Build Bridges for Climate Protection

Background

In 2015, asylum-related immigration in Europe reached a peak, posing a challenge in terms of integration for many host countries. There was consensus to provide migrants with information on how to become citizens in host countries, including how to use energy and water more consciously and avoid waste. This knowledge transfer should take place through intercultural, participatory dialogue and at eye level.

Project

The project developed concepts and methods for refugees and migrants to make them fit in the topics of resource efficiency, circular economy and climate action (energy, water, waste) during vocational training. They should be able to use their skills in both countries of origin and destination.

Based on the feasibility study on energy and water consumption as well as waste production in shelters for refugees, a pilot for a Training Lab with a focus on intercultural dialogue, resource efficiency and climate action was conducted. The Training Lab was replicated in Italy in a second step. The project encouraged participants to proactively develop a pool of ideas and identify appropriate implementation possibilities (e.g. services, value chains, cooperations). In addition, a network of supportive organisations was identified to support active civic engagement in Germany and Italy. This has strengthened the Community’s resilience to the impacts of climate change and built bridges with NGOs in the countries of origin.

Results

– The amount of residual waste in three large refugee shelters in the Fürstenfeldbruck district was reduced by 5% within four months by installing paper containers with appropriate waste separation.

– The measures have increased awareness of environmental protection and resource conservation among the participants by 50%.