History of EncoraNL

Following the example of NCK, a Dutch networking organization that (successfully) attempts to bring Dutch coastal scientists closer together, the initiative was taken to create similar networks for other European countries. It was proposed that these networks should not only be able to function individually, but should also be tied together and thus provide a European platform for networking. The idea for ENCORA was born. Job Dronkers, initiator and driving force of ENCORA, envisioned it would be even better if this network would not only encompass the scientific community but also the policy makers and coastal practitioners. After the European Commission granted the necessary funding, ENCORA kicked off early 2006. For all of the 13 participating countries a national network was put up, in the Netherlands this is EncoraNL.

EncoraNL and the NCK

Though the idea to start a pan European ICZM network supported by national networks was inspired by the successes of the NCK, the mainly scientific oriented NCK did not merge into ENCORA. EncoraNL became the platform for communication between research, practice and policy and coexists with the primarily scientific oriented NCK. Naturally both networks work together closely.

NCK web site.