Tackling Climate Change through Global Learning: International visitors from Brazil, Kenya and India
Our international partner organisations from Brazil, Kenya and India visited IUNR for an eventful week in the fight against climate change.
In mid-June, the ZHAW welcomed five international guests from the Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados in Brazil, the University of Nairobi in Kenya and the University of Agricultural Sciences Bangalore in India within the Geography of Food research group. The high-ranking guests are part of the International Virtual Course: an online module that offers the opportunity to work out creative solution strategies in the fight against climate change with students from all partner organisations - without leaving your living room.
One of the many highlights of this eventful week was the trip and hike to the Morteratsch Glacier. The receding glacier and the new landscape being created were particularly impressive. The hike also fitted in with the International Virtual Course's focus on tackling climate change.
But let's start at the beginning: The week began on Sunday evening in Wädenswil with a guided tour followed by dinner at the Schluchtalhof in Wädenswil - an excellent way to get a first insight into Swiss agriculture. Monday and Tuesday were filled with workshops, panel discussions and an excursion to Zurich, before heading to the Hotel Capricorns in Wergenstein in the Canton of Grisons on Tuesday evening. Surrounded by nature and fresh mountain air, this was a particularly good place to think and reflect. Workshops led to creative and fruitful ideas for future cooperation. One thing is clear: everyone wants to continue working together!
Of course, the leisure activities also contributed to the good mood. A tour of the Sufers alpine dairy and the Sufers microbrewery, including a tasting on Wednesday evening, added to the general satisfaction and left room for further discussions and conversations.
Thursday saw the conclusion of the workshops and the distribution of responsibilities for further work. On Thursday afternoon, the Beverin Nature Park gave an exciting input on agriculture and the products of the Nature Park.
The week was rounded off with an excursion to the Morteratsch Glacier, which included a wonderful bus ride over the Julier Pass and a hike along the Morteratsch Glacier with informative signs about the glacier's receding.
After the last night in Chur, it was time to go to the airport on Saturday and home again. The week was extremely diverse. In addition to workshops on future international cooperation and participation in a panel discussion, there were also various excursions and tastings.
The physical meeting was definitely worthwhile, the creative exchange was fruitful and with fresh energy and motivation the International Virtual Course 2023 will start in July.
Since 2020, the International Virtual Course has been held annually with the four universities. The organisers met regularly online, but never physically. This year, for the first time, a face-to-face meeting was possible: everyone met in Switzerland from 11 to 17 June.
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