In the framework of the ‘Green Central Asia’ Initiative and celebrating 30 years of diplomatic relations between Germany and Central Asia, from June 25 to July 2, 2022 ‘Green Central Asia’ organized a study tour to Germany to exchange experiences in the field of climate, environment and water policy.
The participants of the study tour were representatives of ministries of foreign affairs, heads of departments and/or divisions, chief specialists in the field of water resources and environment and nature protection ministries of five CA countries.
The first day, the delegation spent at the German Federal Foreign Office, where at a joint lunch with Mr. Matthias Lüttenberg, Director for Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia, and Dr. Hinrich Thölken, Special Advisor for International Climate and Energy Policy, the delegation discussed climate foreign policy as well as particular cooperation with Central Asian countries concerning natural resources management. The head of the commissioning division 409 International Environmental Policy, Water Diplomacy and Urban Diplomacy, Mr. Achim Schkade, welcomed the delegation and with colleagues from division 408 discussed climate financing with the Central Asian representatives.
At the end of the day, participants visited an exhibition dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Germany and Central Asia.
Very informative was a visit to the Federal Ministry for Economic affairs and climate action of Germany (BMWK), where participants were introduced to the German hydrogen policy, familiarized themselves with the German national strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and the transition to electric mobility. Of great interest to the participants was the issue of ‘green carbon’ policy and ‘e-mobility’ which are among the ‘hot topics’ in Central Asia.
The participants had the opportunity to visit the partner organizations of the GIZ Green Central Asia programme, the Potsdam Institute for Climate Change Research (PIK) and the Helmholtz-Potsdam – German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ). Scientists explained in detail about climate change in Central Asia and the necessary adaptation that has to take place immediately.
During the trip, participants also visited the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, where they were introduced to sustainable rural development measures and the Federal Association of German Waste Management, Water and Recycling Management where circular economy and respective measures were discussed.
As part of a small cultural programme the participants visited Sanssouci Palace and the New Museum in Berlin.
Pictures of the study tour you can see on our website and more information will be published in the next newsletter!
