24.06.2024 | By Lyndsay Jensen | Pictures: DRH Lindersvold

Human-induced environmental damage is escalating, with serious consequences that include climate change and land desertification.

World Environment Day 2024, coordinated by the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP), focuses on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience. The slogan is “Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration.” 

With alarming climate figures, at DRH Lindersvold, we believe it is necessary to act, restore, and protect our land and that of future generations. Below, you will hear from Sjak, a dedicated farmer and teacher at our school whose work in environmental education is both inspiring and essential.

A journey to DRH Lindersvold

Sjak’s journey to DRH Lindersvold is rooted in a deep connection to nature. With an educational background in biodynamic agriculture and healing pedagogy, his path has been one of continuous learning by doing. Originally from Holland, Sjak’s career includes extensive experience at Majetta Institution, where he initiated projects integrating students with mental disabilities into agricultural work. His passion for sustainable agriculture, his relationship with DRH Lindersvold, and his guiding students in the garden led him to join the school part-time as he began his retirement.

Teaching biodiversity and sustainability

At DRH Lindersvold, Sjak’s role is multifaceted. He engages students in hands-on gardening, teaching them about biodynamics, touching on permaculture, and the importance of soil health. “We focus on the soil, not just the plants,” he explains. “In biodynamics, we enrich the soil with organic matter, allowing plants to find nutrients naturally. This method contrasts sharply with conventional farming, where artificial fertilisers can make plants dependent and less resilient.”

Through practical tasks like weeding, harvesting, and preparing the garden for seasonal changes, Sjak guides our students to understand the intricate balance of ecosystems. His approach combines traditional farming equipment methods with biodiversity farming, ensuring that students appreciate both the science and the art of sustainable farming.

Inspiration and optimism

Sjak’s optimism is infectious. Despite the daunting challenges posed by the climate crisis, he remains a steadfast believer in human ingenuity and resilience. “There is a lot to do,” he acknowledges, “but we must stay hopeful. The issues, from plastic pollution to the degradation of marine life, are pressing. Yet, there are also solutions. We need to keep the conversation alive, sharing alternative ways of living that are kinder to our planet.”

His passion is not just teaching but inspiring a new generation to think holistically about nature. Sjak stresses the importance of understanding that everything in nature is interconnected, and we must maintain balance and see the bigger picture.

A call to action

Sjak’s vision extends beyond the classroom. He advocates for Denmark to embrace biological agriculture more fully, highlighting the potential for sustainable farming to play a crucial role in environmental preservation. “Agriculture has always been about growing things,” he notes, “and it should be at the forefront of our ecological efforts.”

Sjak’s message is clear: keep the dialogue going, stay positive, and continue pushing for change. “We are already doing so much,” he affirms. “Let’s not lose hope. Denmark has the potential to lead in sustainable agriculture. Let’s make it happen.”

In celebrating World Environment Day, we are inspired by a teacher like Sjak, who reminds us that every small action counts towards a larger, greener future. Together, we can nurture the world’s biodiversity and ensure a sustainable legacy for generations to come.