Publications

Publication:Video
 
Pharmaceutical substances from creams and gels can enter wastewater when washed off after application. However, this can be reduced by first wiping your hands with a paper towel, disposing of it in the household waste, and only then washing your hands.

Umweltfreundliche Anwendung von Arzneisalben

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Publication:Conference Paper
 
Cover of the conference documentation "Zukunftsaufgabe naturnaher Landschaftswasserhaushalt"
The symposium "The future task of a near-natural landscape water balance" of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) was organized by Ecologic Institute and took place on 18 April 2024, in Bonn. This publication summarises the most important contents of the conference as well as the research and implementation needs identified.

Zukunftsaufgabe naturnaher Landschaftswasserhaushalt

Ergebnisdokumentation zur BfN-Fachtagung am 18. April 2024

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Publication:Website
 
Screenshot of the German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt) website section on "Human pharmaceuticals and the environment." The page features navigation options for topics such as "For patients," "For doctors and pharmacists," "Scientific background," and "Downloads." Below, an infographic shows a crossed-out symbol over a sink and toilet, surrounded by pills, bottles, and environmental icons like fish. The text highlights the agency's mandate to educate about the environmental risks of pharmaceuticals.
The Federal Environment Agency's online platform "Human Pharmaceuticals and the Environment" provides information on the environmental impact of human pharmaceuticals and gives recommendations for environmentally conscious use and disposal. The aim is to minimize the entry of pharmaceutical residues into the environment and thus protect organisms, water, and soil.

Humanarzneimittel und Umwelt

Information platform

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Publication:Document
 
Slides of a presentation set titled "Environmental Aspects of Human Pharmaceuticals in Medical Practice." Subtitle: "Basic slide set with free materials for medical education."
Pharmaceuticals in the environment are a growing problem. The UBA Internet portal "Human Medicinal Products and the Environment" offers freely available, scientifically proven teaching materials for medical and pharmaceutical lecturers. With the basic set of slides and the accompanying texts, the topic can be taught comprehensively and practically despite tight curricula.

Umweltaspekte von Humanarzneimitteln in der medizinischen und pharmazeutischen Praxis

Basisfoliensatz und Begleittexte mit freien Materialien

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Publication:Report
 
Cover des Endberichts
Kemper, Melanie; Christin Dammann; Johanna Henkel; Juliane Petri 2024: Kommunikation zur Umsetzung von Moorschutz in Brandenburg – Empfehlungen und Handreichungen. Ecologic Institut und Deutscher Verband für Landschaftspflege. Unpublished.

Kommunikation zur Umsetzung von Moorschutz in Brandenburg

Empfehlungen und Handreichungen

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Publication:Postcard
 
A postcard with the message: "Der Umwelt zuliebe: Hausmüll* statt Glascontainer." The image shows several brown glass bottles and medication containers with droppers and syringes. A footnote indicates "*oder Recyclinghof/Schadstoffmobil."
Liquid pharmaceutical leftovers are more often disposed of incorrectly in waste water than solid ones. For this reason, a German-language postcard in DIN A6 (10 x 15 cm) has been developed on this topic, which can be given to customers when liquid medicines are handed in at the pharmacy.

Der Umwelt zuliebe: Hausmüll statt Glascontainer

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Publication:Report
 
Cover des Teilberichts
Kemper, Melanie; Elisa Thomaset und Jennifer Reck 2024: Von Niederungsmanagement bis Versumpfung: Kommunikation zur Umsetzung von Moorschutz. Medienresonanz- und Kommunikationsanalyse in den moorreichen deutschen Bundesländern. Ecologic Institut, Berlin. Unpublished.

Von Niederungsmanagement bis Versumpfung: Kommunikation zur Umsetzung von Moorschutz

Medienresonanz- und Kommunikationsanalyse in den moorreichen deutschen Bundesländern

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Publication:Fact Sheet
 
Cover page of the information package 'Pharmaceuticals and the Environment' for pharmacies, published by the German Environment Agency. The page includes a message of thanks to pharmacists for their contribution to reducing the entry of pharmaceuticals into the environment. Below, an introduction to the topic highlights the three main sections of the information package.
Pharmacies are an obvious place for conversation about pharmaceuticals and their effects on people and the environment, as well as the disposal of unused products. The information package for pharmacies provides pharmacy staff with in-depth background information for such discussions.

Infopaket für Apotheken – Arzneimittel und Umwelt

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Publication:Infographic
 
Toxicity table of pharmaceutical substances on aquatic organisms (2024): Lists drug groups, specific substances, their toxicity levels (very high, high, moderate, low), and affected non-target organisms like fish, cyanobacteria, and water fleas.
This infographic provides a brief overview of the toxicity of human pharmaceutical substances on non-target organisms observed in laboratory and case studies. A detailed version of the table, which also includes effect concentrations and literature sources, can be downloaded as a PDF.

Toxizität von Humanarzneimittelwirkstoffen für Nichtzielorganismen

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the PONDERFUL project report titled *Deliverable D1.6: Overcoming barriers to pondscape NBS – A synthesis and final PONDERFUL Framework*. The cover features the Ponderful logo, images of ponds, wetland plants, and a researcher working in a pond. The tagline reads: *Pond Ecosystems for Resilient Future Landscapes in a Changing Climate*. The project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program.
The report, "Overcoming policy, financial, social, and economic barriers to pondscape NBS for climate change mitigation and adaptation", has been released as part of the PONDERFUL project. Commissioned under the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme, this synthesis report refines and presents the final PONDERFUL framework – a comprehensive strategy for scaling up pondscapes as effective nature-based solutions (NbS).

Overcoming Barriers to Pondscape Nature-Based Solutions

Key Insights from PONDERFUL

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Publication:Document
 
Pharmacies can order this decorative wall calendar free of charge and give it as a promotional gift to their customers. The calendar is designed as a year-independent birthday calendar in DIN A4. Each month, attractive, large photo motifs and short texts focus on a different aspect of pharmaceuticals and the environment.

Geburtstagskalender: Arzneimittel und Umwelt

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Publication:Article
 
Cover of a research article from the Marine Pollution Bulletin. The title reads "Temporal variability of litter pollution of rivers in Germany – A long-term assessment by schoolchildren as citizen scientists." The article lists multiple authors and affiliations, and the abstract discusses the study's findings on river litter dynamics. Visible sections include the abstract and the introduction.
A seven-year citizen science study with schoolchildren on German riversides found stable litter density, mainly plastic and cigarette butts, with wider rivers showing higher litter levels, stressing the need for policy action.

Temporal Variability of Litter Pollution of Rivers in Germany

A long-term assessment by schoolchildren as citizen scientists

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Publication:Poster
 
Poster titled "Correct disposal of leftover medicines." It presents three disposal options: domestic waste, pharmacies, and mobile hazardous waste units or recycling centers. The poster emphasizes not disposing of liquid or solid pharmaceuticals in toilets or sinks to protect water bodies and drinking water. Information is provided in multiple languages, and a QR code links to additional resources on arzneimittelentsorgung.de. Published by the German Environment Agency.
Many people think that old medicines should always be disposed of via pharmacies. Providing information about the applicable disposal methods, which vary from region to region, takes time in the pharmacy. The poster "Correct disposal of leftover medicines in: ...." is intended to ease the burden on staff by providing disposal information in writing on the sales floor. Other useful locations for the poster could include doctors' surgeries, hospitals, health advice centers, health insurance companies or waste disposal companies.

Correct Disposal of Leftover Medicines in: ...

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Publication:Postcard
 
A visual guide titled "Der Umwelt zuliebe: Erst Wischen... dann Waschen!" showing a step-by-step process: applying ointment, wiping hands with a tissue, disposing of the tissue in a bin, and washing hands under running water.
Bei der Anwendung arzneimittelhaltiger Cremes und Gels kann die ins Abwasser gelangende Arzneistoffmenge dadurch reduziert werden, dass man sich nach dem Auftragen zunächst die Hände mit einem Papiertuch abwischt, das im Hausmüll entsorgt wird, und erst dann die Hände wäscht. Deshalb wurde zu diesem Thema eine deutschsprachige Postkarte in DIN A6 (10 x 15 cm) entwickelt, die der Kundschaft bei Abgabe von arzneimittelhaltigen Cremes und Gels in der Apotheke mitgegeben werden kann.

Der Umwelt zuliebe: Erst Wischen ... dann Waschen!

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the European Environment Agency's report titled 'Europe's state of water 2024: The need for improved water resilience.' The cover features an abstract illustration of a river winding through a landscape of hills and valleys, in shades of blue and yellow. The logo of the European Environment Agency's 30th anniversary is displayed in the top left corner.
On 15 October 2024, the European Environmental Agency (EEA) published their landmark report on the state of water in the EU, the most comprehensive assessment of the status of European groundwater, rivers, lakes and coastal waters to date. Supported by Ecologic Institute through its coordination of the contributions from the European Topic Center for Biodiversity and Ecosystems, the publication analyses various European data flows relevant to water management, with a particular focus on data reported by the Member States under the EU Water Framework Directive.

Europe's State of Water 2024

The need for improved water resilience

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Publication:Policy Brief
 
Cover of the GOVAQUA policy brief titled 'Building water resilience: towards better implementation of ecological flows and water allocation in Europe,' dated 7 October 2024. The top half of the cover shows a cracked, dried soil surface with a green plant growing from it, symbolizing water scarcity and resilience. The lower half of the cover presents the policy brief text with key messages and is co-branded with logos of the European Union, UK Research and Innovation, and GOVAQUA.
As Europe faces increasing droughts and water shortages, it is crucial to rethink how we manage water resources. A new policy brief explores strategies to improve ecological flows and water allocation, offering vital insights for policymakers and stakeholders. Discover how these measures can safeguard ecosystems and support sustainable water use in the face of climate change.

Building Water Resilience

Towards better implementation of ecological flows and water allocation in Europe

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Publication:Brochure
 
Cover of the "Ponderful: Ponds for Climate" technical guide. The top section shows a serene pond surrounded by lush greenery and a large tree in the foreground. Below, the title "Ponds and Pondscapes" appears on a blue background, followed by the subtitle: "A technical guide to the use of ponds and pondscapes as nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation." The bottom section features an underwater image of a colorful newt among aquatic vegetation.
The technical handbook of the PONDERFUL project shows how ponds and pond landscapes can be used as Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to tackle societal challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and water scarcity. The PONDERFUL handbook provides practice-oriented guidelines for dealing with these valuable ecosystems and shows how ponds can be integrated into existing landscapes so that nature and people benefit equally.

Ponds and Pondscapes: A technical guide to the use of ponds and pondscapes as nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation

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Publication:Brochure
 
Cover of the "Using Ponds and Pondscapes as Nature-Based Solutions" guidance document. The left side shows a young girl sitting on a wooden pier extending into a calm pond surrounded by lush greenery. The right side features the title and subtitle in bold white text on a green gradient background: "Using Ponds and Pondscapes as Nature-Based Solutions: Guidance for policy makers on the use of ponds and pondscapes as nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation."
The recently published guide "Using ponds and pondscapes as nature-based solutions" is a practical guide for policy makers. The guide provides detailed recommendations on using ponds and pondscapes as nature-based solutions, in particular to adapt to climate change and promote biodiversity. In addition to the policy dimension, it contains practical suggestions for monitoring, management and restoration of ponds.

Using Ponds and Pondscapes as Nature-based Solutions

Guidance for policy makers

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Publication:Fact Sheet
 
Fact sheet titled 'Sustainable Fruit Production in Slovenia' from the SPRINT Success Stories series. The fact sheet focuses on the Fruit Centre Maribor's efforts to promote sustainable fruit production practices that minimize reliance on synthetic pesticides. It includes sections on the challenges, key objectives, main obstacles, overcoming barriers, agronomic solutions, and knowledge exchange solutions. It features images of Slovenia, various fruits, and icons representing agronomic change...
In Slovenia, the Fruit Centre Maribor is dedicated to promoting sustainable fruit production practices while reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides. The SPRINT project studies the Centre's work to understand how the use of more resistant fruit varieties, self-developed plant-based pesticides, and improved soil quality can contribute to more sustainable cultivation. This case study explores the challenges and solutions the Centre has encountered in implementing sustainable methods in fruit production.

Sustainable Fruit Production in Slovenia

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Publication:Fact Sheet
 
Fact sheet titled 'Food Value Chains for Leveraging Clean Drinking Water in Rennes, France' from the SPRINT Success Stories series. The infographic describes the 'Terres de Sources' initiative in Rennes, France, which uses public procurement to promote good agricultural practices to protect drinking water quality. It includes sections on the challenge, key objectives, main obstacles, policy solutions, and knowledge exchange solutions. The fact sheet features images of France, a farmer's market.
The city of Rennes in France faces the challenge of securing the quality of its drinking water, as intensive agricultural practices have led to significant pollution of water resources. As part of the "Terres de Sources" initiative, which was studied within the SPRINT project, sustainable solutions have been developed to improve drinking water quality through environmentally friendly agricultural practices while also promoting local food production and marketing. This case study illustrates how the initiative successfully implements measures to reduce pesticide use and promote sustainable value chains.

Food Value Chains for Leveraging Clean Drinking Water in Rennes, France

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the GOVAQUA Policy Matrix Part C – Regulating value chains and sustainable water footprints, featuring an aerial view of a lush green forest surrounding a body of water, with logos of the EU, UK Research and Innovation, and GOVAQUA at the bottom.
The present report, led by EU research project partner SYKE, focuses on the challenges and opportunities that relate to designing and implementing sustainable water governance in value chains in six Eur. It contributes to the ongoing policy discussions on the role of sustainable water management in the context of corporations’ value chains.

Regulating Value Chains and Sustainable Water Footprints

GOVAQUA policy matrix Part C

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the GOVAQUA Policy Matrix Part B – Review of national eflows policies in six European countries, featuring an aerial view of lush green forest bordering a calm body of water, with logos of the EU, UK Research and Innovation, and GOVAQUA at the bottom.
The present report describes and analyzes the legal and regulatory frameworks for ecological and environmental flows (eflows) in six European countries. This analysis contributes to an improved understanding of national policies and challenges for setting up and implementing eflows in Europe.

Review of National Eflows Policies in Six European Countries

GOVAQUA policy matrix Part B

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Publication:Report
 
Cover page of the final report titled 'Auswirkung des Klimawandels auf die Wasserverfügbarkeit – Anpassung an Trockenheit und Dürre in Deutschland (WADKlim)' (Impact of Climate Change on Water Availability – Adaptation to Drought and Dryness in Germany). The report is part of the 'TEXTE 143/2024' series and is published by the Umweltbundesamt (German Environment Agency).
The final report of the WADKlim project outlines how climate change affects water availability in Germany and what measures must be taken to meet these challenges. Combining analysis of scientific literature, modeling and the development of practical solutions, the report offers valuable ideas for dealing with water scarcity and water use conflicts. The implementation of further measures, such as water retention in the countryside, will be crucial to mitigating the effects of climate change in Germany.

Auswirkung des Klimawandels auf die Wasserverfügbarkeit – Anpassung an Trockenheit und Dürre in Deutschland (WADKlim)

Abschlussbericht

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Publication:Book
 
Cover of the report titled 'Sustainable development in the European Union: Monitoring report on progress towards the SDGs in an EU context, 2024 edition' by Eurostat. The design features shades of blue with a colorful hot air balloon graphic in the lower half. The balloon consists of vertical stripes in various colors such as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. The title of the report is in white text at the top left.
The 2024 overview brochure accompanies Eurostat's eighth regular report monitoring progress towards the SDGs in an EU context. Ecologic Institute's authors covered the chapters on SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The brochure is available for download.

Sustainable Development in the European Union – 2024 Overview

Overview of Progress Towards the SDGs in an EU Context

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Publication:Book
 
Cover of the report titled 'Sustainable development in the European Union: Monitoring report on progress towards the SDGs in an EU context, 2024 edition' by Eurostat. The design features shades of blue with a colorful hot air balloon graphic in the lower half. The balloon consists of vertical stripes in various colors such as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. The title of the report is in white text at the top left.
The 2024 publication is Eurostat's eighth regular report monitoring progress towards the SDGs in an EU context. Ecologic Institute's authors covered the chapters on Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Climate Action (SDG 13), Life Below Water (SDG 14), Life on Land (SDG 15) and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). The publication is available for download.

Sustainable Development in the European Union – 2024

Monitoring Report on Progress Towards the SDGs in an EU Context

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Publication:Article
 
Journal Paper in Wasserwirtschaft
Due to climate change, water retention in landscapes is gaining increasing relevance alongside flood protection. Various measures can improve the landscape water balance or enhance the resilience of land ecosystems against extreme weather events caused by floods and droughts. The authors have compiled a catalog of 69 measures in the UBA project WADKlim. These measures mostly originate from good practices in water management, agriculture, and forestry in Germany and have been evaluated based on their local impacts and implementation-relevant conditions.

Maßnahmen zur Erhöhung des Wasserrückhalts in der Landschaft

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Publication:Infographic
 
Diagram illustrating the key hydrological parameters of water retention, including evaporation, transpiration, precipitation, surface runoff, infiltration, soil water retention, groundwater recharge, and discharge.
The infographic illustrates the key hydrological parameters that influence the water balance in ecosystems. The water cycle is illustrated, starting with precipitation through various phases such as evaporation, transpiration, surface runoff, seepage water movements and the recharge of groundwater. These processes are fundamental to understanding water cycles and their significance for the environment and climate. The visualization makes it clear how precipitation is filtered through the different earth layers and ultimately contributes to the replenishment of groundwater.

Modell der wichtigsten hydrologischen Parameter des Wasserrückhalts

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Publication:Poster
 
Informative page by WWF on 'Water Stewardship in German Agriculture' discussing measures to increase water retention, water quality, and biodiversity. The page includes images of agricultural landscapes, machinery in a field, and a cow, complementing texts on water stewardship approaches and community collaboration. Graphs depict water stewardship practices, while logos of WWF, Ecologic Institute, and ifÖL are present, indicating collaboration.
This poster provides a detailed insight into the new project "Water Stewardship" on behalf of WWF, which focuses on promoting water retention, water quality and biodiversity in German agriculture. The aim of this project is to strengthen resilience to climate change and improve ecosystem services through sustainable practices. The poster also refers to the conceptual background of the study as well as the future goals of the project, including the extension of the measures to other regions and political scales.

Water Stewardship in German Agriculture

Application-oriented measures to increase water retention, water quality and biodiversity

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Publication:Report
 
Cover page of an interim report entitled 'Research and Monitoring Activities on Litter in Groundwater, Rivers, Lakes, Transitional Waters and Soil', text number 30/2024. The report was written by Gregory Fuchs and Eleftheria Kampa of the Ecologic Institute in Berlin and published by the German Environment Agency.
The report "Research and Monitoring Activities on Litter in Groundwater, Rivers, Lakes, Transitional Waters, and Soil" discusses the results of a questionnaire that was distributed to European countries via the German Federal Environment Agency. The report focuses on current and planned research and monitoring activities as well as strategies to control litter in different environmental compartments.

Research and Monitoring Activities on Litter in Groundwater, Rivers, Lakes, Transitional Waters and Soil

Interim Report

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Publication:Article
 
screenshot article sitting in our own soup
Urban water management is facing new challenges due to climate change. Intensified precipitation is putting additional stress on stormwater systems, leading to increased flood risks, more frequent combined sewer overflows (CSOs), and resultant risks to public health and urban biodiversity. These topics are addressed in a new publication co-authored by Gregory Fuchs and McKenna Davis of Ecologic Institute entitled 'Sitting in our own soup? Combined sewers, climate change and nature-based solutions for urban water management in Berlin.'

Sitting in Our Own Soup? Combined sewers, climate change and nature-based solutions for urban water management in Berlin

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Publication:Article
 
Image of the front page of the academic journal article titled 'Designing greener active pharmaceutical ingredients: Insights from pharmaceutical industry into drug discovery and development.' Image includes elements like a header with the journal name 'European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences,' the Elsevier logo, and a URL link to the journal's homepage. The article lists the authors and feature an abstract section with a summary of the content, including keywords such as API, Sustainable Environment...
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), their metabolites, and transformation products often act as pollutants in the environment, impacting both human health and ecosystems. To tackle this issue, an efficient, long-term prevention strategy involves designing APIs with reduced environmental impact – greener APIs. This involves incorporating environmental parameters into the Research and Development (R&D) process. This article explores the feasibility of designing greener APIs, drawing insights from drug design experts in major research-based pharmaceutical companies.

Designing Greener Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients

Insights from the pharmaceutical industry into drug discovery and development

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Publication:Postcard
 
A postcard titled "MoorNet" featuring two overlapping circles with images of a pristine peatland and a carnivorous plant (sundew). The text highlights "Support for the implementation of the national peatland protection strategy" and "Networking of peatland protection stakeholders in Germany." Cotton grass is shown at the bottom, symbolizing peatland landscapes. The focus is on conservation and stakeholder collaboration for peatland protection in Germany.
This postcard promotes the MoorNet project, a platform for the protection of peatlands in Germany. It provides information about projects, institutions and events in the field of peatland protection and thus makes it possible to follow current developments in this area. The postcard offers interested parties the opportunity to register for mailings and receive further information via the peatland protection database moor-net.de.

MoorNet

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Publication:Fact Sheet
 
PONDERFUL Financing Instruments
The PONDERFUL Sustainable Finance Inventory consists of a total of 22 financing instruments for nature-based solutions (NBS). Each instrument is matched by at least one concrete example of the financing instrument in action. Different financing instruments have different strengths and weaknesses, making them more or less appropriate for different contexts and actors. The Inventory aims to support pondscape developers to understand financing options and identify the finance instruments best suited to their pondscape NBS project.

Nature-based Solutions Sustainable Financing Inventory

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