On 1 January 2019, Zukunft – Umwelt – Gesellschaft (ZUG) gGmbH assumed yet more responsibilities and tasks on behalf of the Federal Environment Ministry (BMU).
In addition to the International Climate Initiative (IKI), ZUG now manages the funding programme for the German Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change (DAS) and also operates the National Contact Point for the EU LIFE funding programme.
In taking over these new responsibilities and tasks, ZUG is expanding its operative activities and its thematic portfolio. At locations in Bonn and Berlin, ZUG now has around 100 members of staff working on topics such as climate policy, climate action funding, strategies for adaptation to climate change, biodiversity, forests and land use, climate protection in the energy industry and other industry sectors, urban development and mobility.
The German Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change
With effect from 1 January 2019, the funding programme for the German Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change (DAS) will gradually be transferred from Project Management Jülich (PtJ) to ZUG. Under the DAS programme, BMU funds projects that promote adaptation to climate change and supply solutions that can be used to mitigate the effects of global warming in Germany – heat waves, floods and heavy rain. The programme targets local and municipal authorities, clubs and associations, mid-sized businesses and educational institutions. DAS funding priorities focus on adaptation strategies for businesses, development of educational modules on climate change and adaptation to climate change, municipal-level lighthouse projects and the establishment of local and regional collaborations. ZUG aids BMU in project selection and decision-making, in managing funding activities and in further development and enhancement of the funding programme itself.
EU LIFE funding programme
At the beginning of January, ZUG set up a new National Contact Point for the EU LIFE funding programme (environment sub-programme) in Bonn. LIFE is an EU Commission-led programme which funds activities throughout the EU in the areas of biodiversity conservation, environment protection and climate action. Working with the existing national contact points, the ZUG National Contact Point aids German institutions with their LIFE programme funding applications. Both public and private institutions in EU member states can participate in the LIFE funding programme.
International Climate Initiative
The International Climate Initiative (IKI) is the biggest funding programme managed by ZUG so far. The IKI promotes ambitious climate action and biodiversity conservation projects in developing countries and emerging economies. Since mid-2018, IKI-related responsibilities, tasks and projects have been gradually transferred from Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to ZUG. ZUG evaluates project proposals and presents them to BMU for selection. It also aids processes which include ensuring project compliance with applicable policy and international law, as well as promoting dialogue and exchange within the IKI. ZUG evaluates interim and final expenditure reports with a view to funding utilisation and project success. The transfer of all IKI projects, responsibilities and tasks to ZUG should be completed by mid-2019.
About ZUG
ZUG is a federally-owned company. BMU represents the Federal Government as sole shareholder. Having founded ZUG, BMU can use its flexible organisational structures to consolidate non-ministerial tasks that fall within its mandate. ZUG provides the Ministry with substantive and administrative support in the implementation of its funding policy programmes and projects.
