Communication for the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources is becoming more and more important – whether it be directed at the specialist international community or the broad public. New forms of environmental communication are needed. Classic unidimensional points of view that see the environment as a resource repository or as a biotope in need of protection are being expanded to form an all-encompassing approach – one that embraces local and cultural circumstances and forms of use.

In biodiversity development measures in partner countries GIZ therefore supports public awareness work, such as the improvement of national environmental communication strategies. International events also provide a good platform for awareness work: they can be used, for example, to present publications and materials on information stands or at special side-events. In this way experience from projects and the findings of studies can be disseminated.

At the same time GIZ is more and more frequently cooperating with various other organisations in liaising with the public in Germany. Here, too, the aim is to discuss biological diversity, possible solutions and issues of responsibility.

GIZ’s (former GTZ) Issue Papers and Project Papers are aimed at both specialists and the public. The Issue Papers outline the development policy aspects of a particular issue; they describe the groups involved, the need for action and possible ways forward. The Project Papers contain the key data relating to a project: background, target groups, activities, anticipated results and impacts.

Further information

• Issue papers
  Issue papers
• Project papers
  Project papers