Industry vs Nature in the Maasvlakte and National Reserve

This map (fig. 1) elaborates on the disconnection between nature and industry in the locations of the Maasvlakte and National Reserve Biesbosch. The industry at the Maasvlakte is emitting vast quantities of carbon dioxide, while nature is not able to absorb this amount of carbon dioxide. The nature at the Biesbosch is also not able to absorb the amount of carbon dioxide that is released from the chemical companies that lay in proximity to this nature reserve.

The value map is a visual representation of the tensions between nature and industry in the selected areas. It is designed to engage viewers, enabling them to analyse data and form their own conclusions. The value map is intended to be a versatile tool that encourages data-driven storytelling and supports informed discussions. This data driven approach creates awareness of the values at stake in the relationship between nature and industry in port cities.

The specific locations of the Maasvlakte and National Nature Reserve Biesbosch derived from research that brought to identify different tensions in the area of the Delta that has an influence in and around the port city of Rotterdam. In the ever-changing landscape where industry and nature come together, Maasvlakte in Rotterdam and National Park De Biesbosch serve as clear examples. Maasvlakte represents human innovation and growth, a busy center of trade that blends with its natural environment, while De Biesbosch, a place of natural beauty, lives alongside some industrial areas.

The value map (fig. 1) shows the two selected areas by highlighting in the first place the relationship between CO2 emissions and its absorption. This reveals the balance and conflicting interests between industry and nature, that are better explained in the central part of the map.

Firstly, companies want to maintain a sustainable business and be viable, while sustainability for nature has another meaning, focusing more on ecology and biodiversity. Also, other conflicting values are generated by industries not being transparent about their actions and the lack of responsibility for nature. The tensions are highlighted with red connecting lines in the value map.

There is a strong unbalance between nature and industry. The amount of pollution outweighs the amount of absorption by a large factor. It is important to have conversations about the polluting effect that industry has on nature. This creates awareness of the tension by addressing it and by letting the viewer form its own opinion on the topic.

Nature and industry in proximity to each other creates tensions between their values. It is important to understand these values for nature and industry in order to let them coexist next to each other. This data driven value map gives the viewer the information to create their own narrative in the tension between nature and industry. These different narratives are the starting point for conversations about the unbalance of nature and industry and creates awareness for the clashing values that nature and industry have in port cities.

The goal of the map is to inspire to chart a path where both (nature and industry) can coexist and contribute to a sustainable future.