Kenneth Rijsdijk
Hello! my name is Kenneth Rijsdijk (1968) and I am assistant professor at the Computational Geo-Ecology Group of IBED University of Amsterdam. Originally educated as physical geographer my research is focused on the dynamics of abiotic processes that shape the earth’s surface and affect biota. I am especially interested how environmental processes affect landsscapes and ecosystems, These environmental processes may be natural such as climate change or volcanism but also induced by humans such as effects of mining, overexploitation and deforestation. Central to my studies is contrastingnatural dynamics and human induced dynamics. Core questions are what is the response of landscapes to change and given change what is the resilience of ecosystems? Further I remain fascinated by the Quaternary dynamics of landscape evolution in the North Sea and Irish Sea basins.
In 2005 I was part of a team that discovered an exceptionally rich 4000 yrs old fossil mass grave in Maurtius, a volcanic island in the Indian Ocean. This mass grave contained bones of the iconic flightless bird, the dodo and more than 10 other extinct vertebrates. This discovery led to new research questions and since this discovery I have become fascinated by the role of environmental change and landscape dynamics in affecting and generating island biota and their ecosystems.
I am particularly interested in:
1) the role of deep time, dynamics of geodiversity and interaction with island biodiversity and;
2) quantifying the impacts of humans on island ecosystems;
3) seeking ways in realising sustainable futures for mankind to live in harmony with geo- eco- systems.
After the discovery with the help of Mauritian partners, I set up an international network the Dodo Research Programme that includes scientific, museum, corporation and NGO stakeholders, amounting at current more than 100 persons and a rich array of disciplines (from history, socio-economy to archaeology, geology, ecology).
At the University of Amsterdam I am involved in teaching earth science and future planet courses. Further I have contributed into the development of an entirely new beta-gamma Bsc. study programme Future Planet Studies, that aims to educate a new generation of scientists that are able to integrate gamma and beta sciences in order to resolve the major future challenges that societies and lifeforms on the planet are facing (climate change, depletion of natural resources, socio-economic disruptions).
Affiliations
- Advisory editor of the Netherlands Journal of GeoSciences (NJG)
- Board member of the Society for Professionals in Physical Geography(VVFG)
- Chair person of the charitable society Dodo Alive!
- Ambassador for the advancement of beta- science in the Netherlands
- Member of the International Biogeographical Sociey
- Member of the Dutch Royal Society of Mining and Geology (KNGMG), Dutch Royal Society of Geography (KNAG) and Quaternary Research Association (QRA)