Environment

Since 1999, the ZEU has been active as an interdisciplinary institution of research of the Justus-Liebig-University, transcending faculties in the process of its work. At present, the disciplines of Agricultural und Food, Geography, Environmental Safety, as well as the disciplines of Law, Political Science and Economics are involved in the ZEU. Research is mainly financed through third-party funds.

The fact that the ZEU's subjects and contents concentrate on the topics of environment and development owes to the idea that issues of development and environment are usually interdependent, and should therefore be examined through faculty transcending research.

This basic idea is supported by the research potential of Giessen University. Developmental as well as environmental research is conducted in a variety of institutes which perform their work in many different countries and, partly, in international comparative studies regarding one or even both topics.

A major task of the ZEU is to use this potential effectively and to fill a gap in the market of international research with the comparative advantages arising through the Center's activities.

The importance of interdisciplinarity for the ZEU is mirrored in its organisational structure: it is made up of the four sections

1. Use of Natural Resources and Environmental Preservation
2. Food Security
3. Development and Poverty Fighting
4. Institutional Foundation of Regional Development Processes

A regional specialisation is not intended.

Dr. Flad Institute is a vocational school that provides not only profound schooling but also education as an UNESCO project school by assisting in various national and international projects and through a
diverse range of activities such as exchange programmes, lectures, days of action, etc.

Equipment of the protestant land church in Wurttemberg for development related educational work.

The Green Political Foundation

German Forum on Environment and Development

Protestant Academy of Berlin

CRISP organizes seminars, advanced trainings and workshops in the fields of civil conflict management and civic education. Our guiding principle is to adjust our projects to local needs. Therefor we develop and use especially simulation games as method. The work of CRISP promotes the confidence building between different population groups and enhance the understanding of political processes. Thereby we support the transformations in our target regions. We work especially with young people, who are willing to initiate and accompany a peaceful change in their societies.

Ministry of the Environment