German policies to be reviewed by WWF SA
A group of international experts was recently mandated by Germany's Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel to undertake a peer review of the country's sustainable development policies. Valli Moosa, chairperson of WWF South Africa's board, was invited to be one of the key reviewers.
The group also included members from Sweden, Finland, Great Britain, the Netherlands, the USA and Korea.
Following a lengthy and rigorous process, the peer group has delivered a high-profile report titled 'Sustainability - Made in Germany'. Published in the wake of Germany's most recent elections, the report is expected to provide valuable input into the coalition negotiations for a new German government. The report has also identified a number of opportunities for Germany to play a role in both Europe and the rest of the world in championing a stronger stance on sustainability.
Call to re-commitment
"In delivering the report right at the outset of the new legislative period we recommend for the German government to recommit itself to the overarching goals of sustainable development and climate protection", said Björn Stigson, chair of the peer review group. "Germany has much to be proud of in what it has achieved so far in its transition towards a more sustainable world. But the journey is by no means over yet and much remains to be done".
Moosa and the other reviewers in the peer group started the process in 2012. A full week of consultations in Berlin in February 2013 was followed by internal meetings and discussions, and public debate. The conclusions will be publicly presented on 4 November 2013.
