Happy International Mountain Day! Does the word mountain conjure up images of your most recent spectacular high-altitude hike? Mountain hikes provide us with unique experiences and have the ability to humble us with their sheer size, beauty, wildlife, and simplicity. They often bring a sense of tranquility to city dwellers. However, our busy urban lives often make us forget about the communities that live on mountains and the importance of mountain ecosystems to our own survival. Mountains are sources of water not only for the people who live on them, but also for those who live downstream and beyond. However, mountain ecosystems are being degraded by unpredictable extreme weather conditions and over-exploitation of resources such as timber, minerals, and land use for pasture. Globally, we have lost 7.1% (78.1 million hectares) of mountain forest cover, mainly due to deforestation, forest fires, slash-and-burn cultivation practices, and semi-permanent and permanent agriculture. Loss of forest cover is more significant in Asia, South America, Africa, Europe and Australia. Mountains are also threatened by plastic pollution. Microplastics have even been found on the highest peak of Mt. Everest. Microplastics seep deep into the soil and also act as vectors carrying other harmful pollutants from the atmosphere, further damaging ecosystem health. Our precious mountain ecosystems are degrading at an accelerated rate and require urgent attention. In support of this year's Mountain Day theme of restoring ecosystems, here are some ways you can respect the mountains on your next hike. Read more: https://lnkd.in/diZE7dX4 https://lnkd.in/dG4Mxhic #UNEP #UNESCO #BMUV #UBA #TUD #CIPSEM #mountainday #globalgoals #scholarship #SDGs #sustainability #MountainsMatter
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🌍 Reflecting on CIPSEM’s Participation at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference 2024 🌍 We are excited to have contributed to the "Navigating Uncertainty: Diplomacy and Sustainability Actors Forging New Alliances" session at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC 2024), showcasing a replicable dialogue model developed over the past seven months with partners from the TES Academy of the Umweltbundesamt - German Environment Agency (UBA), CIPSEM TU Dresden, and the Global Diplomacy Lab (GDL) 🎤. The development and testing of the dialogue model brought together 20 experts from 16 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America from our networks for an unprecedented community of practice, including 18 CIPSEM alumni. During our “Navigating Uncertainty” session at #HSC24, these sustainability and diplomacy practitioners engaged in vibrant discussions with partners from development organizations, research institutions, think tanks, and foundations, including our colleagues from United Nations University-FLORES. Together, we explored how diverse perspectives and innovative alliances can help rebuild trust and foster global cooperation in addressing the complex sustainability challenges we face. The process behind the dialogue model and the session were truly interactive, promoting joint knowledge production and transformative learning. By embracing active collaboration and shared insights, we identified novel approaches that can tackle barriers to global cooperation, focusing on real-world cases proposed by the participants. Key highlights included: 💡 Collaborative efforts among international actors to drive change toward a sustainable and equitable future. 💡 The identification of novel actors and solutions that address barriers to collaboration in a world of increasing uncertainty. 💡 Transformative learning methods that go beyond traditional dialogue approaches to nurture mutual understanding and action. A special thanks to all our partners and participants for their invaluable contributions. We look forward to continuing this dialogue and seeing the impact of these collaborations unfold! 🚀 #Sustainability #Diplomacy #GlobalCooperation #JointKnowledgeProduction #SustainableDevelopment #CIPSEM #UBA #GDL #NavigatingUncertainty #HSC24
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🎉 On 02 October, we celebrated the closing of the 90th UNEP/UNESCO/BMUV International Short Course – "Optimizing Soil Health for Enhanced Ecosystem Services through Nature-based Solutions" at CIPSEM, TU Dresden! 🌍 Over the past month, participants from around the globe have explored the vital role that soil health plays in tackling global challenges—from climate action to food security and biodiversity conservation. Whether they came with a background in soil science or not, all left with new insights, ideas, and Post-Training Action Plans to implement in their home countries. One of the critical takeaways? A staggering 33% of the world's soils are already degraded, threatening ecosystems and livelihoods. But through nature-based solutions, there’s hope for restoration and resilience. 🌱 SC90 was not just about learning; it was also about building lasting networks. Participants shared experiences, strategies, and cultures, creating bonds that will fuel future collaboration. 🤝 We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the manifold contributors whose expertise and engaging teaching methods enriched this course. From lectures and discussion rounds to role games, site visits, and serious games, each participant was exposed to different facets of soil science and nature-based solutions. The diversity of approaches contributed to a deeply impactful and memorable learning experience. 🙌 (See the comments for a full list of contributors.) We are thrilled to see the impact our participants will make as they put their knowledge to work, promoting sustainable solutions and driving change! 🌍 #SoilHealth #Sustainability #NatureBasedSolutions #SC90 #ClimateAction #CIPSEM #GlobalNetwork
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We have embarked on our 90th UNEP/UNESCO/BMUV International Short Course - Optimizing Soil Health for Enhanced Ecosystem Services through Nature-based Solutions (SC90). We look forward to exploring this topic with the 22 bright participants and many excellent facilitators. 👉 https://lnkd.in/dhdFUHmu
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Last week, CIPSEM TU Dresden and United Nations University-FLORES had the honor of hosting a high-level Pakistani delegation, including representatives from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, leading textile industries, and WWF - Pakistan. This weeklong exposure visit is a pivotal part of the eight-year EU-funded project “International Labor and Environmental Standards Application in Pakistan's SMEs (ILES).” Its focus: implementing robust environmental standards in Pakistan's textile sector. This visit was more than just an exchange of ideas—it was a dynamic learning experience filled with insightful discussions, site visits, and collaborative feedback sessions. We explored best practices in Germany's textile industry, from sustainable materials to circular design, and discussed how these innovations could reshape the textile landscape in Pakistan. A big shout-out to all the delegation members and partners who shared their experiences and challenges openly: - Aqsa Liaqat from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination - Saqib Sohail of Artistic Milliners - Kamran Zia of Naveena Group - Masood Arshad PhD and Ifrah Kamil of WWF - Pakistan - Firas Aljanabi of the Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre (ABCD-Centre) - André Matthes of the Institute of Lightweight Structures, Sustainable Textile Division, TU Chemnitz - Hassan Saeed, Yordan Kyosev and Felix Kunzelmann of the Institut für Textilmaschinen und Textile Hochleistungswerkstofftechnik (ITM), TU Dresden - Andre Lindner of the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technische Universität Dresden - Edeltraud (Edel) Guenther, Christina Froemder, Waseem Ashraf, Asha Verma, Sonja Hahn-Tomer, Natalia Ruiz Morato, Thato Andrew Masire, Prashant Kumar, Dr. Matthias Walz, Kamol Gomes of United Nations University-FLORES - Johannes Leis of Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. (STFI) - Dr.-Ing. Stefan Stange of Sächsisches Staatsministerium für Wirtschaft, Arbeit und Verkehr - Ute Roericht of Sächsisches Staatsministerium für Energie, Klimaschutz, Umwelt und Landwirtschaft Your contributions are key to fostering impactful collaborations and driving sustainable change. Read more about the highlights of this visit: https://lnkd.in/dHP4MNi5 🙏 Special thanks to our dedicated colleagues at TUD and UNU-FLORES for their behind-the-scenes support.
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In an age where digital communication is ubiquitous and phone booths have become relics of the past, creative minds are finding innovative ways to repurpose these once-essential urban fixtures. Enter "Ring-Ring Reads," a charming trend that transforms obsolete phone booths into mini-libraries, creating pockets of literary delight in public spaces. These book havens are capturing the hearts of communities around the globe, offering a blend of nostalgia, practicality, and community spirit. The concept of transforming phone booths into book exchanges began as a grassroots movement inspired by the global Little Free Library initiative. The premise is simple: take a book, leave a book. The uniqueness, however, lies in the repurposing of iconic phone booths, often seen as symbols of a bygone era. The first of these transformations began in the United Kingdom and Germany, where old red phone boxes and disused Telekom booths have found new life as vibrant mini-libraries. Want to learn more about how such activities are happening around the world? Then take a look at our new blog, written by some of the participants of our 47th UNEP/UNESCO/BMUV International Postgraduate Course on Environmental Management for Developing Countries (EM47). Link: https://lnkd.in/dZ5mxq6n #UNEP #UNESCO #BMUV #UBA #TUD #CIPSEM #sustainability #connectivity #community #reuse
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Exploring Nature Conservation: Excursion to the International Nature Academy on the Isle of Vilm From May 27 to June 1, participants of the 47th UNEP/UNESCO/BMUV International Postgraduate Course on Environmental Management stayed at the International Academy for Nature Conservation on the Isle of Vilm. This five-day trip was part of the course's module on International Nature Conservation, organized by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN). The course began with an insightful presentation by Jutta Stadler from BfN, who discussed biodiversity and ecosystem services. She introduced the Convention on Biological Diversity and emphasized global conservation efforts. Building on this input, Ms. Caroline von Kries (BfN) followed with an introduction to the Nagoya Protocol. Participants then delved into marine conservation and explored the potential of nature-based solutions for restoring marine and coastal ecosystems. This segment was moderated by Dr. Janos Hennicke from BfN and Mr. Gregory Fuchs from the Ecologic Institute. Their sessions highlighted the state of the art and innovative strategies for protecting and restoring marine environments, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices. The Isle of Vilm, with its rich biodiversity, provided an inspiring setting for simulation games like Fishbanks and Negotiating a CBD COP. The negotiation simulation game was facilitated by Dr. Horst Korn (formerly BfN), who brought more than 30 years of experience to the table. Dr. Korn also gave an insightful presentation on IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) and led a discussion following the screening of "Guardians of the Earth," a documentary on the UNFCCC-COP21. As a significant percentage of the Isle of Vilm is a protected area, it was an ideal location for Ms Andrea Strauss to provide an insightful overview of the status of protected areas in Germany, highlighting the strategies and challenges involved in preserving these vital habitats. Ms Strauss also took the participants on a tour of the Isle of Vilm and its remarkable forests of ancient oaks and stately beeches. Another highlight of the trip was a guided tour through the National Park Jasmund, featuring the unique high chalk cliffs. A visit to the National Park Centre Königsstuhl, with its comprehensive exhibition, further enriched participants' understanding of the region's natural heritage. A heartfelt thank you to all the facilitators for inspiring us to work towards a sustainable future. Special thanks to Ms Irene Lautenschlager, who designed the program, and Ms. Jutta Stadler, who has been a steadfast supporter of CIPSEM and the program for several years. The time spent on the Isle of Vilm is always a highlight and provides a profound experience of the importance of nature conservation. #UNEP #UNESCO #BMUV #UBA #TUD #CIPSEM #globalgoals #SDGs #sustainability #BfN #INA
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As the first rays of dawn kissed the charming city of Dresden, Germany, Joseph Kwasi Afrifa, our current participant of the 47th UNEP/UNESCO/BMUV International Postgraduate Course on Environmental Management for Developing Countries (#EM47) found himself on the brink of a journey he had been eagerly anticipating for weeks: his very first bird race. Bird races, for those who may not know, are a delightful fusion of birding and competitive spirit, where teams compete to spot and identify the most bird species in a given time frame and area. His route would take him through seven picturesque villages around Dresden, covering a distance of 62.8 kilometers. Armed with binoculars, a trusty field guide, and lots of enthusiasm, Joseph was ready to pedal into a day of avian adventure. We hope Joseph is filled with a sense of accomplishment and a renewed love for birdwatching. Check out our new blog: https://lnkd.in/dYp4Ud3t #UNEP #UNESCO #BMUV #UBA #TUD #CIPSEM #sustainability #naturalhabitatprotection
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Exploring Renewable Energy: A visit to Feldheim’s New Energy Forum Have you ever stepped inside a wind turbine? No? Well, we have! On our recent excursion to the New Energy Forum Feldheim, participants of the EM47th UNEP/UNESCO/BMUV Postgraduate Course on Environmental Management had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of renewable energy and energy self-sufficiency. Located In the idyllic village of Feldheim, nestled within Brandenburg, Germany, the New Energy Forum Feldheim is an ambitious initiative to make the village energy self-sufficient. The project is supported by the municipality, the dedicated residents of Feldheim, and the innovative minds at Energiequelle Germany GmbH and Feldheim Energie GmbH & Co.KG. This collaborative effort has enabled the village to redefine how businesses, households, and local authorities access renewable energy from wind, sun, and biomass. After a brief introductory presentation on the different energy sources and the New Energy Forum itself, the EM47 participants set out to explore Feldheim's main attractions. At the heart of the village’s energy production is its biogas plant, which powers a coupled heat and power plant. For the Biogas plant, the village only uses its own input, mainly manure, maize silage, and ground cereals. The leftovers can be reused as biological fertilizer on the village fields. The electric power from the plant is fed into the public grid and can be used when the wind or solar park does not generate enough electricity. The heat is transferred directly to the villagers of Feldheim through their own district heating network. The next stop was at the wind farm. With 55 wind turbines, supplemented by the energy generated by the biogas plant and over 9,000 photovoltaic modules in the Selterhof solar farm, the village has an astonishing energy output that can supply around 55,000 households— far more than its own population. For this reason, and to effectively manage the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources, Feldheim has invested in an energy storage plant. Moreover, with their own district heating and electricity grids, the villagers enjoy both self-sufficiency and the ability to contribute surplus energy to the national electricity grid. Our excursion to Feldheim was not just a tour of renewable energy infrastructure; it was a first-hand lesson in the potential of local energy autonomy and clean energy mix solutions. The village's model has garnered international attention and serves as a model for communities around the world. We sincerely thank the Neue Energien Forum Feldheim (New Energy Forum Feldheim) for organizing this enlightening visit and for their commitment to educating a global audience about the power of renewable energy. Through initiatives like this, we can inspire positive change and pave the way for a more sustainable future. #UNEP #UNESCO #BMUV #UBA #TUD #CIPSEM #sustainability #circularity #renewableenergy
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Would you like to know more about us? As an institution of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences at the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering of the TUD Dresden University of Technology, CIPSEM offers courses aimed at experts and leaders from the #GlobalSouth working in the environmental sector. When the first #postgraduate #training started at TUD in English language it was a novelty at the time. Learn more about CIPSEM’s history and what distinguishes the UNEP/UNESCO/BMUV course program to this day. Meet some of our alumni and learn about their journey. Learn how CIPSEM is an integral part of the university's contribution to #SustainableDevelopment. Visit the CIPSEM edition of the TUD alumni magazine: https://lnkd.in/dt-AjyDm
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