Let’s Talk Green, Initiating Eco Conversations with Friends

In our ever-evolving world, the need for environmental awareness and sustainable practices is more important than ever. In this journey towards a sustainable future, one of the most powerful steps we can take is to spread awareness and encourage others to adopt eco-friendly practices. However, the power of eco-conversations lies not only in their ability to raise awareness but also in their potential to drive meaningful change, encourage innovation, and foster a global sense of responsibility. In a world that is more interconnected than ever, these conversations transcend borders and cultures, emphasizing that environmental issues are not isolated concerns but shared challenges.

Beyond awareness, eco-conversations inspire individuals to take action by challenging the status quo and encouraging creative solutions to environmental problems. And what better way to start than by having conversations with our friends? By sharing our passion for going green, we can inspire others to make small changes that collectively have a significant positive impact on the environment. The influence of social circles on individual behaviors and attitudes is well documented, and harnessing this influence can be a driving force for positive change.

During our time at CIPSEM, while learning about different aspects of environmental management, we developed strong friendships and learned from each other about different sustainable practices followed at home and issues related to green behavior in our different countries. Our friendly conversations over coffee and during treks have led us to adopt new sustainable practices in our daily routines. Therefore, inspired by our personal experiences that have strengthened our commitment to living a sustainable life, we are sharing with you some simple steps to start eco conversations with your friends and family.

First, we would like to ask you a few questions. Do you find it difficult to explain the benefits of green practices to your friends? Are you concerned about the future of our planet and want to do something about it? 

You may find answers to your questions in this blog.

Below, we’ll discuss some friendly and effective ways to start conversations with your friends and family about going green.

Starting the Dialogue to taking Action – 7 steps

EM 46 Participants talking about going green.
Photo Credits: Manop Kaewfoo.

Step 1 – Choose the Right Moment:

Timing is everything! Find an appropriate time when both you and your friend are relaxed and open to conversation. Choose a quiet and casual setting, such as a walk in the park, over coffee, or during a hangout. By choosing the right time and place, you will create a comfortable environment that encourages open dialogue.

A calm nature setting with seating islands can be a great place to start an eco conversation.
Photo Credits: Manop Kaewfoo.

Step 2 – Share Personal Experiences:

Begin the conversation by highlighting shared values and concerns about the environment. Talk about the beauty of nature and its importance in our lives. Share your personal experiences with environmental stewardship. Talk about the positive changes you have made in your own life, such as reducing plastic waste, conserving energy, choosing sustainable transportation methods, or simply adopting an eco-friendly attitude. Explain that if we want to make the world a better place, change starts with us. Speaking from your own perspective makes it relatable and encourages your friends to share their own experiences and thoughts.

Step 3 – Be Positive and Non-Judgmental:

Approach the conversation with a positive, non-judgmental attitude. Instead of criticizing your friends’ current habits, focus on the benefits and rewards of adopting sustainable practices. Talk about the positive impact these changes can have on their health, finances, and the environment. Emphasize the idea that going green is a journey and that every small step counts.

Step 4 – Highlight Benefits and Exciting Trends:

Going green is not just about sacrifice; it is also about discovering exciting opportunities and trends. Mention the innovative eco-friendly products such as reusable water bottles, solar-powered gadgets or sustainable fashion options. Share interesting stories and statistics about the positive effects of sustainable practices, such as a reduced carbon footprint or cost savings from energy-efficient appliances.

Step 5 – Offer Practical Tips and Resources:

Provide your friends with practical tips and resources to help them get started. Offer suggestions for simple changes they can make, such as switching to LED light bulbs, recycling, or reducing food waste. Point them to reliable sources of information, such as documentaries, books, or online platforms that provide guidance on green living. Encourage them to join local community initiatives or environmentally conscious organizations where they can find support and inspiration.

Step 6 – Plan Green Activities Together:

Make the conversation interactive and engaging by planning green activities or challenges together. Suggest activities such as community clean-ups, gardening, cooking vegetarian meals, or visiting sustainable businesses in your area. By doing these activities as a group, you will build a sense of camaraderie and support each other in your sustainable efforts.

Authors on a cycling trip in Dresden, a great activity to bond over eco-conversations.
Photo Credits: Omobayo Ghislain Zoffoun.

Step 7 – Create empathy towards environmental disasters happening around the world:

You could discuss the risks associated with extreme weather events and how each of us can help reduce the impact of these events by making small behavioral changes. Project risk scenarios to friends, such as how you would get to a hospital during a flood event. Asking if your friends have experienced high summer temperatures while walking to the supermarket. In addition, initiate positive discussions about how a simple urban/balcony garden can increase the bee population responsible for pollination and bringing food to our tables.

Now that you know the simple steps to start an eco-conversation, go talk to your friend!

The power of eco-conversations is undeniable. They are not just conversations; they are catalysts for change, bringing people together in their shared commitment to protecting our planet and opening doors for collective action. By approaching the topic with a friendly, non-judgmental attitude, sharing your experiences, and highlighting the benefits of green practices, you can encourage your friends to embark on their own green journeys. Whether it’s reducing waste, conserving energy, or supporting green businesses, these discussions motivate people to make meaningful changes in their everyday lives. Together, we can make a big difference and contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet. So let’s talk green and spread the message of sustainability, one conversation at a time.

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by Manop Kaewfoo (Thailand), Marcel Loyd Minka, (Cameroon), Senikiwe Faith Tsile, (Botswana),  Natahly Samoela, (Madagascar), Priti Sharma, (India) – Participants of the 46^th UNEP/UNESCO/BMUV International Postgraduate Course on Environmental Management for Developing Countries.

A Central-American Experience in Dresden

Growing up in a small farm in Nicaragua surrounded by wildlife, I always found natural processes particularly fascinating. This along with TV shows hosted by personalities like David Attenborough, Steve Irwin, and Jane Goodall were the reasons of my early environmental awareness. This continued in high school, where I researched about man-made forest fires and their impacts on soil quality, air quality and biodiversity; a lifelong environmental issue in Nicaragua. In a way, my career choice was decided in the early stages of my life, and led to me studying environmental quality engineering at the Universidad Centroamericana in 2008.

Whilst studying there, a severe drought lasting three years hit Nicaragua. Our family’s livelihood from farming suffered, requiring us to sell all our assets and changing our family lifestyle completely. Our farm was not adapted to climate change, a concept I learned about during my years at university and one that became mainstream with the help of Al Gore’s documentary ‘An Inconvenient Truth’. The impact of drought on our farm was the first time climate change directly affected my life. This shaped my professional path, making me committed to working with those in need who lack the tools, knowledge or technologies to face climate change, something that they themselves had done little or nothing to initiate. This commitment is why, since graduating, I have been working with certified organic agriculture, a climate change resilient farming systems.

In 2017, I moved to Peru where I designed, validated and implemented a tool for small farmers that would help them sell their agricultural products for a better price. The tool was a participatory guarantee system (PGS), the second one in Peru, based on agroecological practices. The idea behind the tool was to bring farmers and consumers closer, fostering trust relationships, making consumers aware of the reality and challenges farmers face to produce food. This work led me to seek further professional development and Iuckily, I won a scholarship from the German Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety to study a Postgraduate Course on Environmental Management for Developing Countries with the Centre for International Postgraduate Studies of Environmental Management (CIPSEM) at TU Dresden. Here I got the opportunity to meet individuals from all over the world, all with a shared concern for our natural world and how small efforts can pay off when they have the possibility to reach several individuals.

Pablo Urbina, Nicaragua/Peru – alumnus of the 43rd UNEP/UNESCO/BMU International Postgraduate Course on Environmental Management for Developing Countries (EM43)

Learning from lecturers from one of the most advance nations in the world was a once in a lifetime experience. Here you get to appreciate that in a seemingly economy-driven world that, from the outside, looks to not care much about the environmental sphere, there are still individuals and institutions that contribute tirelessly with their work and research to bring new knowledge and technological advances for an environmentally friendly world.

Opening ceremony of the EM43 course at the Rectors Office of TU Dresden in January 2020

During my first few weeks at the course I learnt about the International Climate Protection Fellowship by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and saw the perfect opportunity to extend the scope of the PGS I developed back in Peru. That is why I applied to the fellowship and my application was accepted in September 2020, and I will start my research in 2021 in cooperation with a senior professor at TU Dresden. The international Climate Protection Fellowship enables me to communicate my work to an international community so it can be replicated around the world. This programme will allow me to interact with brilliant minds that are constantly thinking about how to bring solutions to issues related to climate change from their areas of expertise and provide opportunity to learn about different perspectives or approaches to common issues.

by Pablo Urbina (EM43)

Coherence despite all odds

In contrast to the physical distance we all need to keep these days, here is another example of the persistence of team spirit and the power of relationships. Recently there was a spontaneous online get-together of alumni of the 71st UNEP/UNESCO/BMU International Short Course on Ecosystem Management – Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Services, which took place in September 2017:

Also the ongoing 43rd UNEP/UNESCO/BMU International Postgraduate Course on Environmental Management for Developing Countries had to adapt its character and after most of the participants returned home, it’s now continued as an “online only” effort. Nevertheless there was, despite the significant differences among time zones, a first complete reunion of all fellows last Wednesday (April 15th):

Once me and a friend and former colleague tried to come up with a fancy catchphrase for CIPSEM to be used for public relation purposes – we inoffically ended up with “CIPSEM – we open worlds” … and we still do, despite a global shut-down.

Take care and stay safe!

From a learner to a key actor

From where I come from, it is often said “if mountains can meet, then men shall always meet”. I always thought it was a consolatory statement whenever we had to go away from a friend or someone we cherish, but little did I know a famous re-union will proof to me how true the statement is. The short story started last August 2019 when I was privileged to be one of the 21 participants who attended the “77th UNEP/UNESCO/BMU International Short Course on Ecosystem Management – Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Services”. Spending almost a month with 20 young talented and inspiring professionals from diverse countries around the world, dedicated and sacrificing every minute of their life’s in fighting for the conservation of our biodiversity was a unique experience for me.

The various course lectures, group works, field and study trips were just awesome. Nevertheless, I thought I was at the end of my excitement until we had a study trip at the Isle of Vilm, words can’t explain the experience. However, one of the main highlights of the stay at Vilm was the course on “CBD-COP negotiation simulation”. Under the coordination of Dr. Axel Paulsch, a seasoned CBD-COP negotiator, we were drilled on negotiation skills, language alignment, getting what we want via compromise, pressure building….. Passionate on issues relating to blending science and policy as far as biodiversity conservation is concerned, I found my world during the simulation exercise. Futhermore, I was boosted when Dr. Paulsch at the end of the exercise said and I quote “Simon, I am convinced soon, very soon, you will be at the international stage, this time around in the real, negotiating for your country”. Those were just words isn’t it??? Yes they were, but never underestimate the strength of words.

Last February to March 2020, 1000 delegates from 142 countries met in Rome-Italy for the Second Meeting of the Open-ended Working Group of the CBD on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. The main aim of the meeting was for parties to engage in negotiations towards the elaboration of an agreed main text of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.

I was greatly privileged to be designated as one of the two delegates who represented Cameroon to the negotiations. But this privilege was amplified when I met one special personality in the meeting. Guess who??? – Dr. Axel Paulsch – The famous re-union took place. I was full of emotions when I met this wonderful professional who across CIPSEM and the SC77 course, empowered me with innovative negotiating skills.

Our re-union was smooth, humble, peaceful and quiet just like nature itself. The humble character of the re-union was expressed when Dr. Paulsch told  me as we met and I quote “yesterday you were a learner but today you are my colleague and I will be honoured to get your perspectives relating to the negotiations we are about to embark in”. The words say it all. On my side, whenever I had to speak either in the name of my country or the African group, I felt the weight of the responsibility and the unique privilege I had not only as a delegate from my country, but as a CIPSEM SC77 Alumnus having his course instructor in the same conference hall listening to him participating in the development of a new biodiversity framework that shall re-shape life on earth and participate the sustainable well-being of hundreds of millions of people.

Meeting Dr. Paulsch gave me the opportunity to finally accept the statement that “if mountains can meet, then men shall always meet”. But beyond statements, participating in the Rome negotiations was another proof of the skills learned, knowledge gained and senses built during the CIPSEM experience, which goes a long way to highlight the rich and innovative content of the CIPSEM course programs.

At the certificate award ceremony of the CIPSEM SC77 course, I had the honour to be one of the two speakers who spoke on behalf of our fellow course mates. I remember telling them that, “if we don’t want to be victims of the destruction of biodiversity, we should be actors of its conservation and to do this, rather than trying to do things right, we should always do the right things”. CIPSEM has done its part and I’m convinced we SC77 Alumni are doing our everyday in our universities, government agencies, NGOs, CSOs, businesses, etc.. And this is true because the re-union at the Rome meeting wasn’t only with Dr. Paulsch but I also met my SC77 course mate Mr. Yew Aun Quek, who was part of the Malaysian Delegation.

 

by Mr. PATAMAKEN ANECK Simon Ndibnuh,

Senior Environmental Engineer, Ministry of Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development-Cameroon, SC77 CIPSEM Alumnus

Working hard for restoration

CIPSEM alumna Dr. Adejoke Olukemi Akinyele was hosting the “Forest and Landscape Restoration (FLR)” side event at the XXV IUFRO World Congress in Curitiba, Brazil.

In this 11-episode series, you’ll have the chance to follow the “Forest Landscape Restoration Implementation: Progress on the Ground” side-event hosted October 1st, 2019 at the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) XXV World Congress in Curitiba, Brazil. The side-event is a milestone in the IUFRO-led forest landscape restoration (FLR) snapshot analysis, a project that aims at an independent scientific exploration of efforts contributing to forest landscape restoration (FLR) in selected landscapes in nine Bonn Challenge countries, three each in Africa, Asia and Latin America. This project is generously funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety.

Experience, Participation & Action: UN Youth Summit 2019

The recently concluded UN Climate Action Summit 2019 and UN Youth Climate Summit in New York were proof that youth are increasingly becoming a catalyst to progressing climate change action. The Youth Summit which was the first ever of its kind provided an opportunity for young leaders who are spearheading climate action in their respective countries to showcase creative solutions contributing towards climate action at the United Nations. I was privileged to participate at the UN Youth Summit as part of the UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) Youth Delegation, representing the youth, my initiative TLC4Environment, my country Kenya, the MAB programme and other institutions that have propelled me towards this commitment such as the Centre for International Postgraduate Studies of Environmental Management (CIPSEM) and the Youth Encounter on Sustainability (YES).

Alongside the MAB delegates, youth from various parts of the globe thronged the streets of New York and other towns in several countries on 20^th September 2019 for the #GlobalClimateStrike in support of the urgent climate action call to world leaders. In New York the strike was led by Greta Thunberg; who also went ahead to address the youth and the Secretary-General of the United Nations during the opening of the Youth Summit the following day, including giving a worldwide impactful but emotional speech condemning world leaders for failing to address climate change and for stealing the youth’s dreams and childhood.

Attending the Summit positioned me on the global stage for a historic moment which allowed me to give my voice and discuss efforts in addressing climate change including an opportunity to actively engage and contribute to further climate action. The Summit also fostered youth ownership of the dire need to #ActNow in order to secure their future as cities all over the world realize they are facing increased impacts from climate-related disasters. Notably, as a MAB delegate, it is important to highlight the importance of nature-based solutions in addressing the climate crises. Nature Based Solutions jointly address not only climate change but also biodiversity loss impacts and therefore their implementation both within and outside of protected areas is crucial as a holistic transformational action. In our participation, we ensured to give our voices rooted in the reality of the role of biosphere reserves in climate change adaptation, mitigation and resilience, such as implementing widespread ecosystem restoration and enhancing resilience of nature’s benefits to people. Also, we actively participated in the session on the role of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) towards combating climate change and the importance of education as an effective tool in addressing climate change. Overall, I enjoyed the Summit and found it of value especially in current and future plans in addressing climate change.

Ms. Louisa Chinyavu Mwenda, Kenya, SC68 CIPSEM Alumna

CIPSEM alumna gives maiden lecture

On Wednesday, July 17^th 2019, Dr. Adejoke Olukemi Akinyele had the honor to deliver the maiden lecture for the newly created Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria – the lecture titled “Achieving sustainable development through silviculture: Focus on tree domestication”.

Dr. Adejoke Olukemi Akinyele presenting the maiden lecture.

Dr. Adejoke Olukemi Akinyele was a participant in the 60^th UNEP/UNESCO/BMU International Short Course on Environmental Management for Developing and Emerging Countries – Climate Change Adaptation: The Soil-Water Nexus (SC-60), which took place from October 9^th to November 8^th 2013 in Dresden, Germany.

Dr. Adejoke Olukemi Akinyele at a role play on climate change adaptation during the SC-60 course in 2013.

She works as a senior lecturer in the Department of Forest Production and Products at the newly created Faculty. Congratulations and keep up the good work!

 

42nd UNEP/UNESCO/BMU International Postgraduate Course on Environmental Management – Closing

On Friday, July 12^th 2019 the 42^nd UNEP/UNESCO/BMU International Postgraduate Course on Environmental Management for Developing Countries came to an end with 21 fellows representing 21 countries, receiving their postgraduate diplomas, but having so much more in their minds and hearts (and probably also their suitcases) to carry back home – certainly, a cohort of new experts in environmental management, but also CIPSEM ambassadors was formed during this past 6 months in Dresden and Germany.

 

The fresh CIPSEM alumni were accompanied in their celebrations by friends, family, course facilitators, the CIPSEM team, representatives of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) and the German Environment Agency (UBA) and not least by the rector of Technische Universität Dresden (TUD), Prof. Dr. Hans Müller-Steinhagen. In his opening address he not only emphasized the general urgency to tackle environmental challenges for a global sustainable development, but also how these CIPSEM courses on environmental management fit into the Research Priority Area “Energy, Mobility and Environment” at TUD and furthermore towards the Internationalization Strategy of the university.

 

Prof. Dr. Hans Müller-Steinhagen, Rector of TU Dresden

The potential impact CIPSEM courses can have was highlighted in a video message by Mr. Erik Grigoryan, Minister for the Environment in Armenia and CIPSEM alumnus (30^th UNEP/UNESCO/BMU International Postgraduate Course on Environmental Management for Developing Countries in 2007). He congratulated his follow-up peers and encouraged them to implement the gained knowledge confidently.

This years “Best Final Paper Awards” for this course were given to:

Ms. Oleksandra Lohunova (Ukraine), for
“Land use planning aspects regarding tailings management facilities safety”

Ms. Urvana Menon (India), for
“Towards effective conservation of transboundary ecosystems – the case of Indo-Bhutan conservation region”

Mr. Marcio Alvarenga Junior (Brazil), for
“Payment for ecosystem services: an alternative for the Brazilian Amazon”

Additionally, warm words were also provided by representatives of the course itself. Hence, Ms. Saba Raffay (Pakistan) and Mr. Ireneo Jr. Silverio Piong (Philippines) summarized the time at CIPSEM in general, but each also with a very personal and also funny note respectively.

 

… and what better occasion there is than to close here with the ultimate answer to life, the universe and everything.

 

 

From Dresden to Wisconsin – an alumni story

I joined the 71st International Short Course on Ecosystem Management – Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Services (SC71) as a coordinator of conservation projects at a local NGO in Azerbaijan – IDEA (International Dialogue for Environmental Action). I managed projects on the Caucasian leopard (Panthera pardus ciscaucasica), European bison (Bison bonasus), as well as anadromous fish species.
The course helped me broaden my network, I got to know a number of young conservationists from around the world, each very influential in their countries or regions. It helped me share my skills and more importantly, learn from their experiences in their countries, as well as field realities. Additionally, I was happy to find out about alternative and new conservation strategies that others have implemented, which helped them to eliminate or reduce problems in their countries/regions. Learning from experienced speakers with different backgrounds helped me understand what a human being is capable of doing, which affected my view of the world around me and I returned home with even higher ambitions. My participation in the course helped me develop professionally towards my goal of becoming a leader in the field of conservation in my home country.

The SC71 course in the Botanical Garden of TU Dresden.

In August 2018, I was proud to join the SILVIS Lab as a Doctoral Research Assistant at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the US. I am currently working on a project funded by NASA – studying land cover and land use changes that have happened in the Caucasus region over the last half century. I am using remote sensing to evaluate how land use change has affected habitats and distribution of wild mammal species in Azerbaijan. You can now contact me through: rizayeva@wisc.edu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by Ms. Afag Rizayeva (SC71 alumna)

 

My Fulbright – Humphrey Fellowship Experience; building on the CIPSEM Success Story

As the late former US Vice President and Senator Hubert H. Humphrey said, “Never give in and never give up,” I was challenged and at the same time motivated when I learned about this prestigious Fulbright fellowship program. Likewise, I can still recall how motivated I was then in 2016 when I first learned about the UNEP/UNESCO/BMU-sponsored professional development program at the Centre for International Postgraduate Studies in Environmental Management (CIPSEM) at Technische Universität Dresden, Germany. My CIPSEM success story in 2016 including the unwavering support I received from Dr. Anna Görner, Dr. André Lindner and team was the stepping stone on which this Fulbright-Humphrey Fellowship success was built from.

Mr. Isaac Hokonya (right) with his fellows of the 39th UNEP/UNESCO/BMUB International Postgraduate Course on Environmental Management, visiting the German Environment Agency

The Fulbright-Humphrey exchange program was a great opportunity for me to develop my professional skills and experience in the USA. Following the fellowship application announcement by the Fulbright Commission in Harare, I immediately applied. I went through the competitive and rigorous in-country interviews, TOEFL exams and the candidate review process, and after waiting for close to a year I was selected. And the rest is history.

Like the CIPSEM Fellowship Program, the Humphrey Fellowship Program is well-planned and organized, and every effort is made to make each of the Fellows feel special from day one. The pre-departure orientation, welcome meeting at the airport, and on-campus orientation with the Humphrey Program staff and Friendship Partners helped us settle down and acclimate to our new “home” in Ithaca. The numerous field and recreational visits and dinner parties we attended are a true testimony of the hospitality extended to us by our US hosts. One of my goals prior to my departure was to learn about and experience American culture and I am happy to say that I am already immersed in it. I am amazed by how friendly the people are, with a rich cultural diversity, exemplified with some of the best business and cuisine cultures on the planet. I am much impressed with how such rich cultural diversity has given rise to the convergence of ideas and innovations that have continued to drive American society for many years.

Being a professional development program, the Humphrey Program gives Fellows the opportunity to build their program plans and hone their leadership skills through a series of seminars, academic courses, professional visits and volunteer activities. Like the CIPSEM experience, we have acquired practical skills that benefit us as professionals, helping us to engage with communities and people back home. A famous English proverb says, “make hay while the sun shines,” and as Humphrey Fellows we are privileged to have this great opportunity to develop our leadership and job skills for the benefit of our home governments and beneficiary communities. Such is an opportunity that every fellow should be proud of – for me, it is the true honor of being a Humphrey Fellow.

by Mr. Isaac Hokonya, Zimbabwe