For two decades, EcoShape and the Building with Nature approach have brought together people from different sectors to explore how we can work with nature to develop more sustainable solutions for our water and infrastructure challenges.
From flagship projects and learning by doing to sharing knowledge and inspiring new collaborations, these 20 years have helped shape the way we think about Nature-based Solutions.
Now, we’re celebrating this milestone while looking ahead!
On the 17th of November 2026 we’re bringing the Building with Nature community together in Amersfoort, celebrating 20 years of Building with Nature and exploring the progress, lessons and ambitions of our third programme: Building with Nature III, “Creating the Enabling Environment for Nature-based Solutions.”
Programme:
09:30 Doors open
10:00 Setting the Stage
· Welcome – 20th year of EcoShape by Erik van Eekelen & Petra Dankers [EcoShape]
· The investment case for nature by a specialist from the investment side
· Less sand, more life by Jim van Belzen [NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research & Wageningen Marine Research]
11:30 Building with Nature in Action
· Project spotlights: From knowledge to impact
12:15 Joining Forces
· Natuurversterking Noordzee by Jelmer Cleveringa [EcoShape], Vera Bánki [The Rich North Sea] & Jeroen Vis [Ministerie van Landbouw, Visserij, Voedselzekerheid en Natuur]
· NL2120 by Alex Hekman [NL2120] , Kirsten Haanraads [WWF] & René Vrugt [Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Waterstaat]
13:45 Explore & Engage
· 3 rounds. 26 unique sessions. A world of ideas to explore.
15:45 Connect and celebrate
· Let’s keep the conversations flowing! The sessions may be over, but the conversations don’t have to be.
The day will conclude with drinks and plenty of time to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new people and celebrate the community that has made 20 years of EcoShape possible!
Join us to reflect on how far we’ve come, connect with the people behind the work, and help shape what comes next!
- Date: 17 November 2026
- Time: 10:00–17:00
- Location: De Rijtuigenloods, Amersfoort
- Language: English
- Registration: Click Here
- Cost: free
