Bioeconomy - Back to the future
Bio-based future - researchers and entrepreneurs discuss and pupils plant them.
In conjunction with the two-part event Environment Day and the opening of the Year of Science 2020 on October 7, 2020, on the topic: “BIOECONOMY—BACK TO THE FUTURE? #BIOECONOMIC #BIOECOLOGICAL #BIOLOGICAL,” representatives from Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, together with students and teachers from the Christian-Weise-Gymnasium (CWG) and the Weinau-Oberschule (WOS), planted a tree in Zittau’s Student Park.
This tree-planting event was made possible in particular by the climate ambassadors—that is, dedicated students—from the Plant-for-the-Planet project at both schools, who have been contributing to the university’s annual Environment Day for the past three years. “Gute Schokolade” was always part of the event; the students sold it as part of the Plant-for-the-Planet project to support the good cause of tree planting and reforestation.
"The proceeds from the chocolate sale will be used directly to plant trees, and we are very pleased that this year, together with Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences and the Zittau city government, we will be able to plant a tree in the Student Park," said Mira Evers, a teacher and Plant-for-the-Plant organizer at CWG.
”Eric Schön and Kristin Sprechert, the organizers of this year's double event, Environment Day and the opening of the Year of Science, were also pleased with the good cooperation with the two Zittau climate schools and the Zittau city administration.
“…Research and the environment, as well as research on environmental topics, play an important role at our university, which we would like to highlight once again this year under the theme of the bioeconomy by combining the Environment Day and the opening of the Year of Science events. We are therefore particularly pleased—and in keeping with the theme of the bioeconomy—about the joint initiative with the CWG and WOS to plant a tree in Zittau, which is also intended to be a contribution to and a symbol of climate protection and biodiversity in Zittau…,” said Ms. Sprechert and Mr. Schön regarding the tree-planting event in the Student Park on October 6, 2020.
”BACK TO THE FUTURE? #BIOECONOMIC #BIOECOLOGICAL #BIOLOGICAL" was the key question discussed at the double event on October 7, 2020. Representatives from science and industry came together to present their research projects and business models on the bioeconomy. Together with the participants, they discussed the research, development and manufacture of materials, products and processes based on the use of renewable resources. The scientific, technical, agricultural and entrepreneurial concepts and ideas presented and discussed were exciting and stimulating, all of which can contribute to solving global challenges.
“A good event and opportunity to bring together the spirit of research and entrepreneurship, offering inspiration and possibilities to advance Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences and the regional economy, to strengthen mutual collaboration, and to focus on socially important and innovative environmental topics, such as the bioeconomy. Furthermore, such events provide impetus to address forward-looking topics—such as bio-based materials, renewable raw materials, and renewable energy—in even greater depth and with more concrete examples across various degree programmes, including ecology and environmental protection, biotechnology, and renewable energy technology—and to consistently offer our students high-quality instruction…,” said Prof. Jakob Hildebrandt, who holds a professorship in environmentally oriented Corporate Management and sustainability.
”Through the combined event—World Environment Day and the opening of the Year of Science—Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences was once again able to set an example, bring people together, provide inspiration, and, last but not least, plant a tree that will serve as a lasting reminder of this successful event.
To everyone involved—the Rector, the Vice President, the Prorector, the professors, the business leaders, City Councilmember Dr. Kurze, the Zfe-IT team, the students and teachers, the catering staff, and the photographers for the photo exhibition—a huge thank you goes out to all of you, because it was only thanks to all of you that our event was such a great success—thank you very much!
Of course, “Die Gute Schokolade” sold very well once again, and we’re continuing to collect donations for the next tree-planting project.
2nd upper floor