Knowledge and innovation
The sustainable development of rural areas and agriculture is closely linked to global economic processes and the shaping of urban-rural relationships. The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were developed with this in mind. They formulate specific targets for action for the countries of the Global South and the Global North in 17 target areas.
Our work makes reference to the SDGs in many ways. One fundamental approach to achieving the second goal, ‘Zero Hunger’, is to promote sustainable agriculture. Another key aspect of our work is the protection and sustainable use of soil and land as mentioned in Goal 15 ‘Life on Land’, as well as the observance of internationally valid rules for environmental protection as required by Goal 12 ‘Responsible Consumption and Production’. Other priorities of our work are the more intensive use of renewable energies mentioned in Goal 7 ‘Affordable and Clean Energy’;, and the mitigation of and adaptation to climate change (Goal 13).
From our understanding, promoting sustainable development in rural areas goes hand in hand with achieving greater resilience. ‘Resilience’ describes the ability of social, economic and ecological systems to cope with a critical event, a trend or a disruption (based on IPCC 2014).
In our research and development projects, we deal with the operationalisation of sustainability goals as well as with questions of sustainability assessment and necessary societal change processes (transition). We also support the implementation of sustainability goals at the regional and municipal level by developing educational materials, sustainability reports and municipal sustainability strategies.
Contact person/s at IfLS: Simone Sterly (sterly[at]ifls.de) and Dr. Ulrich Gehrlein (gehrlein[at]ifls.de)
