Research into the processes of communication, participation, and social-ecological learning in regional, national, and international transitions.
Online Open Day
19 March
Online Open Day
4 June
Online Open Day
19 March
Online Open Day
4 June
Research into the processes of communication, participation, and social-ecological learning in regional, national, and international transitions.
The applied research group for Communication, Participation & Social-Ecological Learning (CoPSEL) is - quite literally - at the heart of society. Through action research, we work on knowledge creation, inclusive governance, and social dialogue. This encompasses issues such as climate adaptation, sustainable water management, biodiversity restoration, food security, and nature conservation. In this way, we contribute to a more sustainable and just world.
Climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource scarcity require shared visions for transitions towards a sustainable future. As an applied research group, we contribute to the processes leading to these transitions. We ensure that everyone has a voice, including groups that are seldom heard and the 'silent majority'.
We also anticipate the dilemmas this brings. For instance: Are the right players involved? What knowledge needs to be accessible and understandable? Have we considered the time participants have? And how is feedback managed so that all stakeholders know what happens with their input?
In each study, the Applied Research Group for Communication, Participation & Social-Ecological Learning (CoPSEL) focuses on one of these three research lines:
The projects in which CoPSEL plays a role take place both domestically and internationally. These range from backyards in Dutch cities to the Wadden Sea, and from Indonesian farmlands to the tiger conservation area in the Himalayas. For instance, in Dordrecht, we collaborate with vocational students on soil research, while in Sulawesi, we are designing a digital platform for farmer groups.
Peatland Restoration and Sustainable Development: Due to drainage and soil subsidence, peatlands emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases, posing a global problem. Therefore, we are committed to peatland conservation. In Europe, we are developing the learning environment www.peatland.eu, and in Indonesia, www.peatland.asia.
Collaborating in Living Labs: In a Living Lab, we can innovatively address complex societal issues together with governments, residents, knowledge institutions, and entrepreneurs. In the European project Invest4Excellence, we are creating a handbook to guide Living Lab facilitators through the complexities of these environments.
Mediated Participation: In sustainability transitions, it is crucial to involve stakeholders using innovative methods like the Visual Problem Appraisal (VPA). We apply this approach in the Netherlands for the Rhine branches and the Wadden area, in India for Kerala’s Coast, and in Ghana for Flavours of Cocoa and Chocolate.
Food Resilient Futures: A consortium of Dutch universities of applied sciences and Caribbean partners is working on sustainable food systems through a participatory process. We train Caribbean youth studying in the Netherlands to become 'youth facilitators', who will conduct workshops in Living Labs on Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius, aiming for a healthy local food supply.
Citizen Participation in Climate Adaptation: Under the banner of 'The Resilient Garden', CoPSEL investigates the motivations and barriers for citizens to green their backyards. We aim to stimulate people to contribute to garden greening and increase citizen participation. Students involved in this project also enhance their research capacities.
Nature Conservation and Stewardship: Using a social-ecological system analysis, we support policymakers and managers of nature and landscape conservation in Nepal. By involving local communities, we consider their needs and opinions. To understand the interaction between them and the landscape, we use poetry, art, and role-playing games.
Innovative Learning Environments: In regional Living Labs, students collaborate with various groups to enhance their theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and professional and personal growth. For example, students of the Master River Delta Development program work with the support of CoPSEL researchers.
Inclusive Water Management: The voices of young people with a migration background are often missing in visions of a sustainable green-blue future. In the project 'Hip-Hop Hydrological Opera', we address this issue. Using music, film, poetry, and art, we raise awareness of water issues in various parts of the country.
We publish the results of our research in scientific publications and articles, as well as in research reports. This makes them accessible to various societal stakeholders, such as students, policymakers, scientists, and businesses. We also use more creative forms of documentation, including film productions and serious gaming.
All publications of the Applied Research Group can be found on Greeni, the online library for green higher professional education.
The Applied Research Group is part of the Applied Research Centre (ARC) at Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences in Velp. Here, six colleague researchers exchange knowledge and expertise with one another. We also closely collaborate with the research groups at our Leeuwarden campus.
Beyond the university, we join forces with research groups from national and international universities of applied sciences and universities, and with various organisations such as Staatsbosbeheer, Rijkswaterstaat, municipalities, and NGOs.
Students from multiple bachelor’s and master’s programmes work at CoPSEL on their internships, research projects, or graduation assignments. For example:
Interested in learning more about the Applied Research Group for Communication, Participation & Social-Ecological Learning? Curious about collaboration opportunities? Or interested in an internship or graduation project? Email us at:
The projects in which CoPSEL plays a role take place both domestically and internationally. These range from backyards in Dutch cities to the Wadden Sea, and from Indonesian farmlands to the tiger conservation area in the Himalayas.
Due to drainage and soil subsidence, peatlands emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases. Therefore, we are committed to peatland conservation.
Under the banner of ‘The Resilient Garden’, CoPSEL investigates the motivations and barriers for citizens to green their backyards.
“Due to the broad scope of the applied research group, we hold a very central position. We join forces with the other research groups at the university, with the students and lecturers of our programmes, and with the green-blue domain. Together, we put - and continue to put - our (research) efforts towards a more sustainable and just world.”