Alzira Schaap is project leader of the European Green Deal Circular Festivals (GDCF). The GDCF aims to create a future-proof, circular, and climate-neutral festival industry. Over fifty ambitious European festivals from 17 countries participate in this Green Deal, acting as frontrunners in their respective nations. Together, they collaborate on their journey toward circularity and climate neutrality, supported by the Government of the Netherlands.

The festivals focus on five key themes: energy, food and drinks, travel and transportation, materials, and water. They share knowledge, monitor their impact, and have developed a model for circular and climate-neutral festivals. As microcosms, festivals serve as testing grounds for circular innovation and experimentation, bringing together all stakeholders required to scale these solutions across society.

This year marks the conclusion of the GDCF program. We are currently exploring how the community, knowledge platform, and knowledge development will continue beyond the Green Deal.

Alzira works at Haskoning as a public–private network developer (living learning networks), a program manager for sustainable transitions, and a moderator/facilitator of workshops.