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MICAfé, September 10: The Role of Communication in Food Transitions in the Context of Soil and Water

How can we ensure that people feel more engaged with the societal challenges surrounding food in relation to changes in soil and water? And how can communication help increase that engagement and encourage action?
September 10, 2026
MICA
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Social issue

Soil and water are under pressure. Healthy and sufficient food is essential, but issues related to pollution, drought, and water scarcity that impact the food chain are often difficult to see. At the same time, various stakeholders view the necessary changes through the lens of their differing interests.

At the MICAfé on Thursday, September 10, we will explore how transition communication can help build support, engagement, and collaboration—not just by providing information, but by inspiring people to take action.

Together, we’ll explore questions such as:

  • How can we prevent resistance or climate fatigue?
  • How can we make long-term risks relevant to our actions today?
  • How can we ensure that communication not only informs, but also inspires people to take action?
  • How do we address the diverse interests, values, and perspectives of stakeholders?

This MICAfé is organized in collaboration with SPARK the Movementand the Transformational Media Research Group at NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences. 

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Speakers: Bianca Harms & Martien Lankester

Dr. Bianca Harms(lecturer in Transformational Media at NHL Stenden) researches, among other things, how complex sustainability issues can be translated into communication and interventions that contribute to public support, behavioral change, and social impact. Andfrom SPARKtheMovement, Pyt de Vries share his experience regarding the Week of the Fryslân Region 2026.

Martien Lankester is a trained physician(not currently practicing) and public health specialist with over 45 years of experience in sustainable food systems, agriculture, and ecosystems around the world. Drawing on his expertise in health, biodiversity, and societal transitions, he shares his vision for the future of soil, water, and sustainability.

At a MICAfé, we tackle a substantive topic relevant to the creative industry, media, or communication. We have a speaker and music, but our main focus is on engaging in conversation with one another. MICAfé = 1 hour of content + 1 hour of drinks


Schedule 3:30 PM – Doors open
4:00 PM – Program begins
5:00 PM – Drinks

📍 MICA, Sixmastraat 15, Leeuwarden

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