Oerol Festival has been nominated for the Duurzame Dertig 2025 in the category Sustainable Collaboration. The nomination is a recognition of the project Sustainable Events Terschelling, an initiative of the Terschelling Circulair Foundation in which Oerol collaborates with other island event organisations towards a greener future.
Pioneering together
The Sustainable Events Terschelling project was born out of a sense of urgency. Organising events in the beautiful and unique setting of a Wadden island (in the middle of Natura 2000 and UNESCO World Heritage) comes with the responsibility to take good care of that environment and its nature. To stay ahead of the curve and of regulations, local event organisations such as Fjoertoer, Berenloop, Oerol, and Springtij have joined forces. With over 40 years of experience, they help each other by sharing knowledge and pioneering sustainable festival and event organisation, while also acting as a discussion partner for the Municipality of Terschelling and other local entrepreneurs.
The project began by measuring and recording CO₂ emissions per visitor. These measurements provided valuable insights and now guide targeted measures.
Concrete steps forward
The collaboration has already delivered tangible results. For example, joint investments have been made in materials, which are now available on the island and therefore no longer need to be transported back and forth. This saves transport movements and emissions.
In addition:
- The Fjoertoer has been organized entirely without generators.
- Oerol developed the Ecological Compass, which contains guidelines on both artistic and practical levels and is widely shared to encourage nature-inclusive working. In addition, last year Oerol researched waste streams and began processing by-products in its own kitchen.
- A second round of CO₂ measurements was carried out collectively to make progress visible.
- In collaboration with the Municipality of Terschelling, sustainability efforts have been reinforced and structurally embedded.
A stage for sustainable collaboration
The nomination highlights that sustainability on Terschelling is not a solo project, but a joint effort.
“By sharing knowledge, purchasing materials together, and inspiring each other, we make sustainability concrete. This nomination shows that our efforts are being recognised”, says Sander van Houten of Terschelling Circulair Foundation.
Oerol director Mickey Martins also underlines the importance:
“Oerol is rooted in the nature and culture of Terschelling. Sustainability is part of our DNA. We are proud that, together with so many partners, we can show that culture, events, and sustainability can go hand in hand.”
About the Duurzame Dertig
Each year, the Duurzame Dertig highlights sustainable initiatives and companies in Drenthe, Friesland, and Groningen. The event is organised in collaboration with Circulair Friesland, Circulair Groningen-Drenthe, and VNO-NCW MKB Noord.
The final will take place on October 28, 2025, during a live event full of sustainable inspiration.
