María José Galeano Galván,
Pieter van Hall,
People from Texel do not feel connected to (sustainability) ideas that come from the mainland.
One could argue if the inhabitants of the Dutch island of Texel are actually Dutch. Texelaars (Texel's inhabitants) have a strong identity through which they differentiate themselves from the regular Dutch people living on the mainland. The islanders have their own dialect of the Dutch language and they have their own annual feast called Sunderklaas (it has nothing to do with Sinterklaas) on the 12th of december (Ronde, 2011). This strong identity creates a strong community of Texelaars. The community is focussed on self-preservation of the community of Texel and their culture and habits. Unfortunately, this community is not that open to outsiders and their ideas for change from the Dutch mainland.
Transitioning towards a more sustainable Texel, and therefore altering the identity of the Texelaar, can prove to be difficult considering this strong identity and community. To accomplish this transition, it is important that there is acceptance and support from the community itself.
Ronde, K. (2010). De Texelaar, de overkanter en het feest dat het verschil maakt Retrieved 16-11, 2014, from http://www.kennislink.nl/publicaties/de-texelaar-de-overkanter-en-het-feest-dat-het-verschil-maakt