World Climate Conference in Belém: HSWT shows solutions
Researchers from Triesdorf and Weihenstephan brought their expertise to the COP30 in Brazil.
The Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT) was represented several times at the UN Climate Change Conference in Belém, Brazil. With the EcoSiPas research project and through the commitment of Prof Dr Matthias Drösler, co-chair of the Scientific Advisory Board for Natural Climate Protection (WBNK), the HSWT contributed its expertise to the international discussions.
EcoSiPas: Sustainable Agriculture in the Cerrado
Prof Dr Dietrich Darr and Dr Kathrin Meinhold presented EcoSiPas in the Brazilian Cerrado - a species-rich savannah region that is severely threatened by monocultures. The project is investigating silvopastoral systems (SPS) that combine livestock farming with native tree species. Initial results show that SPS outperform eucalyptus plantations and offer a sustainable alternative.
A presentation was planned in the German Pavilion at COP30. However, the event had to be evacuated due to a fire. A rescheduled date is planned, but the team was able to present its project in a different setting the day before. „It was an impressive conference and good networking - only the icing on the cake was missing at the end,“ summarises Professor Darr.
ARD documentary „Missing“
The HSWT research project is currently becoming even more controversial: the ARD documentary „Verschollen - Schmutzige Geschäfte mit dem Klimaschutz“ (Lost - Dirty Business with Climate Protection) scrutinises the reality behind reforestation projects. In the ARD documentary, the EcoSiPas team presents scientifically sound alternatives that combine biodiversity, climate protection and the local economy.
WBNK: Focus on nature-based climate protection
On 20 November, a side event of the Scientific Advisory Board for Natural Climate Protection (WBNK) took place, opened by Environment Minister Carsten Schneider. HSWT Professor Matthias Drösler was connected online as a speaker. Under the title „Nature-Based Climate Action as a Key Instrument for Achieving Germany's Climate Target“, the focus was on the importance of nature-based approaches for climate targets. Peatlands were particularly emphasised as important carbon sinks. Drösler heads the Peatland Science Centre (PSC) at the HSWT, which researches strategies for the protection and sustainable use of peatlands.
