Diverse and sustainable
An event that left a lasting impression
The first face-to-face event of the ESF-FrischNET project at the University of Würzburg was a complete success!
On 18 March 2022, the time had finally come - the first face-to-face event of the ESF-funded FrischNET project took place on the grounds of the Botanical Garden of the University of Würzburg. Representatives of companies from various industries as well as scientists and students from JMU took part - both online and offline, as the event was a hybrid event and thus enabled participation both virtually and in person.
The event was all about sustainability - viewed from three different angles: ecological, social and economic sustainability. After the attendees were able to fortify themselves with a coffee, they were welcomed by Network Manager Martin Kufferath-Sieberin.
Overview of the lectures
The first lecture on ecological sustainability and biodiversity was given by Dr Frauke Fischer, Chair of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology. After the attendees experienced a small reality shock in terms of biodiversity and the consequences of species extinction, Mrs Fischer was able to lift the mood again with sustainable solutions for the future (and above all with chocolate, sustainable of course!). Her new book "What has the mosquito ever done for us? Finally understanding what biodiversity means for our lives" (Oekom-Verlag) was also presented and sold.
Ruth Kunzmann from the Master's programme in Diversity Management (Institute of Protestant Theology and Religious Education) explained the link between sustainability and human resources management in the second lecture. In this lecture, companies and students were made aware of the implications of sustainable corporate management with regard to the changes in the business world brought about by new generations.
In the third lecture, Jasmin Möller from the Chair of Business and Industrial Management answered the question of how sustainability and economics fit together. She explained the importance of sustainable supply chains to the participants. This new relevance was only recently made clear in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and the blockade of the Suez Canal by the "Ever Given".
All speakers emphasised the benefits of sustainability for companies in the future. Sustainability might cost money to "buy", but these costs can be offset many times over - through a distinctive biodiversity, considered and equitable corporate governance and supply chains with purpose and future prospects.
Guided tour of the botanical garden
After a lively discussion between the attendees and the speakers, a coffee break and book shopping, a guided tour of the tropical greenhouse followed with the curator of the botanical garden, Dr Vogg.
Accompanied by further discussions on the topic of sustainability and supplemented by additional expertise from Dr Vogg, those present were guided through the various climate zones, each with their own plant worlds. The interesting expertise of the curator and the stories of the plants brought the event to a successful official conclusion.
