Current challenges
Cultivation, production, trade and consumption negatively impact our natural environment in many different ways. There are various points companies can target in order to improve the ecological footprint of their economic activities in developing countries and emerging markets.
- Renewable energy and energy efficiency
Scaling back climate-damaging emissions is a key component of sustainable business operations. And it can be achieved in two ways: through more efficient use of energy in general and through greater use of renewable energy in particular. develoPPP-backed projects aim to do both, for example by sensitising managers and workers in production companies, piloting sustainable technologies or supporting new mobility solutions in metropolitan areas. - Resource protection and biodiversity
Inadequate waste management and recycling capacity, a lack of knowledge about resource-friendly cropping methods, and the uncontrolled expansion of farmland in the face of low yields all constitute a massive threat to the ecosystem in developing and emerging markets countries – and indeed worldwide. Through training, instruction and technology transfers, develoPPP projects help put the use of natural resources on a more sustainable footing and reduce the negative impacts of economic activities on the environment.
How companies are using develoPPP in the fields of environmental protection and climate action
MEXICO: Long-term conservation of groundwater supplies
In many regions of Mexico, intensive usage and the impacts of climate change are putting natural water resources under pressure. Innovative financing mechanisms rolled out through a project by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the drinks manufacturer Anheuser-Busch InBev NV and its Mexican subsidiary Grupo Modelo are now enabling 700 farmers in two federal states to introduce sustainable cropping methods and more efficient irrigation systems. Through these efforts and other measures, their water consumption is to be reduced by 30 per cent. At the same time, another 700,000 people stand to benefit from more reliable supplies.
UGANDA: E-bikes for the climate-friendly transport of people and goods
Population growth in Uganda is driving a heavy increase in urban traffic, whereby motorbikes in particular are negatively impacting the quality of air and life. A project by DEG – Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH and Hero Cycles Limited aims to promote the use of e-bikes in Uganda and to create jobs in the transport sector, in assembly and in sales. Flexible rental periods, a range of up to 40 km, a maximum load bearing capacity of 120 kg and mobile payment options are intended to make the e-bike fleet accessible and appealing to a wide group of users.
RWANDA: E-mobility training
A provider of e-mobility solutions, Safi Universal Link Ltd. is one of three Rwandan operators of a sharing system for electrically powered motorcycles. To meet the high demand for skilled workers for its lending and service networks, the company has cooperated with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH to set up a free training service for various occupational groups in the e-mobility sector. Opening up a wide range of employment opportunities for graduates, this programme constitutes a valuable contribution to sustainable transportation and climate-friendly jobs in Rwanda.
COLOMBIA: Water and electricity for off-grid areas
Almost two thirds of Colombia is off grid, meaning people have no or only limited access to water and electricity. Against this backdrop, DEG – Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH and Power Group S.A.S. have put together a project that uses photovoltaic-powered container units to supply water and electric power. These containers are distributed – initially free of charge – to young entrepreneurs in the target regions in a bid to boost their career prospects. At the end of the two-year project term, a monthly rental fee will be charged should they decide to keep their business going.
TANZANIA: (Re-) building eco-tourism
The coronavirus pandemic caused Tanzania’s Zanzibar Archipelago to lose out on income from tourism. The privately run nature reserve Chumbe Island Coral Park used this time to work with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH to map out a Green Recovery Plan for the tourism industry in conjunction with other local companies, community groups and government authorities. Amongst other things, this plan provides for training measures for 300 people in an effort to secure their employability beyond the pandemic.
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