Knowledge is power

Friesland leads the way in water management and water technology
Friesland is a region of the Netherlands that is largely below sea level and surrounded by water. The geographical location of the region has led to a long history of water management and technological developments to address water problems. This has contributed to the expertise Friesland has developed in water management and water technology. This makes Friesland the province of choice to host conferences in these fields: look around!

High water quality thanks to innovations
Friesland has a strong agricultural sector that depends on water for irrigation and livestock keeping. Maintaining and protecting water quality is therefore of great importance to the region's economy. Furthermore, Friesland has a tradition of cooperation between government, business, knowledge institutions and civil society organizations. This has led to innovative solutions in water management and water technology, such as the reuse of wastewater, the development of water treatment plants and the application of renewable energy sources for water management. Friesland has a strong focus on sustainability and climate adaptation, which has contributed to the development of innovative technologies and practices in water management and water technology.

Organizations focusing on water technology and management.
Water alliance, Wetsus nature and landscape, Water campus, Afsluitdijk, Wadden Center, Woudagemaal

Friesland, cradle of sustainable agriculture
Friesland is the cradle of sustainable agriculture because of its long tradition of sustainable farming and the many innovations that resulted. For centuries, Frisian farmers have worked to improve their farming methods, taking into account both the economic and ecological aspects of their business.

Maintaining fertility and preventing soil erosion
A major reason Friesland is leading the way in sustainable agriculture is the province's focus on maintaining soil health. Frisian farmers use various techniques to keep their soils healthy, such as crop rotation, minimizing soil tillage and using compost and organic fertilizers. Using these methods maintains soil fertility and prevents soil erosion. Frisian farmers have also invested heavily in sustainable farming technologies, such as precision farming and robotization, which help improve farming efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Collaborate
Friesland is known for its knowledge centers and research institutes that focus on sustainable agriculture, such as Wageningen University & Research and the Dairy Campus. These institutes work together with farmers to develop and implement sustainable solutions. Plenty of opportunities to make contacts and exchange knowledge.

Friesland: towards Europe's most circular region
Friesland is becoming Europe's most circular region because of the commitment of the province and Frisian companies and residents to create a circular economy. This involves striving for an economy in which waste does not exist, in which raw materials are reused and in which the environment is spared.

Collaboration
An important factor in the development of the circular economy in Friesland is cooperation between companies, governments and knowledge institutions. For example, there is cooperation to use residual streams from one industry as raw materials in another industry. This leads to a reduction of waste and a more efficient use of raw materials.

Renewable energy, bioplastics and taking the bike or bus a little more often
In addition, Frisian companies have invested heavily in sustainable technologies, such as the use of renewable energy sources and the production of bioplastics. Friesland is also paying a lot of attention to sustainable mobility, encouraging people to cycle, walk and use public transport more often.

Fully circular ambition
The province of Friesland has also played an active role in the development of the circular economy. For example, the province has established a vision to be the most circular region in Europe by 2025 and has launched several initiatives to achieve this goal.

Key organizations
Biosintrum, National Circular Plastics Test Center (NTCP), Energy Campus, Ekwadraat, Circular Friesland, Omrin.

Friesland sports country
Friesland is considered the sports province of the Netherlands because of its rich sports history and the many sporting events it hosts.

Skating
An important factor in Friesland's sports history is its long tradition of skating and sailing. For example, the province has produced many skating champions and it is also home to the Elfstedentocht, one of the most iconic skating events in the world. Sports city Heerenveen with its Thialf and Epke Zonderland Gymnastics Center is the sports heart of the world. Friesland also has a long tradition of sailing, with several sailing events taking place annually, such as Sneekweek and the IFKS Skûtsjesilen.

Soccer, korfball and fierljeppen
Besides skating and sailing, Friesland also has a strong tradition in other sports, such as soccer, korfball, volleyball and fierljeppen. There are several professional and amateur clubs active in the province and regional and national championships are regularly organized.

Top in event organization
Friesland enjoys organizing major sporting events, such as the Giro, the Elfsteden bicycle tour, the Fryslân cycling tour, the Strongmanrun and the Swim to Fight Cancer. Friesland is also home to the Thialf Stadium, one of the most important ice rinks in the world. Friesland is also the home of Epke - The Flying Dutchman - Zonderland with his Olympic gymnastics gold.

Important organizations in sports country
Sport Fryslân, Sportstad Heerenveen, Jeugdfonds Sport & Cultuur, Thialf, Aris Leeuwarden, SC Heerenveen.