Venue and Program

Venue

The University of Freiburg, or Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, is a public research university established in 1457 by the Habsburg dynasty. It is the fifth-oldest university in Germany, with a long tradition of excellence in teaching humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. Prestigious academics and researchers have studied, researched and taught at the University of Freiburg like Max Weber, Martin Heidegger, and Friedrich Hayek to name some.

The 2011 Freiburg Forum on Environmental Governance takes place at a conference room of the beautiful Jugendstil-building Kollegiengebäude I (KG I) built in 1911 by Hermann Billing. This building is part of the university complex situated in Freiburg´s historical center.

The main venue is KG I, Room 1199, Platz der Universität 3. Side venues are Herderbau, Room 400, Tennenbacherstraße 4, and Peterhofkeller, Niemensstraße 10.

Program

Please click here for the PDF version of the 2011 Freiburg Forum on Environmental Governance.

Inspiring Change Towards a Green Economy

February 25, 2011: Inspiration

Case Studies – Listen to inspiring and surprising voices from the front-line of the economic transformation: Representing three different perspectives – government, business, and civil society – four leaders from around the world will share their stories, which will then be challenged by alumni of the MEG program from related fields of expertise for further understanding and exchange. Unfortunately, we have limited space for participants in this session, therefore we will not be able to provide open participation.

Panel Discussion – Join the debate between our guests: Who will catalyze the change – politicians, entrepreneurs, engaged citizens? Will change be incremental or revolutionary? What has enabled change and how can we pave the way for meaningful change in the future? The Panel Discussion is open to the public, and we welcome all to take part in it.

February 26, 2011: Engagement

Learn about the most practical and effective tools for implementing change in an interactive, hands-on workshop led by Benjamin Kafka, an organizational change expert. The workshop "A Do It Yourself Kit for Realising Utopian Ideas" aims at discussing solutions for present environmental problems, testing innovative tools that can make change happen and developing new ideas.

Alternatively, roll-up your sleeves and participate in an environmental art workshop.  Jan van Boeckel and Ceciel Verheijl, two artists from the Netherlands working all over Europe, specialize in environmental education through art, and will be the hosts for this workshop, taking place in the Forestry Faculty, from 10:00-16:00.  Together, they will lead participants through numerous activities, ranging from a collective improvisational group painting to individual self-models using clay. They invite participants to become better acquainted with their understanding of and relationship to the natural world and how modern-day society plays such an influential role. Be prepared to connect with nature, either physically (if weather permits), as well as through the intrinsic connections we all have with the natural world, whether we are aware of it or not. Your artwork will be inspired by these relationships, giving you the room to express yourself like never before. No prior experience or artistic inclination necessary, everyone is invited to join, tapping into his or her creativeness! 

Or, join our Eco-tour in Freiburg and get an insight into various measures the community has taken to switch to energy efficient housing and business. After an introductory lecture on environmental awareness and grassroots mobilization, we will head towards Hotel Victoria, a catalyst in energy saving and environmental protection. This hotel works in partnership with local energy companies in order to achieve 100% renewable energy and since 2002 boasts zero emissions. After enjoying a bio-lunch at Cafe Velo, another remarkable eco-building, the journey will lead us through Vauban, a residential neighbourhood dedicated to environmental stewardship. Dr. Georg Löser, a local renewable energy expert, will explain the technicalities of such lifestyle choices in this unique district of Freiburg.

Finally, the event will be closed by an open-space networking session that allows participants to get to know each others study programs, research interests or work experiences. .

Unfortunately, we have limited space for participants in this sessions, therefore we will not be able to provide open participation. 

Map

Please find below a map with all event and accommodation venues.