Rotterdam and its surrounding area have been chosen as one of the study sites in the IDAlert project to collect data and validate tools that are being developed. Raising awareness and educating stakeholders on the links between climate change and vector-borne diseases is also an integral part of the work carried out.
On 15 November 2023, the first regional stakeholder meeting on climate change, climate change adaptation, and vector-borne diseases was held at Blijdorp Zoo in Rotterdam. The meeting had three primary objectives:
- To exchange knowledge on the potential effects of climate change adaptation measures on mosquitoes and mosquito prevalence.
- To establish a network of stakeholders from different domains on the topic during “peace time” (without significant outbreaks of arboviruses).
- To identify planned mitigation measures in Rotterdam and the broader surroundings that can serve as field sites for ongoing research on the interactions between anthropogenic changes in habitat and the risk of vector-borne diseases.
Approximately 40 stakeholders participated in the meeting. All participants indicated that the meeting increased their awareness of expected changes in vector-borne disease prevalence and their possible roles. Follow-up meetings and workshops are planned for 2024, along with field site visits.
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