Thomas Westhoff Email & Phone Number

Ede, Gelderland, Netherlands

As Technical Officer Nature Based Solutions, I contribute to advancing “Building with nature” principles globally with Ecoshape, a network of key water sector partners. I do this by contributing to projects focussed on safeguarding mangroves in Senegal (Rooted Resilience), elevating nature basedsolutions in the Netherlands (NL2120) and in Asia (Building with Nature Asia).

Utrecht, Netherlands

The Netherlands Food Partnership is committed to eradicating hunger and ensuring universal access to sustainable, safe, healthy, and affordable food. They want to achieve this by fostering connections, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among various stakeholders in the agri and food sector. As Youth Advisor, I follow the work of NFP and ensure sustainability and youth inclusion on all levels. Additionally, I advise the Supervisory Board and NFP leadership during regular meetings.

Leuven, Flemish Region, Belgium

I led the biggest student association in the field of agriculture with 10.000 members from more than 100 universities and over 50 countries. I extended the IAAS network to new countries and continued worthwhile projects with new and current partners. Main accomplishment are:-Had the special responsibility over the projects of IAAS, which are ongoing on more than 30 locations. -Expanded the youth advocacy of the association by sending delegations to COP27, CFS50, WFF, SB58 and the UN Water Conference.-Kickstarted two new global projects around deltas and the concept of one health.

Leuven, Flemish Region, Belgium

As the VP of External Relations, I was part of the Executive Board of the biggest student association in the field of agriculture (10.000+ members, 50+ countries). In this role, I:-Represented IAAS at the Pre-COP in Milan and COP26 in Glasgow and in a high level dialogue with PM Justin Trudeau. -Organised the largest gathering of youth in agriculture in Bonn in March 2022 (400+ participants). -Secured more than 70.000€ funds and signed more than 10 MoUs and the first-ever LoA between the FAO and IAAS, comprising a competition with 125+ submissions.

Netherlands

As the National Director of IAAS Netherlands, I have:-Doubled the number of members in the Netherlands from 25 to 50+.-Organised the “Youth in Agriculture Climate Adaptation Summit Pre-Event” with more than 700 participants in collaboration with a broad set of partners, including the ministry of foreign affairs of The Netherlands.-Kickstarted and coordinated a global podcast with more than 1.8K listeners from 64 countries.

Ede, Gelderland, Netherlands

During my internship, I focused on the potential of peatlands in countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions, the development of improved peat maps and a report on the transition of commodities production on peatlands in the light of the European Deforestation Law.

The Hague, South Holland, Netherlands

Water Ambassadorship is a two-year programme of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, Rijkswaterstaat, Vereniging van Waterbouwers, Netherlands Maritime Technology, Topsector Water and the National Watertraineeship. So far I have:-Developed two guest lectures about water management for youth in the Netherlands. -Created and implemented an online educational platform worth 20.000€.-Engaged with several stakeholders in the Dutch water sectors, including the climate envoy of The Netherlands.

Veenendaal, Utrecht, Netherlands

For six months, I taught Geography at a high school and followed courses in didactic and pedagogical sciences at Wageningen University. As part of this period, I have:-Developed forms of hybrid learning, including a YouTube series with more than 1000 views. -Formative tests, which have been used by the company Seppo. -Obtained a "teacher accreditation", tweedegraads bevoegdheid.

Jakarta, Indonesia

For three months, I worked in Jakarta at the Indonesian office of the World Resources Institute. I was part of the ”Peat Restoration Information and Monitoring System” team, where I looked into the scientific background of peat restoration activities. As part of my research, I have;-Conducted fieldwork on Sumatra and Kalimantan and analysed soil samples at IPB University.-Published this research together with my colleagues and presented it during the International Peat Conference.-Made a documentary about the importance of peat restoration in the light of climate change, which was featured in the peatland pavilion at COP26.

Rotterdam Area, Netherlands

I have worked for more than two years at an organic supermarket. In this period I have done several tracks to provide good services to customers of Marqt.

Master Of Science - Ms, Double Degree: "International Land & Water Management" & "Climate Studies", 8.3/10

Thesis: "Pathways for peatlands: towards the achievement of the 2030 & 2050 reduction goals in Dutch peatlands" in collaboration.

Erasmus Exchange, Environmental Science

As part of my MSc Thesis, I have studied at the University of Greifswald. Greifswald is a leading institute in the field of peatlands.

Bachelor Of Science, International Land And Water Management, 8.1/10 (Honours)

Activities and Societies: Chair of Nitocra’s sport committeeDrought, erosion, floods and poor land and water management constitute major.

Gymnasium, Specialization In Biology, Chemistry , Computer Sciences, Geography, Physics, 7.5/10

Activities and Societies: Journalist for the school’s newspaper, Chess TeamI completed the following subjects: Physics, Chemistry.