Challenges

Unwillingness of inhabitants

Transitioning to a more sustainable Texel is a lengthy process. To ensure the success of this process, it is essential that the Texelaars do not only accept this transition, but that they also support it. This means that the inhabitants have to become an integral part of this sustainable transition and the eventual solution.

Creating support and acceptance from the community is twofold. On one hand, it focuses on creating local enthusiasm and active support for this transition, and on the other hand, it is also about anticipating on resistance from the inhabitants or other stakeholders connected to this transition. Depending on the context of the project, resistance can lead to alterations to planning, implementation, execution or can even eventually lead to a unsuccessful transition. (Mourik, Feenstra & Raven, 2007)

This resistance can originate from various different sources. Good or bad experiences with sustainable solutions, or the general lack of interest for sustainability are amongst the many reasons why one would become reluctant to support or accept the transition. The impact that this transition might have on their daily life and surroundings eventually shapes their opinion on the transition. The challenge is to shape this impact, or these changes, in a way that they are appealing to the inhabitants of Texel.

Mourik, R. M., Feenstra, C. F. J., & Raven, R. P. J. M. (2007). Voorbeelden voor draagvlakbevordering bij duurzame energieprojecten op eilanden en in kleine gemeenschappen (pp. 50). Amsterdam: Energy research Center of the Netherlands.