Climate Classic participants raise €113,982 for water-rich nature reserves

More than 2,000 cyclists from across the country took part in the Climate Classic on Friday, June 21. Once again, many water board employees were among them. The route ran from Breda, via De Bilt, to the Noorderzijlvest Water Board in Groningen. Participants in the climate bike ride want to draw attention to the consequences of climate change. They also raised money for Wetlands International, an organization dedicated to the conservation and restoration of wetlands.

Climate adaptation high on the agenda

The cyclists were welcomed by dike reeve Roeland van der Schaaf and deputy Johan Hamster (Province of Groningen). Climate adaptation and reducingCO2 emissions are high on the agenda for both the water board and the province. Together with the Climate Classic organization, they then presented a symbolic check to the program director of Wetlands International. Afterwards, the dike reeve and the deputy presented medals to the cyclists who had finished the race.

Five directors hold up a check for the amount of €113,982.
From left to right: Bram Schaper, Samuel Beltman, Femke Tonneijck, Roeland van der Schaaf, and Johan Hamster.

Water authorities and climate change

The Climate Classic is an initiative of Cycling 4 Climate. This organization aims to raise awareness about the climate crisis. Roeland van der Schaaf: "The water authorities deal with the consequences of climate change every day. We see it happening around us, in a wet spring. Many people experienced inconvenience. And it is possible that we will face drought again later this year. This unpredictability will only increase in the future. Together with other authorities, organizations, and residents, we will have to make careful considerations to keep our area livable."

First: fundraising campaign for Wetlands International

New to this edition of the Climate Classic was that participants could seek sponsorship. The cyclists raised no less than €113,982. Van der Schaaf: ‘The collaboration with Wetlands International is very relevant to us. Preserving and restoring wetlands is high on our agenda. The same applies to the province of Groningen. It's great that we can work together on this.’

Dike Reeve Roeland van der Schaaf smiles as he hangs a medal around the neck of a participant in the Climate Classic.
Dike Reeve Roeland van der Schaaf honors participants who have just finished.