awareness and engage communities around three groundbreaking plastic-capture devices in Amsterdam. Drawing from interviews and surveys conducted with residents and stakeholders, he used these insights to shape the design of this and future urban living lab workshops.

During the session, attendees learned about cutting-edge technologies like the Canal Cleaner, Shoreliner, and Bubble Barrier, and shared their perspectives on tackling plastic waste. Participants had the chance to connect with like-minded individuals and brainstorm collaborative strategies to protect Amsterdam’s waterways.

Key Takeaways

The workshop concluded with valuable discussions that highlighted the importance of community engagement and innovative technologies in reducing plastic pollution. Attendees expressed enthusiasm for the potential of these devices and suggested ways to further involve local citizens in ongoing efforts.

This workshop not only fostered a sense of collective responsibility but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations and initiatives. The insights gathered during the event will continue to shape upcoming urban living lab workshops, ensuring they address the community’s needs and concerns while driving impactful action.

The event was a testament to the power of collective effort in solving urban environmental challenges, leaving participants motivated and inspired to contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable Amsterdam.

For any question, don't hesitate to contact project manager Francesca Alberti at francesca.alberti@ams-institute.org