Coordinates the sustainability plans in the Neuss region along the Rhine.
Rhein-Kreis Neuss is set to embark on an exciting journey towards a more sustainable future with the launch of a new project, "Together for a Sustainable Structural Change." Funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV), this initiative aims to facilitate a long-term environmentally friendly development path in line with the German Sustainability Strategy.
At the helm of this project is the new sustainability manager, Aileen Wichmann, a 31-year-old individual with a master's degree in psychology from Heinrich-Heine-Universität in Düsseldorf. Aileen brings her expertise to the table, having previously worked as a coordinator for municipal development policy at the city of Dormagen. She will further strengthen the important topic of sustainability in Rhein-Kreis Neuss.
The project's goals are twofold: to develop a strategy for the region that addresses the challenges and opportunities of the area, and to foster sustainable economic development and decent work opportunities. This aligns with global frameworks like Agenda 2030 and the Doughnut Economy model.
Agenda 2030, adopted by the United Nations in 2015, sets out 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that aim to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, and more. The "Together for a Sustainable Structural Change" project would likely align with several SDGs, including Sustainable Cities and Communities, Climate Action, and Decent Work and Economic Growth.
The Doughnut Economy model, proposed by Kate Raworth, provides a framework for human prosperity that is both socially and environmentally sustainable. It is based on two concentric rings: the inner ring represents the basic human needs (such as food, water, shelter, etc.) that must be met for all people, while the outer ring represents the ecological ceiling (such as climate change, biodiversity loss) that must not be breached. Projects aligned with the Doughnut Economy model would focus on meeting social foundations and respecting planetary boundaries.
To ensure a comprehensive strategy, a cross-disciplinary steering group will be formed, consisting of politics, administration, economy, education, and civil society. The group will develop topic and measure proposals for the sustainability project. The county's municipalities will also be integrated via the Alliance for Climate and Sustainability in Rhein-Kreis Neuss to learn from each other and increase synergy effects.
The project leader, Thiago de Carvalho Zakrzewski, believes that with the reinforcement of Aileen Wichmann, they can bundle numerous activities in the areas of structural change, climate protection, circular economy, and international cooperation. Citizens will have the opportunity to vote on these proposals in several procedures, ensuring transparency and inclusivity.
The new sustainability manager expresses excitement for the exchange with various actor groups. Aileen Wichmann is currently pursuing a part-time master's degree in sustainability management at Leuphana Universität in Lüneburg. With her addition to the team, Rhein-Kreis Neuss is poised to take significant strides towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
- Aileen Wichmann, the new sustainability manager of Rhein-Kreis Neuss, is pursuing a part-time master's degree in sustainability management, demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning and environmental-science education.
- The "Together for a Sustainable Structural Change" project, launched by Rhein-Kreis Neuss, aims to foster sustainable economic development and decent work opportunities, aligning with global frameworks like Agenda 2030 and the Doughnut Economy model.
- The Doughnut Economy model, proposed by Kate Raworth, guides projects towards social and environmental sustainability by addressing basic human needs and respecting planetary boundaries, reflecting the dual-focus of the "Together for a Sustainable Structural Change" project.
