In a world increasingly shaped by climate change and biodiversity loss, education and innovation are critical to building a greener, healthier, and more resilient environment. At Zone.College in Twello, a Dutch green educational organisation, students aged 12–16 are immersed in hands-on learning that blends technical skills with environmental stewardship.

As Jan Steverink, programme manager at Zone.College, shares in the video, this is not just a school — it’s a dynamic environment where students work outdoors, care for animals, and learn how green spaces can mitigate and adapt to climate change. Teachers demonstrate skills such as correct soil preparation and discuss the evolving demands of green professions: versatility, technical knowledge, and the ability to design for sustainability and climate resilience.

The video also features Victor Dijkshoorn, CEO of VIC Landscapes, who introduces the ‘Common Woods’ project, a visionary neighbourhood where humans and nature coexist in harmony. Sustainable materials are used to build homes, and household wastewater is recycled to irrigate nearby gardens. The species planted reflect the local environment, enhancing biodiversity and creating a landscape resilient to the impacts of climate change.

This shared vision resonates across borders. From Romania to the Netherlands, countries are grappling with climate change and biodiversity loss. The green sector plays a crucial role in ensuring that people can continue to live in healthy, green, and clean environments, harmoniously connected with nature.

At Zone.College, students are not just learning about the future, they’re helping to shape it. By equipping them with the skills and knowledge to create green spaces that are sustainable, adaptable, and beneficial for the local environment, Zone.College and projects like ‘Common Woods’ are planting the seeds for a future where people and nature thrive together.