Give Humanity a Chance, Give the Earth a Future Green Cross International: Taking Action for Humanity and the Environment Since 1993

Give Humanity a Chance, Give the Earth a Future Green Cross International: Taking Action for Humanity and the Environment since 1993

1 2 Table of contents: Introduction

Alexander Likhotal 5

Green Cross in Review

Adam Koniuszewski 7

Green Cross Remembers 9

Water for Life and Peace 10

Climate Change and Energy 26

Value Change 40

Environmental Security and Sustainability 54

Environmental Disaster Prevention and Response 68

Social and Medical 70

Organization Information 82

Our Partners 83

Cover Photo: Asian Development Bank Left: Sebastian Copeland

3 We live in urgent times. The international situation is becoming more complex and more worrisome. Issues related to sustainable development are being pushed aside while we attend to mul- tiplying economic, social and geopolitical problems. The sum of the concurrent crises that have been engulfing everything from climate to the economy is creating an existential spiral of need for change.

Progress lies not in enhancing what is, but in advancing towards what will be, and GCI is ready to assist in walking this road.

— Mikhail Gorbachev

4 Introduction

that—short of a “substantial and sustained” reduction in greenhouse gas emissions—we will experience more frequent heat waves, droughts, storm surges, shocks to the world food supply and other extreme weather-related events.

Certainly we do hope a deal will be struck in Paris. A binding agreement would give countries the confidence to pursue stronger national climate policies, knowing that they are not the only ones doing so, and could assist developing countries that are more vulnerable to climate change but less responsible for it. But that will not be enough to put the world on track to climate stabilization.

We need a fundamental transformation, within a generation – in energy, industry, agriculture, fisheries and transport systems, and in producer and consumer behaviour. Rather than being idealistic, we need to bet on policies that offer long-term solutions and short-term benefits.

And this does not require the blind rejection of growth – although it does call f or the rejection of blind growth.

Alexander Likhotal We hope that our forthcoming high-level conference for a green and inclusive economy (6-7 October, 2015), held in cooperation with the Geneva authori- President, Green Cross International ties, will visibly contribute to these goals. Our organization stands ready to play a leading role, and is well suited to that task. Green Cross International and our In 2015, a question hangs over us all: is sustainability still an option, or are global network have much to be proud of from over 20 years of activity. we already doomed to “agonizing development”? More than 100,000 people in Africa, Latin America and Asia are now receiving The window of opportunity is closing quickly. Despite overwhelming scien- safe drinking water thanks to our Smart Water for Green Schools programme. tific evidence – and growing public concern – that our present development path is headed for calamity, governments are still not taking the challenge Our advocacy has been instrumental in pushing major powers, including the of achieving sustainable and equitable world development seriously: short- United States and Russia, towards the safe destruction of chemical weapons. term national and financial concerns are consistently given top priority. Values are changing and children’s attitudes are being shaped due to the en- In December 2015, world leaders will gather in Paris to negotiate a binding vironmental awareness that is growing in Japan, Australia, South Korea and agreement to reduce global carbon emissions. It will be the twenty-first major Sri Lanka through the Green Cross environmental diary campaign. UN climate summit since 1992, but two decades of these conferences have only seen emissions continue to mount and temperatures rise. Indeed, the World Thousands of people in South-East Asia, and areas affected by the Chernobyl Meteorological Organization has pronounced 2014 to be the warmest year on nuclear disaster, receive health care and other support from Green Cross staff. record. And the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report warns

5 The Green Cross International Board meeting in Geneva, 2013

Our advocacy is helping promote smart, renewable and alternative energy We have come far already, and we are determined to ensure that Green sources, stimulating new economies linked with sustainable power, and end- Cross continues rising to the challenges that face us – offering hope and vi- ing our reliance on fossil carbon-based fuels or nuclear energy. sion for the future of our planet.

Where do we go from here? The coming years offer great opportunities for I want to praise all my colleagues for continuing to hold the Green Cross Green Cross to solidify our gains, expand on them and, in some cases, rein- flag high in the face of the multifaceted crises we face. I would also like to vigorate our efforts. We have to strengthen our energy activities, as energy express my admiration to my colleagues who have demonstrated cohesion will clearly be on the forefront of the sustainability agenda. Existing practical and consolidation in the face of the dramatic loss of our Chairman and friend GCNO activities must be consolidated under the umbrella of the new pro- Jan Kulczyk, who passed away suddenly just a few weeks ago. Death is always gramme. We envision an energy component for our flagship Smart Water for hard to accept, but even more so when someone like Jan – bursting with so Green Schools project, with solutions to local needs including solar power much life, new ideas, plans and projects – leaves us. Above all, he will be (above all for refrigerating medication), solar-powered lamps, high efficiency remembered for his great vision, his wealth of experience, and the positive cook-stoves, solar-powered water pumps, biogas from waste, and more. approach he brought to the challenges that confront us. We can best continue his legacy by moving ever forward, as he always did, and taking Green In terms of advocacy and education, the programme must leverage existing part- Cross to new frontiers. nerships and seek the new ones involving the most prominent experts and practitioners from civil society, government and the private sector. Close cooperation should be established between programmes, especially involving education.

6 Green Cross in Review

The gathering also hosted the third edition of the Green Star Awards, a joint initiative with OCHA and UNEP, to celebrate outstanding achievements in con- fronting environmental emergencies. Recipients included the NY Hurricane Sandy Debris Removal Task Force, Sir David Attenborough, and the Kenya Red Cross. Along with the piano concert of Maestro Andrei Gavrilov at Victoria Hall, and the launch of the Green Cross photo exhibit at the United Nations, the events were attended by over 5,000 people and allowed the Green Cross family to reflect on its achievements and commit to its future plan of action.

In the two years that followed, this reinvigorated spirit of determination led to impressive results across programmes and activities, as presented in this report.

The Climate Change Task Force continued to engage decision makers to advance the climate agenda – including at the May 2015 conference the CCTF organized at the Vatican prior to the June release of Pope Francis’ inspira- tional, potentially game-changing Encyclical on the Environment.

In late 2013, Green Cross’s Environmental Security and Sustainability Director, Paul Adam Koniuszewski Walker, was awarded the Right Livelihood Award (also known as the alternative No- bel Prize) for 20 years of work to rid the world of chemical weapons. Green Cross is Chief Operating Officer, Green Cross International proud of the dedication and expertise of those who contributed to this achievement and the destruction of 61,600 tonnes of chemical weapons since the CW Convention As it embarks on its third decade of action to help secure a peaceful, sustain- entered into force in 1997, and the most recent success in expanding the programme able future, Green Cross is more determined than ever to pursue an innova- beyond weapons to address obsolete pesticides and chemical pollution. tive agenda that builds on its strengths and responds to emerging threats. Green Cross was also awarded the 2015 WWF Leaders for a Living Planet In September 2013, Green Cross held the 7th edition of the Earth Dialogues at Award for helping secure the entry into force of the UN Watercourses Con- the United Nations Office at Geneva, as part of its 20th anniversary celebra- vention in August 2014, following Vietnam’ ratification – the convention’s tions. Focused on how multilateralism can help meet 21st century challenges, 35th. A truly ground-breaking and hard-won achievement given the treaty, the event brought experts and practitioners from around the world, alongside originally agreed in 1997, laid dormant for most of its 16-year history. The key representatives of the Geneva International community. The resulting Ge- GCI campaign to activate the Convention is a triumph of collaboration, sup- neva Declaration highlighted the city’s unique role as a launching pad for coor- ported by several GCNOs, including Ghana, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Italy, dinated international action to address today’s complex, global issues. France, Poland and South Korea, and a number of partner organizations. The Convention will foster stronger cooperation, conservation and management of the 280 watercourses worldwide that cross national borders. With

7 tensions over shared waters growing as water demand, population growth and climate change all exert pressures on resources, success over the Con- vention is creating new avenues for Green Cross action as many implementation challenges begin to arise.

The Freddas project in Senegal has provided a foretaste of the future of the water programme. The project, carried out by Green Cross with support from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – has installed solar systems and high-efficiency pumps for drip-irrigation to cultivate previously abandoned lands. The project combines energy and water access with livelihood support to give a holistic response to the region’s interconnected challenges. Scaling up of this model could transform the entire region. Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of New York when Hurricane Sandy hit the American East Coast in 2011, delivered a message to the 2013 Green Star Awards ceremony. He was recognized alongside the New York City Debris Removal Task Force for their innovative methods of reducing Green Cross plans to use this positive experience to integrate clean ener- waste while cleaning debris. gy into the Acqua for Life campaign, which completed its fifth year in 2015 with expansion into several new regions and countries. AFL now operates in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal, China, Bolivia, Mexico, Ukraine and Argentina. But it is youth who will be impacted most by questions of energy, water and other resources. Working with young people is more important than ever. The Energy was also on the agenda in February 2015, when former Japanese latest edition of the Green Cross Italy Earth Charter Youth Contest attracted Prime Minister Naoto Kan was the guest of honour at a Green Cross-spon- an incredible 32,000 contestants, while the environmental diary founded by sored event in Paris to encourage an honest debate about nuclear power. Green Cross Japan has spread to South Korea, Sri Lanka and Australia. In ad- Having led Japan during the 2011 Fukushima disaster, Mr Kan added rare vance of the vitally important UN Climate Change Conference in Paris in De- insight to the heated discussion. This event was a natural outcome of the cember 2015, Green Cross is involved in an initiative from President Francois study trips organized by Green Cross Switzerland for leaders and guests to Hollande and carried out by Corinne Lepage for a universal declaration on the witness first-hand some of the realities of nuclear power. rights and responsibilities of humanity for current and future generations.

Being deeply invested in supporting the victims of nuclear catastrophe and We owe the youth of today and tomorrow a world where everyone can the development of diversified, de-centralized, democratized and low-car- thrive. In October 2015, Green Cross, in partnership with the State of Ge- bon energy, Green Cross is expanding its work with Chernobyl communities neva, will once again be gathering experts in this city of peace and human to help the Fukushima disaster victims. solidarity to help forge a path to a vibrant, green and inclusive economy. This carefully targeted and timed conference will send a strong, unequivocal Numerous initiatives are also moving forward at city and regional levels message to the COP21 in Paris, for a progressive, science-based, ambitious (ICLEI), including with the Canton and City of Geneva but also at Global global agreement to combat climate change. Green in the US, under the new leadership of Les McCabe, who took over when Matt Petersen joined the Los Angeles mayors’ office as its first “Chief In these ways, and the many others recounted in this Activity Report, Green Sustainability Officer” to help America’s second largest metropolis address Cross is proud to be helping lay the stepping-stones towards the equitable, its mounting water and energy crisis. peaceful and sustainable “Future We Want”.

8 Green Cross Remembers

Xavier Guijarro

Xavier Guijarro, Director of the Green Cross International’s Value Change Programme since 2008 and long-standing Board Member of Green Cross Spain, passed away suddenly on 19 June 2014.

Xavier worked tirelessly to advance the value change and environmental education activities that are at the heart of the Green Cross mission.Xa- vier began collaborating with Green Cross in 2004. He then became active in both Green Cross Spain and Green Cross International, continuing until he assumed leadership of the Value Change and Environmental Education programme, including the Earth Dialogues activities that are at the heart of Green Cross International’s mission.

All members of the Green Cross network offer their sincerest condolences to Xavier’s family and loved ones.

“His heart stopped, but his smile, his work capacity and his professional and human qualities stay with us. We will always remember his commitment to Green Cross and his fight for a better world. He will always be in our memory.” - Xavier’s colleagues at Green Cross Spain

9 Water for Life and Peace

10 The Water for Life and Peace programme aims to promote human rights, peace and development, and to have a concrete and immediate impact on communities, by working across three main areas: Right to Water and Sani- tation, the legal frameworks of shared water resources (the United Nations Watercourses Convention), and the Smart Water for Green Schools project.

Safe and clean drinking water and sanitation: a human right essential to the full enjoyment of life and all other human rights

Placing human rights at the heart of sustainable development, and viewing the right to water as one of the most essential, Green Cross has long advo- cated for recognition of this right. Green Cross was among the first organizations to engage in the definition of this new socio-economic right, and quickly started promoting it through its network of national organizations. Green Cross played an important role in the first recognition of the right in French law, in 2006.

Later, in July 2010, the UN General Assembly declared safe and clean drinking water, and sanitation, a human right essential to the full enjoyment of life and all other human rights.

This was followed by a resolution of the Human Rights Council affirming that the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation is derived from the right to an adequate standard of living. It is inextricably related to the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, as well as the right to life and human dignity.

Far from closing the debate, this marked the beginning of a new phase. Forty-one countries abstained from recognizing the right to water and sanitation at the UN in 2010. Those who did still had to recognize it in their legislatures, and to make criteria such as availability, quality, acceptability, accessibility and affordability effective in their countries. A streamlined human-rights-based approach will be

Providing water at “Quetzalcoatl” secondary school in Santo Domingo, Mexico. Left page: Senegal, FREDDAS Project, ©Elena Seina

11 needed to help countries and stakeholders attain the water-related Sustainable Development Goals that the international community is setting itself in 2015.

From 2013 to 2015 GCI and GC Burkina Faso engaged in on-going advocacy efforts at the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Banjul, Gambia – doing so alongside WaterAid, South Africa-based Legal Resources Center (LRC) and the Faculty of Law of the University of Geneva. A Resolu- tion on the Right to Water Obligations was adopted by the Commission in March 2015.

Meanwhile, Green Cross Spain organised the 7th Dialogues on the Global Water Crisis: Human Rights and Water Poverty. They issued a ground-breaking position paper on the Right to Water in Spain following the Dialogues.

Green Cross France & Territories engaged in the French debate on the new law on the Right to Water and Sanitation and published Water: Keys to Act, a book addressing this right among other issues.

2015 marked Giorgio Armani and Green Cross’ fifth year of partnership in support of communities living in water poverty.

12 Milestone developments in global legal governance of shared water resources

7th World Water Forum, Republic of Korea

Green Cross participated to the 7th World Water Forum on 12 to 17 April 2015, as it had in each of the six previous editions of this major international water event. Represented by the Water for Life and Peace Programme Director and colleagues from Green Cross Bolivia, Ivory Coast and Korea, the delegation took part in the Citizen Forum dedicated to CSOs and NGOs and in the official thematic process gathering all categories of stakeholders.

This Forum has been the opportunity for Green Cross to advance two of its priorities: the need for cooperation over shared water resources Green Cross team receiving the WWF’s Leaders for a Living Planet Award in recognition of its and the need to promote solidarity and innovative financing for de- role in bringing the UN Watercourses Convention into force. Pictured are Faride Tirado and Ivonne Riojas from GC Bolivia, Mathieu Koffi Mahika from GC Côte d’Ivoire, Justin Moon from velopment. Green Cross co-convened two sessions on transboundary GC Korea and Marie-Laure Vercambre from GCI, alongside the University of Geneva’s Mara Tign- waters with its established partners on those issues: the Internation- ino (second from left). al Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the UNECE Water Convention secretariat. Green Cross also presented the feasibility study it conducted on potential solidarity mechanisms to fund access to water for under-privileged communities in Ukraine at a session organized by UNDP’s Global Water Solidarity. Lastly, Green Cross Bolivia and Ivory Coast contributed their expertise to the African and American regional processes.

Every three years, the World Water Forum mobilizes creativity, innovation, and know-how around water. Serving as a stepping-stone towards global collaboration on water challenges, the Forum is a unique multi-stakeholder platform where the water community and the policy and decision makers from all regions of the world can work together to find joint solutions. It is the largest international event of its kind.

On 4 June, for the first time, Green Cross brought together representatives of local communities, government and the private sector for a workshop on sharing water from the Bia River, a major waterway in West Africa.

13 Green Cross, working with major partners such as WWF (World Wildlife took, almost two decades ago, the job of promoting global legal governance Fund), IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) and Dun- through ratification of the UN Watercourses Convention. The Convention dee University’s IHP Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science, engaged in nu- was negotiated over three decades at the United Nations, and was adopted merous awareness-raising initiatives and collaborations with governments to by over 100 countries at the UN General Assembly in 1997. It established promote legal frameworks, cooperation and better management of interna- basic principles of sustainable and equitable use, management, and pro- tional watercourses. About twenty countries joined the Convention between tection of international watercourses. This historic global water governance 2006 and 2015, with Vietnam becoming the 35th country to ratify – thereby agreement did not see quick ratification by many state parties, however, for triggering the Convention’s entry into force, in 2014. The Green Cross net- a variety of reasons. work and its partners played an essential role in that. The Water programme continues to promote sound legal governance of shared waters and is now getting involved in next steps, such as implementation and joint promotion Smart Water, Green Schools with the UNECE Water Convention (a formerly regional legal instrument which has now opened to global accession). The Smart Water for Green Schools (SWGS) project, which Green Cross start- There are about 280 watercourses around the world which are shared be- ed in 2010 to provide access to water and sanitation for communities in need tween two or more countries – including the Nile, Amazon and Mekong ba- around the world, contributes to international efforts to secure safe drink- sins – and about as many cross-borders aquifers (those geological formations ing water and sanitation for every human being. SWGS addresses children’s containing groundwater from which humanity extracts most of the freshwa- needs first, as they are more vulnerable to waterborne diseases, but does ter used for agriculture, industry and domestic purposes). The management, target entire communities. sharing and protection of those waters is crucial for 60 per cent of all fresh- water flows in transboundary basins. SWGS methods include building infrastructure and empowering communities to maintain their own water supplies, reducing the risk of deadly wa- Considering the rising demand for water, demographic growth, and the terborne diseases, promoting the sustainable use of water resources, and pressure under which aquatic ecosystems are already placed, better water increasing school attendance, girls’ education and gender equality. management will be absolutely necessary for a sustainable future. Having to coordinate water management between neighbouring countries adds a level As of August 2015, Smart Water for Green Schools had brought safe drinking of complexity to the challenge, but it also creates opportunities. water to 120,000 people in some 130 communities in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Senegal, Argentina, Bolivia, Mexico, Sri Lanka, China and Ukraine. There exists an important gap in governance regarding transboundary waters. Only 40 per cent of them are subject to a cooperative agreement between governments, and 80 per cent of the existing agreements either do In February 2015, Giorgio Armani and Green Cross announced their not address sustainability, are obsolete, or do not include all of the countries fifth successive year of partnership in support of communities living in that share the watercourse. water poverty.

Much needs to be done to improve the governing frameworks of trans- Green Cross and Giorgio Armani continued to raise awareness about boundary basins and for those frameworks to translate into sustainable water poverty in developed and water-rich countries throughout 2015, management, protection, and use of the watersheds. Green Cross- under while carrying out concrete on-the-ground projects to supply deprived

14 communities with secure, safe and sustainable water access. New projects were deployed in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal, China, Bolivia, Mexico and – for the first time – Argentina.

In 2014, Acqua for Life also supported an important project in a remote village of Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province. About 1,000 people benefitted from this key infrastructure development. As in most South Asian countries, Sri Lanka faces many development challenges and has also gone through a decades-long civil war.

These will join some 80 communities around the world already benefit- ing from clean water thanks to existing Acqua for Life projects.

Green Cross would like to express its sincere gratitude to the Water for Life and Peace programme sponsors. Their continued and generous support has enabled the development of the Smart Water for Green Schools projects – transforming, if not saving, the lives of beneficiaries around the world.

In 2013-2015 partners have been, in alphabetic order: Alstom Founda- tion, the Fred Foundation, Giorgio Armani, International Forum Com- mittee of the 6th World Water Forum, Pureology, Tag Heuer and Yoox.

Making New Links Between Programmes

The Water for Life and Peace programme has been aiming to deploy SWGS projects in five major transboundary basins – the Mekong, the Volta, the Plata, the Jordan and Lake Victoria. This is to allow SWGS to become a better platform for promoting access to water and sanitation alongside the peaceful sharing and sustainable use of water resources.

Green Cross is also building connections between water, livelihoods and clean energy, notably in Senegal. The Freddas project, carried out with support from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and ENEA as a technical and scientific partner, saw the installation of new photovoltaic systems and

15 high-efficiency pumps to supply drip-irrigation systems on two cultivation areas (20 hectares in Bokhol and 40 hectares in Gouriki Samba Djom villages) between 2012 and 2015.

The project objective was to ensure the livelihoods and autonomy of the local population through sustainable farming. Indeed, crops have more than tripled, water consumption decreased by 70 per cent and cost of electric power halved thanks to the new systems.

Green Cross Italy introduced applications of renewable energy (particularly solar PV) and provided specialized technical training for farmers living in the area. A group of experts provided technical support to the project, designing and installing the two photovoltaic plants of 100 kWp and 50 kWp. These feed drip irrigation systems, using the water of the Senegal River and some local wells.

The electric power generated by the PV modules is steady over the year, which means that when it is not needed for water pumping it can be used to refrigerate stored food.

The project has created more than 900 permanent jobs (544 have been as- signed to women in the two villages), in order to facilitate the settlement of populations in an area that, among other things, is crossed by significant flows of migrants looking for a better future.

The Freddas project in Senegal was designed to give women, in particular, more opportunities. They form a majority on the management committee and have positions of responsibility within the village. They are also involved in the marketing of agricultural products, travelling regularly to regional markets.

16 17 Workshops, Rain Barrel Builds, Stormwater Home Assessments and Rain Garden Demonstrations. By offering residents a wide variety of workshops – from lecture style to getting their hands dirty – Green Cross hopes to create action in communities to better manage rainwater.

First Water Project in Sri Lanka!

In 2014, the Smart Water for Green Schools programme was introduced in Sri Lanka after a year-long feasibility study. GC Japan, together with GC Sri Lanka, selected Pulawelli – a small village in the western dry zone where people suffer serious shortages of potable water during the dry season. Due to the lack of rainfall in the dry season, Green Cross launched a large scale potable water project consisting of an underground water well, water purification plant, water tank tower and distribution pipeline to individual homes. It is a shared project between Green Cross and the local municipal government.

By offering residents a wide variety of workshops – from lecture style to getting their hands dirty – Green Cross hopes to create action in communities to better manage rainwater.

Water wise

New Orleanians treasure their neighbourhoods and each one of those 70+ communities has something unique to offer. Global Green has a history of working neighbourhood to neighbourhood in New Orleans to share best practices with residents so that their communities can be more resilient. While the focus has been on energy efficiency, Global Green is now engaging residents around wise water management through the use of green infrastructure. Water Wise NOLA is an initiative funded by the New Orleans Sew- age and Water Board, the EPA and the Foundation for Louisiana (made up of water professionals and concerned citizens who seek to change of how rain- A new water system in Sri Lanka supplies over 40,000 litres/day of potable water to 200 families, water is managed in New Orleans). The project works closely with residents thanks to cooperation between Green Cross and the local municipality. in neighbourhoods experiencing chronic flooding issues, hosting Water Wise

18 Green Cross carried out construction of the water tank tower while the mu- In 2015, the Aqua for Life campaign supported its first water project on Ar- nicipality is responsible for the construction of water distribution pipelines gentina’s Patagonian Plateau, in the Telsen community. and on-going maintenance of the water system after construction. Green Cross had previously conducted Smart Water for Green Schools projects, The Acqua for Life partnership with Giorgio Armani funded half of the pro- with the support of Alstom Foundation, in six Patagonian schools. Many of the ject, with GC Japan supporting the rest. children attending the targeted schools are members of the indigenous Mapu- che community. The same type of project was also carried out in Misiones Prov- Construction started in July 2014 for completion by July 2015. Once oper- ince in 2014, with the support of The Americas Fund from the US government. ational, the system will supply at least 40,000 litres/day of potable water, available to some 200 families, or about 1,000 people.

As a part of this project, Green Cross also introduced the Green Lane Dia- ry programme to two local elementary schools so that students could learn about ecology and water/sanitation in school.

Argentina’s Chubut Province is now being supported by Acqua for Life and Smart Water for Green Schools. Many of the children attending the targeted schools in Argentina are members of the indigenous Mapuche community. Acqua for Life supports the provision of water to schools in Côte d’Ivoire. Solar panels like this one provide reliable power to pump water out of wells.

19 Green Cross Côte d’Ivoire has been coordinating projects aimed at providing access to water and sanitation since 2012. An interesting development for the Smart Water for Green Schools project in 2014 saw a part of a project’s budget allocated to the training of marginalised women (especially single mothers and widows) in hydroponics – a way to grow plants using mineral nutrient solutions, in water, without soil. The water extracted from a borehole is partly used for sustainable hydroponics and generates income for the women of Beago. The project was sponsored by the Fred Foundation.

Green Cross Côte d’Ivoire is also seeking a sponsor for a project to prevent aquatic illnesses by distributing biosand filters. Steps to engage a number of communities on this issue have already been taken.

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The first Smart Water for Green Schools project in a slum was developed by Green Cross Ghana with the support of Giorgio Armani’s Acqua for Life Initiative. Projects had previously been carried out in rural areas. In 2013 the needs of the urban poor started to be addressed. Two powerful mechanized boreholes were built to provide water to the people of Aboabo, a village which is part of the slum of Kumasi, Ghana’s second biggest city. The boreholes provide water to school children, as well as the communities at large.

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Green Cross is implementing the Smart Water for Green Schools project in Senegal through the construction of wells, rainwater collection systems and sanitation services within school complexes. This is part of a long-term commitment by Green Cross to these areas, where children have to travel an average of three kilometres per day to find water.

Construction of a borehole under the AFL campaign in Ejura, Ghana, means that girls no longer need to fetch water from the river.

20 Thanks to financial support from Giorgio Armani, through the Acqua for Life To raise awareness about the water scarcity issue, Green Cross Italy also campaign, in 2014 it was possible to upgrade facilities at the CEM 2 College, joined the Giorgio Armani challenge #1dayon10Liters, which asked several in the village of Richard Toll. A 400-metre retaining wall was built, as were 20 bloggers, journalists and celebrities to live one day on just 10 litres of water. toilets, 20 water distribution points and a 10,000-litre replenishing reservoir. Among the Italian personalities involved by Green Cross Italy were anchor- The project also included the rebuilding of three classroom roofs, repainting women Tessa Gelisio and Caterina Balivo. of 24 classes, the installation of two solar street lamps, and the placement of trees and benches in the schoolyard. These changes directly benefit 1,751 Green Cross France & Territories’ water activities have included the prepara- students in 23 classes, as well as 33 teachers. tion of a new book, Water: Keys for Action, currently available in French and English. This was launched on 11 June 2014 at UNESCO in Paris. The book In 2015, the commitment through the Acqua for Life campaign expanded to represented nine months’ work by a group of experts led by Green Cross, the Saint Louis region, with interventions in six schools and a health centre and is now seeing considerable success, which led to the decision to reprint that receives 6,000 patients every year, including 800 maternity cases. it (5000 copies have been printed in total) to make it more widely available. The PDF version is freely downloadable from the website, and can be put to use by all partner organizations.

Seas and Oceans

Green Cross France & Territories (GCFT) was a co-creator of the Alliance for the Sea and the Oceans in Rio in June 2012, and also became a founding member of the pilot committee for the Ocean & Climate Platform, which brings together civil society actions on ocean and climate issues.

Jean-Michel Cousteau, President of GCFT, and Nicolas Imbert, CEO, were both key contributors to the 2014 Oceania Conference (30 June to 2 July, in New Caledonia), dedicated to the mobilization of the states and civil societies of the South Pacific. This conference dealt with issues linking ecology and the ocean, and building solutions in the South Pacific – especially on the themes of protected marine zones, shared action plans on aquaculture, agriculture, fishing and energy, and a policy of open sharing of information. These objectives, enumerated in the Nouméa Declaration on 2 July, should form the basis of a regional action plan. This declaration was shared in Samoa in Au- gust 2014 and at the regional forum of Palau. Green Cross will closely follow School workshops like this one in China help build understanding of the connections between water, livelihoods, and clean energy. the implementation of actions and the international sharing of experience (particularly in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, and the Mediterranean Sea).

21 Green Cross and the Association Respect’Ocean (led by Raphaela le Gou- vello) approached each other to identify common objectives and complementary methods, following which the two organizations deepened their involvement and initiated multi-actor projects on the Atlantic coast (on aquaculture, fisheries, and the reasonable and sustainable use of maritime resources). The two co-led meetings of the Melgaz network on the circular maritime economy in June 2014 in Brittany, and coordinated outreach to spark new approaches to the circular maritime economy of the territories (on food, aquaculture, algoculture, sustainable fishing, and coastlines).

In September 2014, Green Cross initiated a working group called coastline circular economy, bringing together different fieldwork experience and connecting about fifteen professionals to produce feedback and replicable solutions for a more peaceful and sustainable relationship between humanity and the oceans. These are solutions that have been implemented and that can be shared in preparation for Paris COP21. The working group is contributing to another book, titled Coastline Circular Economies: Keys for Action, being put together in 2015.

Green Cross France & Territories (GCFT) has mobilized various communications, petitions, and publications to improve understanding of the water- cy cle (earth, streams, and oceans), encourage preservation of resources, and increase comprehension of diffusing pollutions, issues of healthy water and human rights, and the link between the health of aquatic areas (rivers and oceans) and climate preservation.

GCFT also joined numerous demonstrations on the topics of water and oceans over the course of the year, in France (World Festival of Underwater Pictures, the Earth Workshops, Meetings on Water as a Common Good) and around the world (Moroccan Committee on Human Rights – Casablanca). Mutual contributions and exchange of participants with Nausicaa and the World Ocean Network, notably via the European consultation Sea for Socie- ty, have also been enormously helpful in spreading knowledge.

Jean-Michel Cousteau has long been a leading voice on the importance of incorporating oceans and the critical threats to small island states into talks on climate change.

22 Good Governance, Democracy, Environmental Management system with newly formed constituencies, governors, senators and county and Peaceful Transition representatives. The devolution process has brought to light the increased need for ethno-cultural justice, and the need to adopt minority rights. Sustainable communities in the Rift Valley, Kenya - Green Cross in cooperation with the Green Belt Movement The “Peaceful Transition through Equitable Resource Access and Environ- mental Restoration Project” was designed to strengthen the community and Kenya faces challenges to maintaining peace, security and sustainability. In institutional structures over the long term. The aim has been to enhance the country’s highly competitive political landscape, access to land and -nat inclusivity in representation, improve equitable access and distribution of ural resources have been factors that political forces have used to trigger resources, as well as promote environment restoration. The project period inter-ethnic conflicts. The diverse population includes 42 ethnicities, many of one year ended in 2014. of which align to political affiliation and determine the use of land and resources. A new Constitution was adopted by 67 per cent of voters in 2010, The project in Rift Valley, Kenya has expanded immensely since it was first and the general elections of 2013 brought forth a new decentralized county initiated in 2005 – made possible through a partnership between the Green

In Kenya’s Rift Valley, Green Cross Sweden has been collaborating with the Green Belt Movement to build a holistic peacebuilding project that includes bringing communities together post-conflict, planting trees and improving green space, providing water and sanitation for schools, and engaging youth.

23 Some 3,000 youths have benefited from the Rift Valley project so far.

Belt Movement and Green Cross Sweden, with funding provided from the youths were trained in entrepreneurship skills, 2,750 children participated in Peace Million of the Swedish government’s Folke Bernadotte Academy. promoting peace through visual and performing arts, and some 7,500 Peace Trees were planted in the region. Youth sports activities continued with The project is based on the principles of the late Professor Wangari Maathai, the Peace Soccer Team and marathon training. The Smart Water for Green whose “Three Legged Stool” concept aims to empower citizens at a grass- Schools project also provided for additional toilet facilities for teachers, and roots level within local communities by understanding the links between rainwater collection tanks were built.

good governance, democracy and peace for sustainable development. The peace initiatives also reflect the holistic methodology of Green Cross and of Achievements the Earth Charter declaration, with a framework aimed at supporting ecological integrity, human rights, a respect for diversity, social and economic Capacity Building for Nakuru County Government and Peace Infrastruc- justice, democracy, and a culture of peace. Professor Wangari Maathai was ture in Nakuru County: The project promoted meaningful engagement awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her holistic work that integrated beyond ethnicity at the county level, as well as protecting and restoring peace, democracy and sustainability. the Eastern Mau Forest Catchment and Watersheds.

The peace project strengthened and expanded the role of district Peace Consensus Building and Reconciliation in the Post-Electoral Phase – Building Committees, and trained more than 2,000 youths – as well as 192 Youth and Child Participation in Peace Development: Members of the teachers – on the principles of the Earth Charter Declaration. Over 200 Ward Peace Committee and District Peace Committee were trained in

24 leadership and their responsibility for peace building. Together with the Regional Peace Forum, and The Youth Speak Out, the project held Sustainability Innovation Employment seminars (training 202 youth in Nakuru, over 60 per cent of them young women).

Four new Children’s Peace Clubs were started (Rongai, Kipsyenan, Mo- sop and Lumdiarc schools) and two established Peace Clubs were expanded (Mau Summit and Kamara school).

Three groups were involved in the watershed rehabilitation project: Kariko Tree Nursery, Young Gatitu Group and Mariru Women’s Group. Viable income generation activities were supported, including beehives and kitchen Food Security gardens. In addition to providing nutritional value, these generate additional income from surplus food production. Peace Trees were planted in priority areas along the watershed: 7,500 indigenous trees were planted ín Eastern Mau Water Catchment and at different school locations in Nakuru County.

Smart Water for Green Schools provided additional latrine facilities and a rainwater collection tank at Kamara School.

The Wangari Maathai Peace Park was established in 2014 at the Kip- syenan Secondary School, thanks to efforts of the Green Cross Sweden Youth.

The Peaceful Transition through Equitable Resource Access and Environmen- tal Restoration Project achieved more than was planned. The many diverse stakeholders expressed ownership and pride over the different peace initiatives, showing that the project now belongs to these people. The project continues to work towards a sustainable peace, essential to the wellbeing of current and future generations. The Project Coordinators are Tonia Moya, GCS, and Teresa Muthoni, GBM.

Peace Trees were planted in priority areas along the watershed: 7,500 indigenous trees altogether.

25 Smart Energy

26 James Mancham, former President of the Seychelles spoke on the impact of climate change at the 2013 Earth Dialogues in Geneva. © Yves Croce

In 2013, as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, Green Cross held the 7th edition of its Earth Dialogues at the United Nations Office at Geneva. It looked at the role of multilateralism in meeting 21st century challenges and providing a launching pad for effective coordinated action. It brought together experts and practitioners from around the world, as well as key representatives from the Geneva International scene.

The discussions produced a Geneva Declaration calling for multilateral action to develop and support strategies for development that is sustainable and inclusive.

Green Cross’s 2015 Conference for a Green and Inclusive Economy is especially important. The year marks an important moment for the programme because of the prospects for significant outcomes in terms of climate change mitigation and adaptation, and a new climate regime to be agreed during the Paris COP21 Conference. Also, numerous other initiatives are moving forward at the level of cities and regions, and Green Cross continues to work with the world’s largest city and regional authority network for sustainability The Solar Impulse plane featured in the 2015 outdoor photo exhibit, “The Future we Want” as well as directly with the State and City of Geneva.

27 Green Cross and Local Governments for Sustainability The Climate Change Task Force

Green Cross continued to work jointly with ICLEI (Local Governments Green Cross has continued to reach beyond its own network to coordinate for Sustainability) in recent years to encourage the ongoing pursuit of expertise on this topic. The Climate Change Task Force (CCTF), convened by coordinated progress among local authorities around the world. Green Cross, brings together the views of prominent thinkers through conferences, the climatechangetaskforce.org website and blog, and ongoing In late 2014, Green Cross organized a workshop as part of the Chi- cooperation with such organisations and institutions as the Club of Rome, na-Europe Forum to discuss similarities and differences between China Club of Madrid, Earth Charter, Earth Focus, the Nobel Prize Laureates Forum, and Europe on how water related challenges are addressed, and to find ICLEI, Pepperdine University, Boston University, the European University, ES- ways of limiting its impact on climate change. Delegations of experts SEC Business School, Kaznu University, St. Gallen University, the World Acad- and practitioners from China and Europe, representing various pres- emy of Art and Science, and the World University Consortium. tigious organizations, met in Geneva to discuss solutions to water and climate change challenges and how this will impact the rapid urbanisa- tion in these regions. Stepping Up Energy Activities Participants visited the Geneva water filtration facilities that provide cost effective natural filtration methods to help replenish underground water reserves and supply the needs of the Geneva basin that also cov- Green Cross plans continue to include the hiring of a prominent energy ex- ers neighboring France – a good example of trans-boundary coopera- pert and an ambitious set of two-decade-long projects in India and Nepal tion over shared-water resources. that could have major impacts in reducing carbon emissions and pollution – as well as improving lives for millions of people. Both these initiatives are Green Cross Founding President Mikhail Gorbachev provided an open- in process. ing statement fort he 2015 ICLEI World Congress, in which he empha- sised that local governments are becoming natural partners for civil In order to better integrate activities across programmes, Green Cross con- society as both understand the need for a truly holistic approach to tinues to focus on the development of a Smart Energy component for the promoting sustainable and inclusive prosperity, on the basis of decou- flagship Smart Water for Green Schools project. An initative has been devel- pling economic development from the use of increasingly precious en- oped for Ivory Coast, ready to be implemented. ergy and materials.

Paris Conference

Green Cross brought a variety of perspectives on a clean and safe energy future together in Paris on 24 February 2015 for a constructive dialogue between all parties on the issue. The discussion was open and honest, eschewing easy answers. But the guest of honour, former

28 Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, recommended a much more comprehensive, transparent and democratic approach to preparing for a possible nuclear catastrophe. Japan’s experience also showed some of the potential for improving energy efficiency in a modern economy. Following the Fukushima disaster, all of Japan’s nuclear reactors – providing 25 per cent of the country’s electricity – were shut down. In response, Japan managed to reduce national consumption from 65GW to 50GW and, as systems are built back up, many people are looking seriously at the opportunity to switch to increasingly attractive and cost effective renewable solutions. So far, local communities have taken the lead in putting renewable power sources in place.

Green Cross at the launch of Geneva’s genie.ch, the most ambitious industrial ecology platform International Symposium on Climate Change in Rome in the world. From left, SIG Director Christian Brunier, Geneva Director General for Environment Daniel Chambaz, State Councilor Luc Barthassat, UNIL’s Suren Erkman, GCI Vice-President Pierre Muller, and GCI COO Adam Koniuszewski. A new Declaration from the International Symposium on Climate Change and World Development states that concerted international action is essential to avert the risks of dangerous climate change, and that time is running out for the world community. Green Cross Interna- tional President Alexander Likhotal was in Rome at the end of May for its drafting, as were other prominent environmental actors.

The declaration builds on outcomes from the conference organized by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences on 28 April, called “Protect the Earth: Dignify Humanity”. It also draws on the conclusions of the Cli- mate Change Task Force, convened by Mikhail Gorbachev with the support of Green Cross International, and the proposals contained in its report, “Action to Face the Urgent Realities of Climate Change”. This had been presented at the UN Conference on Sustainable Develop- ment Rio+20 meeting in June 2012.

The Paris conference featured Yves Marignac (WISE-Paris), Tetsunari Iida (ISEP, Tokyo), Jean-Paul Jaud (filmmaker), Yoshiko Aoki (Fukushima), Former Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, Nicolas Imbert (GCFT), Sandrine Bélier (CNTE), Adam Koniuszewski (GCI) and Jonathan Samet (University of Southern California). Photos © Ania Freidorf

29 President Gorbachev and Pavel Palazchenko visit the photo exhibit along Geneva’s Quai Wilson.

30 31 Smart Energy lowing numerous well-argued presentations by Green Cross at hearings in the Moscow City Duma, press conferences, a series of articles, and numer- In 2014, work was carried out on the modernisation of agricultural produc- ous radio and television interviews, Moscow’s city government has decided tion in Russia along sustainable development principles, in accordance with to forego the construction of new incinerators and gradually dismantle ex- the Green Cross method. The work included analytical studies of the sta- isting ones. tus and prospects for using applied bioenergy from agricultural producers in the Russian regions, as well as promoting the integrated use of biomass Russian Nuclear National Dialogue IX: Energy, Society, in agricultural production by processing waste into organic fertilizer, en- and Security ergy, motor fuel, humus soil and feed additives. Green Cross participated in specialised conferences on the problems of using alternative energy in In April 2014, Green Cross organized this forum together with the Pub- agriculture, housing and communal services, and also prepared messages, lic Council of ROSATOM and the Russian Academy of Sciences. presentations, publications and professional journal articles on the subject of alternative energy. The objectives of the Forum-Dialogue were to open discussions about the advantages of nuclear energy, security, issues of environment and The development of better methods continued, with the identification and population in the Russian Federation, and establishing a dialogue involv- assessment of innovative applied technologies for treatment and reuse of bio- ing all sections of society on how to secure development of nuclear en-

logical waste. A new agricultural complex, operating independently of any ex- ergy while reducing CO2 emissions and preventing climate catastrophe. ternal supplies of gas, electricity, heat, motor fuel or fertilizer, was developed and partially tested. Further study will permit its adaptation and optimisation Participants’ reports presented and discussed the safe use of nuclear for the specific conditions of various modern agricultural enterprises. technologies, the development of state policy on the environmental safety of nuclear power complexes, analyses of climatic changes that A series of meetings were held with local authorities and agricultural enter- occurred as a result of anthropogenic emissions and the role of nuclear prises in Moscow, Vladimir, Ryazan and Kaluga in order to popularise and energy in preventing further climate change. They also addressed the promote the programme at the regional level, as well as to determine where role of civil society in these issues, both nationally and internationally. further pilot projects might be implemented. Agricultural workers and entrepreneurs in the areas of Yaroslavl, Vladimir and Moscow were also given Russian Nuclear Regional Dialogue VII: Nuclear Facilities, presentations on integrated agricultural waste processing into organic ferti- Society, and Security lizer, electricity and heat. In November 2014, a platform for discussion and exchange of views be- The results of a study, Alternative Energy in Russia on the Basis of Renewable tween experts from the nuclear industry and the public focused on the Energy Sources, were presented at the national and international levels, as use of nuclear power for the development of territories, the expansion was the framework for the Renewable Energy in Russia programme address- of social partnerships and the search for mutually acceptable solutions ing the rational and environmentally sound use of raw materials and poten- to ensuring environmental safety. tial energy from municipal waste – without the use of dangerous methods of incineration. It was in the Krasnoyarsk region where the Soviet-era military nuclear capacity was first forged, to support the fragile balance of power in the Green Cross stands against the widespread introduction of incineration. Fol- Cold War. Now, Krasnoyarsk lays a foundation for the future of nucle-

32 ar power, capable of ensuring the country’s energy independence for centuries to come. The Forum dialogue was attended by 250 delegates. This report was heard by the French National Assembly commission on shale gas, presented to three successive ministers of the environment, and cited by the European Parliament.

Specific contributions were made on the topics of Power-to-Gas andof Methanisation, of diffuse and agricultural anaerobic digestion, of the development of 4D energies (decentralised, diversified, decarbonized, democratic), and of energy efficiency (notably in urban areas, in the transportation of people and merchandise).

Green Cross also developed and presented its works on the topic “Energy and the Circular Economy“ to the Assises de l’Energie in January 2014 (open- ing session) and at a workshop co-organized by the European Energy Week 2014 with Energy Cities. We will develop and consolidate these works in the last quarter of 2014 by the establishment of a working group Energy and the Circular Economy.

Green Cross participated in the Moana Nui colloquium on February 11, 2014, in Paris, on the theme of energy independence in the South Pacific. The Mo- ana Nui project had the goal of using the methods and wisdom of the an- cient, traditional Pacific to help address the Pacific’s complex problems that mix the environment, economy, and society.

Luc Hardy, of Green Cross France & Territories, has visited both the Arctic and Antarctic in the past two years, in expeditions designed to collect information and bring attention to the urgen- cy of climate action. © Luc Hardy Offshore Wind Power

Green Cross produced a guide for actors responding to the public debate The Green Cross report Shale Gas (Sanitary, environmental and economic is- about offshore wind power in the Bay of Saint-Brieuc and has contributed to sues linked to its exploitation), which came out in June 2013, served as the a number of public meetings on the topic. The organization has also helped basis for a petition presented to a large and diverse audience and brought to to mobilise the network of Breton entrepreneurs on issues and opportunities the attention of a group of professionals (notably in energy), universities, and presented by offshore wind power, and on the necessity of accompanying journalists. The work concluded that the risk-benefit comparison is extremely these processes with ecologically responsible practices, energy efficiency unbalanced, the benefits being hypothetical and the risks proven. Shale gas and the return to a 4D energy cluster. exploitation has, encouragingly, been prohibited in France. The report notes the environmental, economic and social impact of potential exploitation.

33 Joining President Obama in Advancing Solar Power ly. These techniques also produced healthier food and better-quality water. This experiment, carried out for less than 6 months, demonstrated: On 9 May, Global Green USA joined President Obama in Mountain View, Califor- - That it is possible, using sustainable agriculture (namely, keeping only 60 nia to announce over 300 public and private commitments to advancing solar per cent of available land under cultivation at a time) to quickly recover bi- deployment, as part of the President’s vision for increased investment in energy odiversity and develop ecological services by simple, concrete investments; efficiency and renewable energy (see #ActOnClimate). Drawing on its expertise - That this approach, which consists of reliable agricultural engineering, in green building for affordable housing, Global Green USA committed to solar allows the development of a win-win relationship between the financer, installations across California that will collectively total 1MW by 2017. the general interest, and the farmer to create shared ecological value; - That the initial demonstrations can be easily reproduced and adapted Global Green’s Green Affordable Housing Initiative will offer integrative design in order to quickly be implemented at a massive scale – with shared counsel to up to six affordable housing projects per year in the Bay Area, Los experience and continued improvement of the process. Angeles and San Diego. Each will include an average of 50 kW of solar power – the system size typically installed to meet annual common area demands. From this point forward, Green Cross is looking to develop these practices with a growing network of patrons, in different territorial contexts (rural Global Green was invited by the White House to make this commitment and peri-urban agriculture, aquaculture, arboriculture, sylviculture, etc) and based on its track record, having installed and certified more than 2,000 so- among an expanding network of actors. lar units already, including the first two LEED Platinum Zero Energy Afforda- ble Housing projects in California.

Ecological transition and circular economy Green Cross prefaced and contributed to the “And So?“ report – a publica- tion on the economic and societal issues linked to the progressive adoption of the basic principles of a circular economy by 50 per cent of European businesses. This report was officially launched with the help of Romain Ferrari of Fondation 2019, François-Michel Lambert of the Institute of the Circular Economy, and Corinne Lepage.

The Recovery of Normal Biodiversity

Between October 2013 and April 2014, leading a partnership composed of Dervenn and Ter Qualitec and with dedicated sponsorship from Eiffage, Green Cross initiated a pilot project for the recovery of ordinary biodiversity via agricultural activity on a 70-hectare plot of land near Rennes. This operation, easily replicable, demonstrated the possibility of using agronomical and ecological In Bolivia, Green Cross established a cactus garden that contributes to the country’s protected interventions to simultaneously develop biodiversity and farm more efficient- natural zones by raising in vitro cultures of native plants for replanting in degraded areas.

34 The presentation of feedback and a mini-film allowed this to be shared with and experts in agronomical engineering, water and earth quality meas- interested potential partners. More developments are expected after 2015. urement, and veterinary science, allowing a deepening of the project through partnership with a slaughterhouse, building a network of agricultural partners, and contributing to the creation of a proper logo to Green Cross in France: Eating Well in the Territories represent the agronomical and ecological process, economical realism With the year 2015 marked by preparations for the universal Expo in and better-identified ecological benefits. Milan and the fight against food waste, Green Cross chose a strategy of expanding and contributing to multi-actor projects to be able to respond The exchanges of experience gained through participation in work- to these challenges. shops on the transition to cattle practices, other projects on good -eat ing, expertise brought by partners specialising in customer intelligence, and this project have all contributed to solidifying its viability. We have, for instance, developed and tested the potential of our multi-actor partnership in the Bay of Saint-Brieuc on this topic. Aquaculture and Fisheries Among the remarkable initiatives are a focussed approach initiated by Green Cross contributed to the Oceans Working Group of the IUCN and Interbev, which allowed us to share an approach to the beef industry the Blue Society, consolidating contacts with different professionals in and coordinate with our partner OREE and other organizations, such the aquaculture and fisheries sectors. Many in these industries want to as FNE and FNH. make their projects more ecologically responsible, but also to prepare themselves for inevitable legislative changes regulating ships, fishing Green Cross is also involved in the market gardening project of Bour- and commercial practices, as well as evolving consumer expectations. daisière, as partner and member of the scientific committee.

GC France & Territories was invited to bring a critical eye to Fleury Project Sustainable Pork Michon’s surimi operations (http://www.venezverifier.com), and have GC France & Territories decided to continue its pilot activity for a Sus- contributed to their work. tainable Pork programme in Brittany. The experience gained in 2012 to 2014 was the subject of a report distributed to various partners. This confirmed, firstly, the importance of clear technical specifications. Secondly, it showed the necessity of maintaining a genuine partnership with a slaughterhouse. Finally, it discussed the need to propose Urban Renewal across the United States a real market alternative, putting in place a network of farmers united around the same entrepreneurial ambition. At the last national Clinton Global Initiative meeting, EcoDistricts announced the nine Target Cities projects chosen to participate in its two-year partner- The appeal for funding from the Water Agency was successful, and ship designed to create models for district-scale urban revitalization. Based took effect in July 2014 with the agreement to co-finance the project. on progress achieved to date, the Little Tokyo community in Downtown Los GC France & Territories also gathered the support of financial sponsors Angeles was selected as one of the Target Cities projects.

35 Composting not only diverts food scraps from landfills, but also returns nu- trients to the soil and helps it retain water. While residential food scrap composting is beginning to take hold in major U.S. cities, multi-family buildings present unique challenges. Many stakeholders are involved, and multiple tenants sharing collection bins limits the possibility of rewarding high-performing households. The Global Green team has been exploring opportunities for strategic food scrap collection projects, and has facilitated and documented pilot projects at various multi-family buildings to help increase momentum around residential food scrap collection programs across the country.

Global Green President Les McCabe in New Orleans during construction of the Holy Cross ener- Hurricane Sandy gy-efficient community centre and housing development.

Hurricane Sandy delivered a devastating blow to the east coast of the United Over the past two years, Green Cross in the United States (Global Green USA) States in 2012, the country’s worst since Hurricane Katrina struck Louisiana had provided Little Tokyo guidance on sustainable neighbourhood planning in 2005. and integrated infrastructure, and had participated in the Community Char- rette. In the year ahead, they will continue to support the Sustainable Little After Hurricane Sandy Global Green USA implemented the Solar for Sandy Tokyo efforts by providing technical expertise from Green Urbanism Pro- Initiative, encouraging resiliency against future super-storms by installing so- gramme staff to explore and evaluate innovative concepts – supplying Little lar panels with a battery back up in order to provide first responders and res- Tokyo with clean energy, capturing and treating storm water, and promoting idents with a place to go for basic needs in the Rockaways and Red Hook, NY. development that enhances the area’s cultural and social equity. Global Green’s response to Katrina had been the Holy Cross Project, a cata- One of the most critical aspects of a sustainable community is affordable, lytic development that included five LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environ- healthy and convenient transportation, and for several years the Global mental Design) Homes and the CDCAC. Green policy team has worked with the city of Santa Monica to bring bike sharing to Southern California. Recognizing the need to address growing problems of air pollution, traffic congestion, first-mile-last-mile connections Global Green was recognized by Time Magazine in 2009 for its efforts to green to public transit, and an increasingly unhealthy population, the city is moving New Orleans post-Katrina. At the Holy Cross Project, a sustainability village towards launching a Bike Share programme in 2015. in the Lower 9th Ward, Global Green is nearing completion of a Community Development & Climate Action Center (CDCAC). In 2014 the building shell, in- After construction and demolition debris, food scraps are the largest munic- cluding SIP walls, hurricane-rated windows and standing seam metal roof, was ipal waste stream in the country – typically accounting for 30 to 50 per cent completed. The CDCAC will be a multi-use facility with solar battery backup of a city’s landfilled waste. When food scraps go to the landfill, they release that will house Global Green’s New Orleans offices, community meeting and methane, a greenhouse gas 34 times more potent than CO2. conference space, a visitor centre, and a fresh food corner store.

36 In case of a natural or manmade disaster, the centre’s rainwater harvesting Affordable Housing Projects in the United States system and backup solar power will be an integral part of response and recovery in the city, providing emergency power for refrigeration, lights and Los Vecinos, Chula Vista communication, and serving as a lifeline for the local area. One of the first two LEED Platinum Certified Zero Energy Affordable Housing projects in California, this 42-unit development meets nearly all its electricity demands through 93 kW of on-site solar power. The project, located on the site of a former motel that had the largest number of po- lice calls for any single address in Chula Vista, is a testament to what can be accomplished by a determined development and design team that Global Green USA has been developing the Holy Cross housing development using best-practice stands by its commitment to extremely high performance standards. The efficient building techniques since Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. Solar for Sandy was Glob- al Green’s contribution to repairing the United States’ East Coast after 2011. project continues to educate residents on healthy, low impact living.

37 Cabrillo Gateway at Century Villages, Long Beach efficiency standards of houses and flats. The partners in this enterprise are The National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management, Cabrillo Gateway will feature 80 permanent supportive homes, as the Polish Economic Chamber of Renewable Energy and the Institute of well as a federally qualified health clinic, within the Century Villages Quality for Ecodevelopment. campus. Century Villages at Cabrillo provides housing for up to 1,000 veteran and non-veteran families, individuals, youth and children to help end the cycle of homelessness. In addition to both transitional and permanent housing, the community offers a range of supportive services to encourage health & wellness, personal development and the restoration of hope.

Cathedral Gardens, Oakland

Centrally located near the downtown and public transit, Cathedral Gardens offers 100 affordable rental apartment homes to families. In addition to providing outdoor recreation space for tenants, the development includes an after school homework centre, computer learning lab, and a community room.

Taylor Yard, Northeast Los Angeles

This 68-unit affordable family housing project and associated infrastructure is included in the 24-acre Taylor Yard Redevelopment. The mixed-use, transit-oriented redevelopment design includes a network of pedestrian-friendly streets and blocks, supporting revitalization in Northeast Los Angeles.

Green Cross Poland (GCPL) is the main NGO partner for a series of meetings in 16 Polish cities devoted to renewable energy sources (RES), organizing panel discussions for Communes Active on the RES Market.

GCPL is also the substantive partner of an educational campaign in various print media (dailies, weeklies, trade and business magazines) aimed at increasing awareness among Polish citizens of solutions to improve the energy

38 ©Luc Hardy

39 Value Change

40 In Japan, GCJ is now the implementing body of the National Environment Painting Contest, helping organize schoolteachers on environmental education – a role that will draw on GCJ’s long experience with the diary programme. Every year some graduates of the dairy programme also offer their help as volunteers, showing how deeply the programme takes root in students’ lives.

Green Cross Korea has run an environmental diary project since 2011, reaching another 100,000 students through this activity.

Green Cross Sri Lanka celebrated its 10th anniversary since being established in 2005, when the Diary programme was introduced in the country thanks to the support of GCJ. The programme started with 100 students, and now involves more than 7,000. GCJ sent supporters to join the celebration and award ceremony, which was attended by 1,000 students, teachers and parents, as well as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, the Minister of Education, the Minister of the Environment and the President of Mitsubishi Sri Lanka.

In 2015 the Green Cross Environmental Diaries celebrated their 16th anniversary, maintaining their popularity among elementary schools and sponsors in Japan.

Left page: In late 2013, Green Cross was proud to host a concert at Victoria Hall in Geneva by classical pianist Andrei Gavrilov. © Enzo Capaccio

The Environmental Diaries project remains Green Cross’ flagship educational activity for youth, playing a key role in Green Cross’ aim to run an education activity in every country where a national organization is present – either as a stand-alone project or as a component of another programme.

In 2015 the Green Cross Environmental Diaries celebrated their 16th anniversary, maintaining their popularity among elementary schools and sponsors in Japan. Some 100,000 students now participate every year, and 6,000 new applications for the diary contest are received annually. The Japanese Min- istry for Education participated in the award ceremony in 2013, presenting a Ministerial award to students and schools, and in 2014 Green Cross Japan (GCJ) obtained support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its efforts to expand the programme to more overseas countries. Some 100,000 students now participate every year in activities related to the Diaries project.

41 Working with partners to spread and share ideas IFRC And Green Cross Sign Agreement To Enhance Collaboration

Amid increasing concerns over the unpredictability of extreme weather Green Cross receives Sustainability Award from European University events, continued environmental degradation and the increased need to respond to other hazards like nuclear emergencies, the International Green Cross International received the 2014 Sustainability Award from Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Green the European University. The prize was presented at the Swiss Com- Cross International (GCI) signed a memorandum of understanding to mencement Ceremony celebrating the graduation of the institute’s extend their collaboration in reducing the risks of environmental-re- students. It recognises individuals and organizations that have demon- lated hazards facing vulnerable communities around the world on 20 strated a commitment to environmental excellence through outstand- June 2014. ing and innovative sustainability practices. Both parties underlined the importance of addressing climate and en- “It is a pleasure and great honour to receive this award,” said Adam vironmental risks in strengthening the resilience of communities in the Koniuszewki, COO of Green Cross International. “It is symbolic in many face of natural and man-made disasters. ways of the growing importance of sustainability as a key driver for business performance and profitability. “I am very happy that, in cooperation with the European University, Green Cross at the European Parliament we have helped provide future business leaders with the fundamental understanding of the sustainability challenges that is now essential to On 30 January 2014, GCI’s Adam Koniuszewski spoke at the European business success,” concluded Koniuszewski. Union Parliament about the creation of an international tribunal for the environment. Green Cross was joined in discussing the issue by Member of the European Parliament Corinne Lepage and Judge Cuno Mikhail Gorbachev Awarded Kiel Institute Global Economy Prize Jakob Tarfusser from the International Criminal Court in the Hague.

Green Cross International founder Mikhail Gorbachev was among the Green Cross Honoured With “Vigne Des Nations” Award four recipients of the Kiel Institute’s 2015 Global Economy Prize. GCI President Alexander Likhotal accepted the award on his behalf, and Green Cross International and its network of national organizations also delivered an address, at the ceremony on 21 June. was awarded the 2014 “Vigne des Nations” award by the Canton of Geneva. The award recognises GCI’s commitment to addressing securi- The Award is given “to those who dare to embrace the future and to ty, poverty and environmental degradation through advocacy and local look far beyond their own noses, to those always eager to discover new projects. roads and ready to create a unifying set of values in order to solve press- ing global problems,” according to Professor Dennis Snower, President of Every year since 1995, the Canton of Geneva has honoured one prom- the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. Laureates have been pioneers inent Geneva-based organisation for their role in reinforcing the inter- in finding solutions to global economic problems, have been willing to national vocation of Geneva. As with each of the laureates, the Geneva participate in a dialogue with people from other walks of life, and have authorities dedicated one lot of a Geneva vinyard to GCI. championed a society based on individual initiative and responsibility.

42 Green Cross received the 2014 Sustainability Award from the European University. (From left) European University President Dr. Dirk Craen, Green Cross COO Adam Koniuszewski and for- MEP Corinne Lepage (centre) invited Green Cross to address the European Parliament mer Swiss President Dr Adolf Ogi. in January 2014.

Mikhail Gorbachev was among the four recipients of the Kiel Institute’s 2015 Global Econo- Vulnerable communities around the world face critical environmental-related hazards. A my Prize. Green Cross President Alexander Likhotal accepted the award on his behalf at the Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Green Cross and the IFRC in June ceremony on 21 June. 2014.

43 The State of Geneva honoured Green Cross in 2014 for the role Green Cross played in reinforcing the international vocation of Geneva.

44 45 International Hand Washing Day The city of Charagua is an important symbol of Bolivian culture. Its inhabitants speak the native Guarani language, have kept to their traditions, and Green Cross Bolivia participated in the World Hand Washing Campaign for follow a system run by native authorities. the second time in 2014 – the first having been in 2012, when the Acqua for Life project was being piloted in the city of Charagua. In its first meeting with local government representatives (President of the Municipal Council Hororo Somboquiri Florca and Director of Development The previous experience helped the Green Cross team understand that the Federico Cortez), Green Cross Bolivia discussed the goals of the campaign, as campaign would be more successful if the teachers were better informed. well as the possibilities for teachers to develop educational tools to promote the hand washing project, and the benefits that better hygienic practices For 2014, Green Cross Bolivia reached out to the 25 Directors of the Charagua would bring to the population. region to keep spreading the word about the project so that its lessons would be kept in regular circulation, rather than being tied only to the annual event. In Ivory Coast, An awareness-raising hand-washing demonstration ceremony took place at EPP Bad Lauriers 1 (an SWGS school). The Minister of National Education and the Minister of Waters and Forests both attended, as Green Cross Ivory Coast distributed supplies of soap and bleach, and demonstrated good hygienic practices. EPP Bad Lauriers 1 is in Yopougon Niangon South, in the Abidjan district.

TEED

With the implementation of the Taiwanese Environmental Education Act of 2012, environmental studies have become mandatory in all governmental departments and at the high school level and below. Environmental issues cut across many disciplines, in both the sciences and humanities, and have both economic and social impacts.

The Taiwan Environmental Education Dialogue (TEED) is a new attempt to fulfil the dream of environmental education for all. TEED is a Chinese-language pod- cast, providing a platform for sharing diverse viewpoints on strengthening understanding of the planet. This platform includes video forums, radio programmes, and documentaries.

Activities in Bolivia supported by SWGS and Acqua for Life included painting contests for stu- The website was launched on Earth Day, 5 June 2015: http://www.teed.org.tw/. dents, including these aboriginal children in Charagua.

46 Forest Forum Children recognise the importance of forests, and the organization wants to Covering almost 60 per cent of Taiwan’s land area, forests are the island’s share ideas and information with them to get them thinking about the fu- national treasures. They have economic value, and are also important for ture. They are encouraging this process by planting trees, both at home in water purification, biodiversity and preserving natural beauty. Taiwan and in Kenya. The Forest Forum focuses on addressing goals, methodologies, impacts and stories, and sharing this information with the public. By inviting people to pay attention to scientific facts surrounding forests, their sustainable use Chemistry and Environment Forum and environmental protection, the Forum promotes discussion and peaceful co-existence. A national forest policy is now being devised to cope with the principle of sustainable forest management. Chemistry is a factor in almost all human activities, but this fact is often easy to overlook. As a discipline, chemistry is a science of creation as well as discovery, used to produce new fuels, metals, and medicines that can change Rule of Law for the Environment Forum, and the Third Climate lives. Chemistry can also help solve climate change, provide energy and food, Change and International Environmental Law Symposium and create a sustainable environment. On the other hand, it is equally capable of producing negative by-products, such as toxins and other pollutants. The Rule of Law for the Environment Forum brings together 12 famous public The Chemistry and Environment Forum touches upon many emergent chem- prosecutors from different jurisdictions to share their views on criminal cases ical issues related to the environment, such as GMOs, going plastic-free, and involving environmental issues. This is the first time environmental educa- future chemical- and toxin-free hospitals. tion has highlighted environmental justice issues in Taiwan, especially with input from such prominent prosecutors. The result has been very positive. Educational Tour On 4 October, 2014 EQPF and Taiwanese societies of international law co-hosted the 3rd Symposium on Climate Change and International Environ- mental Law. The seminar included Japanese, South Korean and Taiwanese In 2014, in partnership with Coca-Cola, EQPF supported elementary school scholars who are experts on climate change, international environmental tours throughout Taiwan to help children learn about water adaptation. They law and environmental governance. engaged more than 40 elementary schools and took a total of more than 1,000 children to many of the country’s regions, including outlying islands. A central topic was intergenerational justice – based on the concepts of fair- ness and equality, this principle hold that if the current generation engages The tour included the use of a variety of educational materials, as well as a in practices or creates policies that will negatively affect the wellbeing of fu- novel technique of “flipping the classroom” that allowed students to take the ture generations, it must be made to stop. Compromises need to be reached lead in understanding the impact of climate change on water resources. The that ensure all people, present and future, will have their chances to flourish. children learned to appreciate water resources in everyday life and began Climate change is a major issue for intergenerational justice. Its impacts are thinking about the relationship between climate change and extreme weath- broad and far-reaching, and will be experienced most strongly by genera- er events, so that they can prepare for the future. tions to come.

47 Climate Change Partnered with The Red Cross Society of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Taiwan Forestry Bureau, more than 262,500 trees were planted in land- In responding to climate change, reducing carbon pollution is not the only slide-prone areas. issue. Adaptation to the level of climate change that is already inevitable is also important. Proper use of weather information services to prepare for The 2014-2016 period is covered by a new MoU with the Forestry Bureau to extreme weather events, improving climate resilience, and reducing losses guarantee another 200 hectares of tree planting in sensitive areas. This in- from disasters are key undertakings. cludes planting in smaller, separated plots with support from entrepreneurs. More than 50 hectares have already been planted. The EQPF climate change programme visited 36 elementary schools in numerous different counties, reaching 2,300 students. Introducing these children to the concept of adaptation is an important way of stimulating new Taiwan Green Ribbon Project thinking about climate change. EQPF aims to fund organizations in Kenya to help rehabilitate water catchment areas, mitigate and adapt to climate change effects, facilitate people’s Forests livelihoods and provide environmental education. This is a significant effort to improve both the environment and wellbeing in Kenya, as well as build positive relationships between people in Kenya and Taiwan. In 2013, EQPF As the population of Taiwan is concentrated in urban areas, most students recruited 20 students to volunteer for tree planting in Kenya. Four organ- grow up without many chances to enjoy nature, and may not understand the izations in Kenya are involved in this project, and expect to add a total of natural value of forests. In order to bridge the gap between young people 280,000 trees to the landscape by October 2015. and nature, EQPF organized a forest adaptation education tour. This project also involved the development of teaching materials to guide students in understanding climate change adaptation and forest ecology issues. Children learned about cases of adaptation in forests, forest pres- Environmental Education For Sustainable Development: Step Into The Future ervation, the use of forest resources and disaster prevention. The project involved 20 schools and reached more than 1,100 students. Green Cross International joined the International Independent Environmental and Political University (MNEPU Academy), the Non-governmental Ecological Foundation and the “Greenlight” International Environmental Organization in Sustainable Forest Project hosting the International “Environmental Education for Sustainable Develop- ment: Step into the Future” Conference on 26-27 June, 2014 in Moscow.

EQPF continued its Sustainable Forest project, which has started its second The conference was attended by about 100 people from 21 regions of Russia, phase (the first ran from 2010 to 2015, while the second started in 2014 and as well as from Switzerland, USA, Italy, Sweden, Belarus, Serbia, and Mol- runs to 2016). dova. These included representatives of government, public and scientific organizations, environmental services, media, experts in the field of environ- The 2010-2015 period focused on taking practical action to protect and mental education, university teachers, methodologists, and teachers. improve the local environment to make Taiwan a more sustainable place.

48 The year 2014 brought the “Decade of Education for Sustainable Develop- ment” (2005-2014) to a close. The conference offered a chance to summa- rise experiences and assess the mechanisms that had been built to further develop education for sustainable development (ESD) after 2014 at the global as well as national levels. The invitees looked at the implementation of principles, values and practices of sustainable development in education – and how it could be improved.

Looking ahead, the next step is to strategically design national routes to improve ESD, using flexible business management to ensure this process is appropriate to local social challenges and creating the conditions for self-sus- taining national educational process on sustainable development.

Boston Latin School

Building sound sustainability habits early has become a cornerstone of Glob- al Green USA’s Green School Initiative, and in 2014 they selected Boston Lat- in School as the winner of the national Green School Competition in partnership with hair care company Pureology. Drawing on green building expertise spanning more than a decade, Global Green USA provided Boston Latin School with a $75,000 grant to realize its student-created proposal for a sustainabil- Global Green helped Boston Latin School conduct a comprehensive, stu- ity-focused makeover – helping engage students in behavior that curbs climate change and ulti- dent-led Green School Makeover. From the hydroponic growing lab to water mately saving thousands of dollars in energy costs which can be reallocated towards education. bottle filling stations to the Lucid Building Dashboard, the school’s new sustainability-focused features help develop its students’ environmental awareness and position Boston Latin as a model for schools across the country. Mentoring Hynes Charter School Recycling Rangers Win USG- BC Green Schools Challenge “Students are learning the importance of sustainability, how to work with hydroponics, and will be able to track our energy performance throughout our school to target further energy reductions,” said Cate Arnold, Faculty In Louisiana, the Hynes Charter School Recycling Rangers, mentored by Advisor at Boston Latin School. Global Green staffers Robyn Munici and Monica Rowand, and led by Hynes teacher Alex Lelarge, won the elementary category of the USGBC Louisiana Green Schools Challenge. The results were announced on Earth Day, after a six-month challenge that took place between October 2013 and March 2014.

49 One City, 16 Schools, 1,000 Energy-Smart Students gained through Global Green’s involvement over the years with the City of Santa Monica Sustainable City Programme. Some initial ideas included fram- After two days of classroom discovery, students received a Be Energy Smart ing the Pacific Beach effort around Health, Mobility, Economic Vitality, and Kit containing four CFL bulbs, two faucet aerators, one low-flow showerhead Access to Nature. and one LED night light; then they were asked to put their new ‘smarts’ to work by installing the energy efficient items at home and documenting their success back in the classroom. Green Cross Earth Charter Youth Contest in Italy

Across New Orleans, sixth grade students learned valuable science lessons that helped their families make responsible energy-use decisions and discov- Students are key players in an environmental education initiative launched by er how to save money on household utility bills. Green Cross Italy, in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Education and under the High Patronage of the President of the Italian Republic. It aims to Thanks to Energy Smart New Orleans, a programme developed by the New teach and inspire youth to become environmentally conscious and find solu- Orleans City Council, Global Green USA’s NOLA staff taught over 1,000 stu- tions to environmental problems. This 2014 edition was the 22nd, and titled dents the concept of energy efficiency, giving them the knowledge and tools Da cosa (ri)nasce cosa (One Thing Leads to Another). It specifically looked at needed to reduce their energy use. After two days of classroom discovery, giving young people a better understanding of the life cycle of goods, from students received a Be Energy Smart Kit containing four CFL bulbs, two fau- design to production and transformation. During the 27 February ceremony cet aerators, one low-flow showerhead and one LED night light; then they in the Palazzo Madama Senate Hall, the President of the Italian Senate, Hon. were asked to put their new ‘smarts’ to work by installing the energy efficient Pietro Grasso, met 300 winners chosen to attend from over 32,000 partici- items at home and documenting their success back in the classroom. pants in 1,300 schools across Italy.

The 23rd edition was launched in late 2014, with a focus on food supply Sharing Lessons Learned from Sustainable and the preservation of biodiversity. The competition calls for contributions Neighbourhood Assessments through various forms of communication (investigative reports, videos, documentaries, comic books, etc.). Each submission is judged by a committee including journalists, artists and environmental experts, and the winning Green Urbanism Programme Director Walker Wells participated in the 2014 schools receive a prize of €1,000 to support environmental initiatives in their EcoDistricts Incubator in Portland, Oregon as one of the invited facilitators. school or city. The winning students are traditionally received by the Pres- Each year, the Incubator brings together a select group of communities from ident of the Italian Republic in an official award ceremony, together with around North America to take a deep dive into the EcoDistricts framework. ministers and representatives of local institutions.

Walker worked with local leaders from the San Diego non-profit organization Expo Milano 2015 has given its patronage to the contest, and winners PB Beautiful, a group created to complement the work of the area’s busi- will be represented during the International exhibition showing the best ness improvement district. Over the three-day Incubator, Walker was able to of Italian excellence. share a variety of lessons learned from the 20 Sustainable Neighbourhood Assessments that Global Green has completed over the past three years. He Green cross Italy’ Earth Charter Youth Contest gave 300 students (out of 32,000 total partici- also shared knowledge about the unique issues affecting beach communities pants in 1,300 schools) the chance to meet and discuss with Pietro Grasso, the President of the Italian Senate.

50 51 “Inizia da te (Start From You)” Campaign “Start From You” is a Green Cross Italy challenge inviting students and others to submit new eco-friendly ideas for making consumption sustainable and improving energy savings.

In order to increase involvement and raise awareness among young people, in 2015 Green Cross Italy organized social media campaigns and meetings with environmental experts, while collaborating in concerts for the environment.

From 19 to 25 January, in partnership with the Social Secretariat of the national public broadcaster, RAI, GC Italy organized a social media campaign called Semina il futuro (Seed the Future). The initiative called for every family, school and community to become a “guardian of biodiversity”, by growing local fruit and vegetables on their balconies or in their gardens without using any chemical products – a symbolic act to raise awareness about biodiversity and conservation.

On 22 March, for World Water Day, Green Cross in Italy launched its Salva la goccia (Save the Drop) campaign. This was an invitation for schools, teach- Over 100 students in Italy participated in Dal seme alla tavola (From Seed to Table), which brought together Green Cross and World Food Programme experts to explain how it’s possible ers, students and families to contribute to saving water through “virtuous to fight food waste, protect biodiversity and ensure respect for life and human dignity. actions”, which they could then share on the Facebook fan page “Immagini per la Terra”.

On 5 March, over 50 primary and secondary school students gathered at the Green Cross Italy Awards Sustainable Movies at Venice Film Festival Explora Children’s Museum in Rome for a video-call with the Franco-Italian Concordia research station in Antarctica. They talked with PNRA (the Italian Antarctic Research Programme) researchers about their work and the effects Since 2012, Green Cross Italy and the Municipal Government of Venice have of climate change on the Antarctic. given a special annual prize at Venice Film Festival. The Green Drop Award goes to the movie in the official selection that “best interprets the values of On 30 April, over 100 students participated in Dal seme alla tavola (From ecology and sustainable development”. Seed to Table), which brought together Green Cross and World Food Pro- gramme experts to explain how it’s possible to fight food waste, protect bio- The jury is composed of personalities from the worlds of entertainment, cul- diversity and ensure respect for life and human dignity. During the meeting, ture, volunteerism and scientific institutions that have distinguish themselves UN experts explained to students the right combination of foods needed in due to their commitment to the environment and to peace among people. emergency situations, such as for the Nepal earthquake. The trophy is a sculpture blown by a master glassmaker in the form of a drop of water, with a sample of sand inside that each year comes from a different part

52 of the planet. The award in 2014 contained a sample of soil from the Antarc- land. Its purpose was to increase investment potential for these communes, tic. It was presented at a ceremony held aboard MS Turanor PlanetSolar, the through education and acknowledgement with a Certificate for a“Friendly world’s largest solar powered boat, to Russian director Andrei Konchalovsky Commune for Friendly Energy”. It also worked actively to improve relation- for his film, “The Postman’s White Nights”. In 2015 the prize contained soil ships between the local authorities and investors. Green Cross Poland (GCPL) from Senegal and went to Beixi Moshuo (Behemoth), by Zhao Liang. continued conducting the platform in 2014. Since the initiative began, 190 representatives from 139 communes have taken part in this project. It was developed under the patronage of the Ministry of the Environment.

Partnering for Education and Research

Green Cross continued its involvement with the Kedge Business School’s chair of “Business as Unusual“, with the Ecole Centrale de Lyon’s “Eco-emballage“ chair, and with Option Energie de l’Ecole Centrale de Paris. It also pursued exchanges and operations with Climates, IPAG, Sciences Po, l’Université d’Aix-Marseille, the teaching establishments of Saint-Etienne and foreign schools.

Green Cross also built a shared “Energy Transition for the Islands“ project alongside the Option Energie de l’Ecole Centrale de Paris. They developed relationships with the alumni of Ecoles Centrales and French and American MBAs. The Walter H. Glass bursary, started in 2012, is brought to the attention of students going through French Universities who are likely to be interested.

The Green Drop Award is conferred annually by Green Cross Italy at the Venice Film Festival. It recognises filmmakers whose work improves environmental consciousness. The 2014 ceremony was held aboard Planet Solar, the world’s largest solar-powered boat, while the 2015 edition featured a visit from a DeLorean – the car that “Doc” fuelled with organic waste in the movie Back to the Future II.

Green Communities, an e-learning educational platform for communes

In February 2013, Green Cross started a free online educational programme on renewable energy sources (RES) for local authority representatives in Po-

53 Environmental Security and Sustainability

54 New momentum towards the successful implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention

The Chemical Weapons Convention Coalition (CWCC), an international network of NGOs, academics, and activists was established by the ESS Pro- gramme in 2009 to expand and strengthen civil society’s role in supporting the CWC, the OPCW, and the goal of a world free of chemical weapons.

The Coalition currently consists of 66 collective and individual members, six more than in 2013, and continues to expand. The CWCC has brought together as many as 150 NGO representatives from across the globe.

The CWCC has been successful in expanding the number of participating civil society representatives from a dozen or so to over 100, coming from over 30 countries, at OPCW meetings through such activities as side events and The Right Livelihood Award - known as the alternative Nobel Prize - went to Green Cross and Coalition meetings at the 19th annual CWC Conference of States Parties (CSP) ESS Director Paul Walker in 2013, in recognition of his work towards the elimination of chemical weapons around the world. in December 2014. It was also successful last year in having representatives of civil society speak for the third time in plenary session at the CSP. More information can be found at www.cwccoalition.org.

The Green Cross Environmental Security and Sustainability (ESS) Programme continues its focus on the interface between security and sustainability, in- Nearing the goal of universality cluding around chemical weapons elimination and nuclear non-proliferation. There remains heightened interest in chemical weapons demilitarization due to the on-going Syria crisis, which was doubly recognised in 2013. That year One of the objectives of the CWC Coalition has been to promote “universal- the Right Livelihood Award – known as the alternative Nobel Prize – went ity” – that is, full international membership of the CWC. The ESS Programme to Green Cross and ESS Director Paul Walker, while the Nobel Peace prize therefore organized a roundtable discussion in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem on was awarded to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons 8-13 November, 2014 with academic, civil society, and government experts. (OPCW) in The Hague. (More information can be found at www.rightliveli- They looked at what would convince Israel to ratify the CWC. The event was hood.org and www.opcw.org. co-organized by the Israeli Disarmament Movement and included a meeting with Knesset members as well. Myanmar/Burma, which was another focus The ESS programme will also continue to focus on biological weapons, es- of ESS efforts, joined the CWC in 2015, leaving only five countries – Angola, pecially in the lead-up to the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) Review Egypt, Israel, South Sudan, and North Korea – outside of the Convention. Conference in 2016, and last but certainly not least on nuclear weapons, The CWC has 191 State Parties today, representing 98 per cent of the world’s non-proliferation and fissile materials – all challenging, very important, and population, making it the most comprehensive abolition regime. current issues for global security and sustainability.

55 The Cape Ray, and American ship, was sent to Syria with the mobile unit aboard to neutral- It can be (understandably) difficult to convince people to allow chemical weapons onto their ise that country’s chemical weapons stockpile in the Mediterranean Sea – in accordance with territories to be destroyed. This mobile unit fits into a ship’s hold and allows chemical weapons agreements reached with the Syrian government and the international community. agents to be broken down and neutralised at sea, without being brought ashore anywhere.

The ESS Programme has also been very active for the past two years in mul- A new film, “Winds of Chemical Warfare,” produced and directed by Fabi- tilateral efforts to haveSyria join the Chemical Weapons Convention and to enne Lips-Dumas with the support of Sepia Media, was broadcast on Arte safely eliminate its chemical weapons stockpile. Syria finally did accede to television on April 28, 2015, in Europe. The ESS Programme is featured in this the CWC on 14 September 2013. The ESS Programme has been fully engaged film, which looks back at the whole history of chemical warfare since deadly with the OPCW, the UN-OPCW Joint Mission, and the US State and Defence chemicals were first used in warfare in Ypres, Belgium on 22 April, 1915. Departments regarding public facilitation and transparency for the demilita- Special screenings of this film were organized in Berlin, Germany on 21 April, rization programme. As of today, 98.8 per cent of Syria’s declared chemical 2015; in Geneva, Switzerland on 17 March and 6 May; and in Washington DC weapons stockpiles have been safely destroyed. The few remaining tonnes on 14 May. of precursor chemicals will be eliminated by the end of 2015.

56 Biological Weapons The near-universal acceptance of the CWC has no doubt been encouraged by the sheer number of places and people that have been affected by these terrible weapons and their long-lasting effects. ©Fabienne Lips-Dumas The ESS Programme stayed engaged with the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC), organizing an annual side event at the Meeting of States Parties (MSP) in Geneva and occasionally meeting with the BWC Implementa- Chemical and Biological Safety – a new direction tion Support Unit (ISU). The strengthening of the BWC remains a top priority for the ESS Programme. The treaty has only 173 States Parties today, and new Threats of a chemical or biological nature are becoming more diversified. methods are needed to ensure its proper implementation – including more UN member states have created a number of institutions and arrangements, effective and solid legal instruments for enforcement. There have been pro- with various mandates, that deal with one or another aspect of chemical and posals to revisit the current implementation of the agreement, such as one biological safety and security. Many activities are also being carried out at the recently put forward by Russia, as the next Review Conference approaches in regional level. Each of them deals with separate (but partially over-lapping) 2016. This will be an important time to pay attention to this Convention. aspects of chemical and biological safety and security, but most of them do

57 not consider chemical and/or biological safety and security to be the core the agreement was reached in Vienna on 14 July 2015, GCI issued a special element of their respective mandates. This makes it difficult for them to con- statement welcoming it. nect various aspects of the same problem, leading to uneven attention (and funding) for various similar or closely related activities. The current trend is, The ESS Programme helped draft and present a joint statement at the NGO understandably, to invest money into counter-terrorism, including biological Forum of the NPT Review Conference held in May 2015 in New York City. To and chemical counter-terrorism. But this leads to discrimination against oth- further spread the message, Paul Walker also joined in the third Internation- er aspects of biological or chemical safety and security, including some that al Conference on the Humanitarian Consequences of Nuclear Weapons in are quite relevant to the counter-terrorism context. Vienna, Austria on 8-9 December 2014 and spoke at the ICAN (International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons) conference in Vienna on 7 Decem- Chemical and biological safety and security started to attract attention later ber. The failure of the NPT Review Conference to agree on a final declaration than nuclear safety, not least because no such body as the IAEA, in a position will have consequences, and it is now more important than ever to push for of clear leadership, exists in the chemical and biological areas. It would be a constructive engagement – with both nuclear weapons states and non-nu- major step forward to create a programme that facilitates coordination and clear weapons states – to overcome deep divisions among the parties. interaction among concerned institutions. Traditionally, chemical and biological safety and security have often been considered together – moreover, the current trend, widely recognized by academic research and professionals as Nuclear Weapons and Fissile Materials “convergence,” is leading towards dissolution of many traditional bounda- ries between chemical and biological processes. It would make sense to put them under one roof. The ESS Programme has been promoting the non-proliferation, arms control, and disarmament, with regards to nuclear weapons as well as related Given the increasing concern, the ESS Programme has been reaching out materials and systems. Over the past year, the ESS Programme continued to to other organizations to build partnerships on the issue. This includes the participate in the Fissile Material Working Group (FMWG), an international International Center on Chemical Safety and Security (ICCSS) in Warsaw, network of NGOs which it helped establish in 2009 to improve fissile mate- Poland, with whom Green Cross worked to help promote global best prac- rial security, by developing actionable policy proposals and pushing govern- tices and capacity-building to keep chemical weapons from re-emerging in ments to implement better policies. the future and to prevent terrorist theft, diversion, and accidents with toxic chemicals. The ESS Programme co-organized a half-day event on chemical Just as it did in Washington, DC in 2010, in Seoul, South Korea in 2012, and safety and security with the Center for Strategic and International Studies in in Amsterdam, The Netherlands in 2014, the FMWG is organizing its fourth Washington DC on 27 July 2015. major NGO summit meeting, 29-30 March, 2016 in Washington DC, to coincide with the fourth official government summit on 31 March and 1 April, 2016. See www.fmwg.org for more information. The ESS Programme is part The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the humanitarian con- of the FMWG Steering Committee and actively engaged in planning for the sequences of nuclear weapons have both been in the news this past year. 2016 NSS. The P5+1 comprehensive agreement with Iran on that country’s nuclear programme (JCPOA) has been a major focus of nuclear non-proliferation over the past several months, and Green Cross and its ESS Programme have been vocal proponents of the diplomatic process throughout. Shortly after

58 The next hurdle: bringing the comprehensive test ban treaty into force

The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) has been a top priority for the nuclear arms control community. The ESS Programme has organized an annual conference in Washington, DC since 2009 on stopping all nuclear testing, and ratifying the CTBT so that it can finally enter into force. This annual event was organized for the 6th time on 15 September, 2014 at the US In- stitute for Peace (USIP) in Washington, DC. The event: “Nuclear Weapons Testing: History, Progress, Challenges,” brought together Dr. Ernest Moniz, US Secretary of Energy; Dr. Lassina Zerbo, Executive Secretary of the CTBTO; Ambassador Kairat Umarov of Kazakhstan; Ms. Rose Gottemoeller, US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control; and other experts, including ESS Pro- gramme Director Dr. Paul Walker.

In all non-proliferation activities, the ESS programme will continue to deepen coordination with the relevant regimes – including the BWC, CTBTO, IAEA, NPT, ATT and ENMOD – as well as with fellow NGOs.

The ESS Programme has also emphasized public outreach and information to new audiences across the globe in an effort to link global security, environmental protection, and public health issues. Most recently, for example, on 14 February 2015 ESS organized a presentation at the World Congress of Public Health Associations in Kolkata, India, on “Global Security, Sustainabil- ity, and Public Health,” and on 13 March 2015 Dr. Paul Walker spoke at the annual International Congress of Environmental Laureates in Freiburg, Ger- Serguei Batsanov, Director of the Geneva Office of Pugwash, Daniel Feakes, from the BWC Imple- many on “Global Security, Sustainability, and Climate Change”. mentation Support Unit, Peter Sawczak, from the OPCW, Green Cross’ Adam Koniuszewski, and Jean-Pascal Zanders, from the Graduate Institute, participated in the 6 May roundtable following During the year GCI continued to cooperate productively with the Geneva the screening of The Winds of Chemical Warfare at the Graduate Institute in Geneva. The event com- memorated 100 years since the first use of chemical weapons at Ypres during World War I. Office of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs, especially on questions pertaining to the ESS programme, but also on such issues as outreach. GCI is grateful to the Director of the Pugwash Office Ambassador (ret.) Sergey Batsanov for his participation in GCI events and other activities, as well as for sharing his advice with us.

59 60 Sea-dumped ammunition impact assessment (phase 2) A fact-finding mission in October 2013 was followed by visits to the National Archives in Washington DC to collect relevant information. By closing an im- It has long been known that, over the years, toxic substances have been leak- portant gap in understanding what military activities were carried out on the ing from old sea-dumped munitions (UW-UXO) and unexploded ordnance coasts of Vieques and the Baltic Sea, the project seeks to support the rights (UXO) along the coasts and lands of Vieques and Culebra islands, just east of of local populations to know the potential health impacts of those activities Puerto Rico. The results of an assessment of sea-dumped chemicals in that and, subsequently, to help them get adequate protection measures put in region will be compared to the findings of a similar study in the Baltic Sea. place. There is heightened awareness amongst experts in Europe and the Conclusions will be drawn about the situation in both places, including what United States about the long-term environmental dangers of sea-dumped types of ammunition and compounds had been dumped and fired. This is the chemical weapons, and the ESS Programme has been instrumental in organ- second phase of the project, responding to the recommendations of phase izing two United Nations resolutions thereon in 2010 and 2013. 1 which proposed a Munitions Registry and the use of scientific computer modelling to assess the extent and nature of the legacy from past military activity along both Vieques and the Baltic Sea. Due to the risk and uncertain- Cold War Legacies and Long-term Futures: ongoing clean- ty involved, great care is being taken to understand exactly how to approach up in Russia this problem.

Chemical munitions often retain their toxicity even after decades underground, posing a dan- Environmental Security & Sustainability is a new programme name for Green Cross Rus- ger to farmers who accidentally dig them up. There are also known to be undeclared chemical sia, but the former “Legacies of the Cold War” Programme has been operating in Russia weapons disposal sites waiting to be addressed, most notably at sea and on some disused mili- since 1994. tary installations. ©Fabienne Lips-Dumas

61 Environmental Security & Sustainability is a new programme name for Green Cross Russia, but the former “Legacies of the Cold War” Pro- gramme has been operating in Russia since 1994.

In 2014, the GCR Severodvinsk Public Outreach and Information -Of fices (POIO) continued to track the dismantling of nuclear submarines at shipyards in the Arkhangelsk Region. The POIO educated the local population about safety issues related to nuclear submarine decommissioning, by connecting with groups including schoolteachers, public officials, and reporters.

Public outreach to the Izhevsk and Udmurt population included seminars, written materials (including a tutorial on how nuclear submarines are disarmed), summer camps for children from Kambarka and Kizner, and bi-monthly reports (in English and Russian).

Thirty local and regional events were organised, with a total attendance of some 2,383 people. Altogether some 7,800 informational pack- ages (brochures, bulletins, internet postings) were distributed.

The local populations in the Arkhangelsk region are particularly interest- Storage and disposal of obsolete pesticides have been a huge challenge, particularly in Central ed in improving radiation monitoring, as a number of radiation-hazard Asia and the Caucasus where Green Cross supports coordinated efforts among neighbouring facilities are located nearby – mainly at the Zvezdochka and Sevmash countries to deal with this legacy of Cold War-era agriculture. shipyards in Severodvinsk.

Meanwhile, the Izhevsk POIO also continued its activities related to chemical weapons destruction. Throughout the year, the POIO hosts Sustainable Farming, Pesticide-Free informational meetings between local residents, officials and experts on various aspects of chemical weapons destruction. Green Cross Belarus takes an active part in European Commission/FAO UN Local communities now have a more positive outlook than in previous Projects, and supports the Project Secretariat for a United Nations Environ- years. The transfer of social infrastructure facilities to the municipal- ment Programme (UNEP) Global Environment Facility (GEF) international ities has contributed to this positive outlook. In Kambarka, however, DDT project. Both projects are focused on the elimination of obsolete pesti- residents are still concerned as the full decontamination and conver- cides in the CIS region and the promotion of sustainable alternatives to pesti- sion of the facility near them has not yet been completed. Since com- cides in the agriculture and health sectors. In 2014 and 2015, five workshops pletion of the Kizner facility in December 2013, civil organizations there were organised for specialists from 11 CIS countries under these frameworks. are focusing on oversight of the ongoing operations.

62 GCB also helped develop a school garden demonstration ground at the GCB and Unintentionally-produced POPs (UPOPs) at workplaces and from open Education Centre, where sustainable farming technologies and alternatives waste burning; and the introduction of Best Available Techniques/Best Envi- to pesticides are presented. GCB developed a methodical kit on obsolete ronmental Practices in industrial production processes. pesticides for schools, titled “Pesticides: what are the alternatives?” This included a manual, nine presentations and supporting information documents. It is necessary to increase the capacity of key government agencies, provin- cial level government staff, agricultural workers, academia, research insti- tutes and the private sector, as well as participating civil society stakehold- Capacity Strengthening and Technical Assistance for the Imple- ers – specifically at the community level. Furthermore, awareness among mentation of Stockholm Convention National Implementation judiciaries is required to increase understanding of environmental law and the chemicals and wastes Conventions. The Basel and Stockholm Convention Plans (NIPs) in African LCDs of the ECOWAS sub-region Regional Centre in Dakar (BSCRC–FA) is the executing agency, while Green Cross Switzerland is the co-executing agency (assistance, financial and con- Least developed countries (LDCs) and small-island developing states (SIDS) tractual management). in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are among the poorest in the world. FAO and ECOWAS will jointly organize regional trainings on obsolete pesticides inventories and PSMS training, as well as undertaking national obsolete Clear links have been established between poverty and increased risk of pesticides inventories. exposure to hazardous chemicals and waste. The poor routinely face unac- ceptably high risks because of their occupations, living situations and lack of Access to information and the capacity to exchange it among various coun- knowledge about the detrimental impacts of exposure to these chemicals tries and stakeholders play an important role in the implementation of var- and wastes. But despite the direct relationship between sound management ious conventions such as the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions. of chemicals, the protection of human health and the environment, and the The Chemical Information Exchange Network (CIEN) is a way to enhance prevention of poverty, these links are often overlooked in development plan- countries’ capacity to collect and share information and thus support nation- ning and prioritisation. al decision-making for the environmentally sound management of chemicals. CIEN provides a national platform for accessing chemical information Despite completing their National Implementation Plans (NIPs), the coun- and facilitating its exchange. tries in the ECOWAS sub-region lack the administrative capacity to design activities to sustain their global role in the elimination and reduction of Persis- tent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Therefore a regional programmatic approach is needed to support collective action, build national capacity, and enhance The limitation of pesticide contamination and introduction of mainstreaming of chemicals issues into the work of national governments. sustainable agricultural practices in Burkina Faso Based on extensive regional and sub-regional consultations and review of countries’ NIPs, UNEP and UNIDO have identified six areas in which these A project to expand information and awareness raising about the pesti- countries require assistance. These are: legislative and regulatory reform; cide PRECOGRN-2 to two new communities in the Tanghin-Dassouri region enforcement and administrative capacity; information exchange and dissem- brought the total number of villages involved to 53. Approximately 60,000 ination; identification of contaminated land; reduction of exposure to POPs inhabitants are being taught about the risks of uninformed pesticide use in

63 agriculture. This includes teaching producers about non-toxic, sustainable, programme in November 2014, including a dedicated budget for 2015-2020. In

and CO2-neutral farming methods which lead, at the same time, to reduced Georgia and Kyrgyzstan, national IVM programmes are forthcoming. environmental pollution, improved population health, better food security and reduced negative impacts on the climate. A total of 17.15 tonnes of solid pesticide containing 10 per cent DDT was repacked in December 2013 in Kyrgyzstan. Several meetings were held in late These sensitization and awareness raising programmes build understanding 2013 with ministries, experts and stakeholders to coordinate efforts. This re- of chemical pesticides’ potentially adverse impacts on health and the envi- sulted in a plan where, with the combined effort of four partners, all these ronment. Training on how to introduce alternative, environmentally sound pesticides could be safeguarded and partially disposed of across the three agricultural practices have been received with great interest, and follow-up countries. Through this combined effort, in 2014 the project repacked the last missions to the communities show that those trained continue to improve known unprotected site in Georgia (Karelia, in the Kakheti region – 100 tonnes their knowledge, adapt new composting techniques and spread practices to of DDT and contaminated soil in an underground bunker), two DDT stores in their neighbours. Tajikistan (about 50 tonnes), and two sites in Kyrgyzstan (50-150 tonnes).

The new techniques provide good compost after only two months, whereas Another project now underway improves countries’ capacity to eliminate and old methods took up to six months. Thanks to these interventions, no pes- prevent the release of obsolete pesticides, using that as a model for tackling ticides need to be used at all in many of the areas affected and beneficiar- disused stores of hazardous chemicals across the former Soviet Union. ies have asked for additional training. Furthermore, the initiative to support women’s groups turned out to be a great success, and there are clear oppor- In 2014, five countries tendered contracts for repacking obsolete pesticides, tunities for synergy and sharing experiences. and nine produced concept notes for improved pesticide use. Awareness raising campaigns on the risks from pesticides were carried out in six countries. A roadmap for waste management in the region has been drafted, and Repackaging of DDT and scaling up development of non-chem- is to be endorsed by all of these countries. The impact of this work should ical alternatives to the use of DDT for malaria control in the start to materialise in 2015. Southern Caucasus and Central Asia Improving medical waste management in Kyrgyzstan This Project, aimed at identifying and repackaging DDT stocks and wastes, demonstrates the capability and cost-effectiveness of alternatives to DDT for “vector control” in selected demonstration sites. The project develops Improper management of waste generated in health care facilities directly national capacity for planning and implementation of Integrated [Disease] impacts the health of nearby communities and also threatens the environ- Vector Management – a series of measures to naturally control the spread ment. In Kyrgyzstan, there are a large number of health care and research of pest species – and coordinates the sharing of experience among the coun- facilities as well as laboratories that handle and produce hazardous wastes tries and regions involved. with different health and proliferation risks (injuries, infections, exposure to radiation and mercury). This waste is a direct risk to hospital employees, In 2013, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan decided to introduce IVM as a new people living near communal waste dumps, and scavengers. In conjunction principle for controlling vector-based diseases, in order to phase out the use of with a poor healthcare system, there is also an increased epidemic risk, mak- chemicals to control disease vectors. Tajikistan approved a new national IVM ing the problem a global one.

64 Through innovative financial replication mechanisms, Green Cross funding can Waste from poorly-regulated mining activity causes severe health and environmental damage in ar- introduce major improvements to the country’s medical waste management eas where it occurs. Green Cross runs projects in many countries to reduce or repair this form of pollution.Green Cross in all its endeavours. system. The City Women’s Hospital in Bishkek has made a formal commitment to use savings from its substitution of traditional sterilisation methods by auto- claving to fund an autoclave at another Kyrgyz healthcare institution. This project aims to improve environmental conditions in the three most polluted areas in the region and address the population’s health situation. Water protection and radioactivity mitigation in Mailuu-Suu Mailuu-Suu and Sumsar-Shekaftar are regions heavily exposed to uranium and other Kyrgyz regions mine tailings; Kaydarken is, additionally, heavily contaminated with mercury. Homes, workplaces, and sources of food and water throughout the Mai- There are 23 tailing dumps and 13 waste rock dumps scattered throughout luu-Suu region were systematically inspected, and installed with protective Mailuu-Suu, home to a former Soviet-era uranium plant. From 1946 to 1968 technologies such as radon detectors and water filters. Before-and-after the plant produced and processed more than 10’000 tonnes of uranium ore. comparative examinations of radiation levels and health levels were made, This has left behind 1,96 million cubic metres of radioactive mining waste. alongside raising awareness of the threat and making available relatively The combination of unsecured radioactive waste and the region’s high seis- simple and affordable protective techniques. These enable local communi- mic activity threatens to contaminate the drinking water supply of the entire ties to reduce their exposure to radiation and heavy metals without severely Ferghana Valley. disrupting their cultures and daily lives.

65 These monitoring activities have provided a better understanding of the radi- Environmental monitoring activities successfully collected detailed data on ation and health situation in the region. Uranium content in water from the water pollution in all three of these areas, which was the main pathway for Mailuu-Suu River exceeds public health limits by 2.5 times, and in tap water uranium exposure to local residents in Mailuu-Suu. The project also revealed by 1.5 times. River water sampled in June and October exceeded maximum additional significant exposure through contaminated meat and dairy prod- safe levels for iron concentration by up to 70 per cent. Manganese concen- ucts, from cattle that had grazed in contaminated areas. Health monitoring trations were up to 25 per cent above, and molybdenum up to 36 per cent. activities confirmed the health impacts on children from exposure to urani- Elevated average levels of radon were detected in 14 homes. um and other heavy metals, and would also show significant improvements the health conditions of children following the installation of filters for drink- Blood tests on school children before filters were installed or reactivated ing water in schools and kindergartens. The levels of uranium and other met- showed depressed neutrophil white blood cell counts in 35 per cent of ad- al content in the drinking water tested at schools and hospitals decreased olescents. Additionally, 18 per cent showed thrombocytopenia – a platelet 48–65 per cent. In-room exposure of residents of all ages (mostly through count below 50,000 per microlitre. Local health officials attributed these ab- radioactive material embedded in walls and penetration by radon gas) de- normalities to radiation exposure. Average rates of cancer in town are twice creased 38–55 per cent. of average in the oblast and in the country. Awareness programmes for children and parents were effective in reducing Sampling and analysis showed uranium levels in soil to be 50 times higher uranium exposure. These not only transferred the desired knowledge re- than background levels. There were also high concentrations of uranium in garding risk-reducing behaviours, but also greatly entertained the local chil- milk and beef, the skin, horns and hooves of lambs, and the teeth of children and stimulated their thinking and creativity. dren and elderly people. Complete therapeutic examination (twice) of 48 adolescents and 56 adults (obtaining three blood test trials, instead of the Despite all the encouraging results, the installation of water filters is not a two planned, meant the number of samples and analyses were 60 per cent final solution to communities’ environmental health problems. Decades of greater than expected) showed that the problems identified in adolescent unregulated radioactive pollution resulted in local residents living near an blood tests improved significantly 40 days after the installation of filters. area of tremendous historic contamination. Protective technology and basic hygiene precautions can reduce exposures and improve health, but larger, more permanent solutions are required to ensure the long-term health of Samsara, Shekaftar, Kaidarken the population.

From 1947 to 1978, mining activities by the former Soviet Union filled tailing Remediation of uranium tailings site at Chkalovsk (Tajikistan) dumps and disposal sites around these communities with 2,65 million cubic metres of contaminated waste. During rainstorms runoff from the dumpsite filters into the soil, and residents of Sumsar and Shekaftar suffer from toxic A multi-donor effort to remediate legacy Uranium tailings sites in Central dust exposure and water pollution. Meanwhile, at Kaidarken, a still-oper- Asia, especially in the Fergana valley, includes addressing the priority sites ating mercury plant and its dust tailings are located just 300 metres from identified by a joint UNDP/IAEA study in 2009, including Chkalovsk in Tajik- neighbouring villages. istan. The affected area has been identified and blocked off from the public so that remediation efforts can begin.

66 Evaluation of heavy contamination around Buenos Aires City

A Shanty Town called “Villa 20” and “Pope Francisco” was subject to clean up work by Green Cross in Argentina. The area is heavily contaminated due to the presence of a 7,000-square-metre car cemetery. Leakage of fuel and oil, as well as cadmium, lead and heavy metals in general, has been extensive. Local children suffer particularly from lead contamination and the ground water is undrinkable due to these toxic elements. Green Cross Argentina determined the levels of contamination and the size of the most affected area using georadar, geoelectric devices, Georesistance determination, electro- magnetometers and other specific devices, and proposed a remediation plan to the Government of the City of Buenos Aires as well as the Ombudsman. Laboratory sampling of land and water was also taken in several places and at different depths.

67 Environmental Disaster Prevention and Response

68 The 2013 Green Star Awards put the spotlight on a select group of outstanding individuals and organisations from around the world that have confront- ed environmental emergencies. These included Sir David Attenborough, who was recognised for his 60 years of environmentalism, as well as his work on climate change and environmental emergencies.

Among the other 2013 awardees were the New York City Hurricane Sandy Debris Removal Task Force, for developing and successfully implementing innovative, environmentally and fiscally sustainable, multi-faceted strategies to conserve natural resources, reduce long-distance trucking and minimize final disposal in distant landfills when removing debris from affected areas.

The Kenya Red Cross Society was recognised for their response to an explo- sion at an oil pipeline in Nairobi’s Sinai Lunga Lunga informal settlement. Prof Nikola Nikolov (Macedonia), Mr Sundar Prasad Sharma (Nepal), and Prof Sergiy Zibtsev (Ukraine) received a joint award for their leadership and work to strengthen national capacities to respond to the humanitarian and environmental impacts of wildfires. Masahide Matsumo (Japan), Mayor of Katsurao Village was awarded for his adroit response in the face of the Fuk- ushima disaster in March 2011. World Wildlife Fund and the American Red Cross received a joint award for their development of the Green Recovery Laureates of the 2015 Green Star Awards, with representatives of the hosting agencies. Wendy Cue (OCHA Environment Unit), Rashid Khalikov (OCHA), Yzabel Cue, awardee Gilbert Le Lann and Reconstruction Toolkit (GRRT) following the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. (CEDRE), awardee Sarah Costa (WRC), awardee Patrick Appert (Ambatovy), Mette Loyche Wilkie (UNEP), and Adam Koniuszewski (GCI). The 2015 edition, held in Oslo, Norway to coincide with the the 2015 Envi- ronmental Emergencies Forum, saw three further organizations recognised Left page: The 2013 Green Star Award laureates at the ceremony in Geneva. © Gosia Wierusze- for their achievements in each award category. wska

For Preparedness and Prevention, the Malagasy mining and refining project Ambatovy spearheaded, in 2014, the decommissioning of severely corroded For Environment and Humanitarian Action, the Women’s Refugee Commis- ammonia tanks abandoned in a densely populated area for almost 30 years. sion (WRC), USA, put cooking fuel on the humanitarian agenda through its Safe Access to Fuel and Energy Initiative (SAFE). For Response, the French Centre of Documentation, Research and Experi- mentation on Accidental Water Pollution (Cedre) lent its invaluable expertise Other nominees who received honourable mentions included the World and support in the aftermath of coastal and marine oil spills in the Philip- Scout Foundation, Dr Hasan Mahmud, the Western Gray Whale Adviso- pines and Bangladesh in 2013 and 2014. ry Panel (WGWAP) at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Olga Lucia Sarria and Nestor Sposito, Kaohsiung’s City Government, BBC Media Action (Bangladesh Resilience Team), John Gyakum and John Stix.

69 Social and Medical

70 The Socmed Programme is based on four modules or subprogrammes in all In Belarus, Ukraine, Russia and Moldova, all of which are affected by long- of the countries where it operates, which include Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, term contamination following the Chernobyl disaster, the first half of 2014 Republic of Moldova, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Japan, where it puts in was devoted to the preparation of Therapy Camps to be run during the sum- place medical, psychological and educational measures to improve the living mer. Local partners, who implement activities, have engaged with schools, conditions of children, young people and families living in radioactively and authorities, and specialists to prepare children, youth and their families to chemically contaminated areas: participate in summer camp activities.

– Children & Youth Programme In Vietnam, a team of international and local specialists carried out planned – Family Programme training courses and performed orthopedic surgeries to fix or replace pros- – Education, Training and Publications theses for children and young people. – Programme Development Activities to address the long-term effects of Agent Orange in different vil- Each of these modules or subprogrammes includes a number of reciprocal lages of the Tamoung and Chamkravien Communes, in Cambodia, have been complementary projects, which are based on the principle of self-help to expanded. Projects are also being extended in Laos, where a new partner ensure the sustainability of the interventions. was found in 2014 following on from the closing of the previous project’s term in Sekong province.

Green Cross Japan’s contribution was further enlarged, with a particular effort devoted to the preparation of the Fukushima Study Tour scheduled for Octo- ber 2014. This was a significant outreach project, bringing first-hand knowledge to high-level guests to to advance the global discussion on nuclear issues.

Cooperation in Kyrgyzstan to meet the needs of local populations affected by the presence of obsolete pesticides has started, as part of Green Cross’ programme dealing with obsolete pesticides.

The Socmed programme in Belarus provides medical care to youths participating in the summer camps it runs. This is an important service in areas where the after-effects of the Chernobyl disaster can still affect children’s health today.

71 Looking Ahead

In 2014, Green Cross Switzerland celebrated its 20th anniversary. The Soc- med Programme, as one of the oldest and best established, has benefitted strongly from the strengthening of long-lasting partnerships and the establishment of new ones. 2014 saw the start of a new contract period, and Soc- med renewed contracts with all of its partners as well as a new partner organization: the War Legacies Project (WLP) in Laos.

It must be added, however, that Ukraine has been heavily affected by the current political climate and threat of violence. At this time, Socmed’s partners are still managing to maintain their work, but the situation in Ukraine is difficult and dangerous, and needs to be monitored.

For Green Cross, it is critically important to continue with projects in Ukraine, and to maintain support for the local population through these challenging times.

One of the main concerns for the residents of Fukushima is to acquire more knowledge about dealing with radioactive contamination of soil, water, air and food, as families are profoundly concerned about the health of their children.

72 73 Children & Youth, Family Programme, and Education & Training

In Belarus, Green Cross has been operating in conditions of significant social and economic hardship. Official inflation in the country was 16,5 per cent in 2013, and remained at 16,2 per cent in 2014. Average salaries in 2014 grew about 20 per cent, following from 24 per cent in 2013. Unofficial data put that number higher. This growth reflected high increases in costs and a rising national debt. All sanatoriums and children’s camps increased their voucher costs by some 25 per cent (in USD). In 2014 the voucher costs were 794 USD, up from 634 USD in 2013. At the same time, the exchange rate of CHF to USD gradually fell during 2014 – costs in Belarus are linked to USD.

Highlights

Existing family clubs developed and implemented programmes for villages, and the local communities become more invested in events ar- ranged by the family clubs. Groups of families from Chemerisy village Rural Family Ecological clubs for Chernobyl families ran in Bragin, Komarin and Chemerisy villages in the Gomel region, and Olshany and Semigostichy villages in the Brest region of Belarus. applied to GCB to open a new club in their village, and this new family club was supported through 2014 despite financial difficulties.

CHILDREN AND YOUTH PROGRAM The therapy and summer camps bring GCB its main visibility and a very good reputation among schools, teachers and children – not only in communities around Chernobyl but also throughout the whole country. The 57th to 60th Rehabilitation and ecological education summer camps for children in ecological disaster zones have been held on the premises of the The new national and international exchange programme for children, teen- “Forest Glade” Children’s Rehabilitation Centre and GCB Rehabilitation & agers and young people is unique and very important for the Belarusian so- Education Centre. Over the course of four terms of 12 or 24 days, a total ciety, especially for children living in rural areas – for whom there is no real of 230 children and teenagers from Belarus took part. They each received alternative to this programme. thorough pre- and post-camp individual medical examinations and radiom- etry, intensive rehabilitation courses, personal development and psychological support, education programmes on ecology, radio-safety and a healthy life style, programmes on culture and history, ecological and cultural expeditions, sports, and entertainment activities.

74 A low-vision childcare programme focuses on delivering modern care meth- Schoolchildren in Brain celebrated Child Protection Day with poetry, quiz ods, as well as promoting social adaptation, at three specialised schools. The games, and meetings with child writers, as well as presentations and grants healthcare programme at Gomel low-vision kindergarten #37, in the Cher- of new children books. nobyl area, supported 37 children in 2014-2015. The psychological support programme at Grodno low-vision boarding school supported 34 children, and two groups of 40 kids took part in a programme to integrate low-vision Green Cross Socmed projects in Russia children via joint rehabilitation camps.

The 9th and 10th International Children’s Art Contests, ‘In My Homeland’, The Socmed programme in Russia developed dynamically in 2014. A system involved 26,384 children and youth, as well as their teachers and parents and mechanisms were created to support the integrated development of from 34 countries, in discovering the beauty of their land. More than 2,000 rural settlements on the Techa River in the Urals (Krasnoarmeisky district, children were awarded medals and diplomas, and 6,000 received personal the Brodokalmak, Russkaya Techa and Nizhnepetropavlovskoe settlements) thank-you letters. – still dangerous because of accumulated radiation sludge from the accident at Mayak in 1957. The 10th and 11th International Summer School ‘World Garden’ for youth and students focused on the joint design and development of a working model Socmed has been dedicated to raising public awareness and establishing for a modern ecological education centre in a natural environment. Every contacts with the local authorities to pursue activities related to the social, summer, for two weeks, groups of students worked together to develop the medical and economic situations of people living in the Bryansk and Ural centre and fill it with concerts, performances, dances, art and songs. These Regions. To allow this territorial approach, it was necessary to form a system included 55 participants from 3 countries. of training and support for leaders of socially active groups and individuals, and to provide them with advice. The development of optimal models for An innovative international project, called ‘Dialogue of Centuries: the First the protection of rights in the areas of environmental protection, protection World War and Peace Today’, involved 39 well-known young artists from Be- of public health, education, and protection of socially vulnerable segments larus, Ukraine and Russia. They created 50 art pieces that were then exhib- of the population is the priority for the Socmed programme in these areas. ited to the public. In 2014 attention was also paid to medical examination, prophylaxis and so- A total of 13 International Children’s Art Exhibitions were presented in Bela- cial rehabilitation for needy families, especially children and young women. rus, Russia and Lithuania during 2014 and 2015. Besides promoting healthy lifestyles among the population, various forms of social cooperation and club activities were developed. Relations with district FAMILY PROGRAMME and regional state and non-governmental institutions are being strengthened, and public participation in solving local social and economic problems Rural Family Ecological clubs for Chernobyl families ran in Bragin, Komarin is being intensified. and Chemerisy villages in the Gomel region, and Olshany and Semigostichy villages in the Brest region. These teach radio-ecological safety, healthy nutri- As every year, Green Cross Russia played a fundamental role in organizing tion, psychological support and basic knowledge about how to raise healthy the 20th International Conference on Education for Sustainable Develop- children. Activities in 2014-2015 included 58 public events in communities. ment in Moscow in June 2014, which was attended by a GCCH staff member.

75 Highlights

The family cooperatives offered their members the chance to improve their financial wellbeing. The positive experiences of existing cooperatives created wider interest and the desire to follow their example among other local groups.

Residents of the area contacted the local partners requesting financial and other assistance for the creation new family cooperatives. With the increase in migration and more cheap labour in large cities, those who had left to work in cities lost their jobs and returned to their villages.

The social cooperatives received public recognition and the participation of cooperatives members in the public life of villages was important to changing the prevailing perception of the territories as areas of ecological disaster. For this reason the Socmed programme will continueengaging and involving people in solving issues and local problems through self-organization.

Managing a new crisis – Ukraine Due to the ongoing conflict in 2014, the situation for Green Cross in Ukraine became more difficult. Projects nevertheless continued running in the face of these difficulties.

The staff in Kiev are not directly affected by hostilities, but as their office is located in a public building they feel the impact of general insecurities and problems – for instance, they do not have proper heating due to power-saving measures. Furthermore, some of the coordinators and staff in the rural areas have had their houses destroyed. Luckily, none were present at the time to be physically injured.

The Belarus projects are mirrored by Mother and Child Clubs in places like the Chernigov region of Ukraine, where activities focused on studying the social and economic situation in the region, assessing partners, gaining familiarity with local government representatives, and reaching out to the public.

76 Another challenge is that, due to the fact that Green Cross Ukraine paring materials for fundraising (such as articles, information brochures on (GCU) is well known, people from affected regions – especially Donetsk family and participatory GCU projects, and photographic material). and Lugansk – are asking for help that GCU is unable to provide. Taking into account that the situation is still not resolved, it is a huge stress for the whole GCU team, as they do not know how this situation will evolve. Due to this unpredictability, the unstable economic situation, and the lack of necessary reforms by the government, environmental and health degradation are exacerbated.

The Health for the Future project successfully and efficient provided sys- tematized support for chronically ill children, improving sanitary literacy and parental culture. It also enabled in-patient treatment, aligned businesses and friendly relations with doctors, and improved diagnostic work. In 2014, Mother and Child Clubs continued their activities within the International Socmed Programme.

A new club was launched in the Chernigov region, with activities focused on studying the social and economic situation in the region, assessing partners, gaining familiarity with local government representatives, and reaching out to the public and mass media. Regions and structures were selected for cooperation, establishing contacts with leaders and doctors of Chernigov Regional Hospital. In April 2014 the Director of the International Socmed Therapy and summer camps continued to build Green Cross’ reputation among schools, teach- Programme visited Ukraine for meetings with local authorities and commu- ers and children – not only in communities around Chernobyl but across the entire region. nities, a review of work and activities in the region, and events marking the 28th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident on 25 and 26 April. Socmed Direc- tor Maria Vitagliano was joined for these commemorations by Green Cross Ukraine (GCU) President Maxim Timoshenko, his wife, and the rest of the Two more cases of nuclear contamination – Green Cross GCU Team including Yuriy Sapiga and Elena Germanovich. in Moldova Cooperation with local partners contributed to the successful implementation of the Socmed programme in improving of health in children (both The Socmed programme in the Republic of Moldova is implemented in two psychological and physical), despite the complicated and dangerous political regions: Oniţcani, where the Health for the Future: Addressing Health Effects situation in Ukraine. The exchange of experience and communication estab- of Contamination from Uranium Experiments and Obsolete Pesticides pro- lished friendly contacts among children, and the exchange of working experi- ject is carried out; and Stefan Voda, where Green Cross runs Health Improve- ence between volunteers, teachers and other specialists was invaluable. This ment for Rural Populations and for Responders to the Chernobyl Catastrophe interaction with partners also helped with increasing awareness of ecology and their Families. and environment issues. An important part of the work was devoted to pre-

77 The Socmed Programme began working in both regions in 2012, and the municipal governments of Oniţcani. With all of these partners, the Socmed interventions have been well received both in the districts and in the coun- programme has created a very strong network allowing positive implemen- try as a whole. Local partners have been able to involve many people – not tation of all projects. only the beneficiaries, but also those who help and support the Socmed programme and its development in Moldova. The Socmed programme will continue to inform people about to the dangers and consequences of contamination, as well as protect them. Education and The programme in Oniţcani concerns children and mothers suffering from awareness raising campaigns will remain an important component of helping the effects of uranium used during the Soviet period - now the second and people in both regions in the future. third generations affected by the consequences of radiation. Today, these people receive no support from the government. Green Cross has contributed to the cost of school meals, so that children get balanced meals during From Chemical Safety to Socmed support: the wintertime and thus their health and growth is supported. Neurosurgical linking the programmes examinations and dental examinations were also carried out in 2014. Many defects have been detected and treated. Mothers attended family clubs and received advice on healthy eating, while environmental education was provided for their children, while they were also given psychological and social Central Asia support. The Medical University of Moldova helped connect with the neu- rosurgeons and dentists who visited the local children. The entire municipal Obsolete pesticides (OPs) pose a significant environmental and health con- government, including the mayor and all the council members, have worked cern in Central Asia, stemming from their overuse and mismanagement dur- very closely with the Socmed programme and support it in a number of ways. ing the Soviet era. Many of the chemicals used are now deregistered locally, banned internationally because of their massive impacts on public health, The programme in Stefan Voda was set up in various schools, as well as with or unusable because of long-term storage leading to degradation. It is esti- the families of responders participating in the Chernobyl disaster aftermath. mated that around half of the world’s quantities of obsolete pesticides can The programme supported training of young volunteers from all 25 schools, be found in the former Soviet Union, and a large portion of that is in Central as they were taught about pesticide contamination – especially its conse- Asia where they saw massive use in agriculture and cotton production. In ad- quences – and about effective measures for disease prevention. Stored pes- dition, some industrial sites in this region are among the world’s most pollut- ticides, toxic legacies of the Soviet era, were until recently uncontrolled in ed places, exposing their populations to pollution from hazardous chemicals any of the local villages and could even be next to children’s playgrounds. and heavy metals. The women of the “Chernobyl Responders” and their daughters have started a mother-daughter club, providing social, psychological and informational Cooperative efforts in Kyrgyzstan to meet the needs of local populations- af assistance, and prepared and implemented the summer therapy camp. fected by the consequences of obsolete pesticide contamination have started, as part of Green Cross’ programme related to obsolete pesticides. In ad- The Socmed Programme has an excellent reputation in Stefan Voda district, dition to concrete interventions, as in Tashbulak village (Jalal Abad Oblast) which is starting to expand to other districts. An important part of that has in 2014, it is important to respond the needs expressed by populations and been thanks to the local partners, “Sanatoasa Familia”, the NGO “Adsisto”, local governments. After assessing the situation in places like Tashbulak, the the Chernobyl Responders, the Dentists’ Association of Moldova, the Med- Green Cross Socmed programme proposed three components for an educa- ical University, the district government of Stefan Voda and the district and tional, medical (health care) and social intervention. All these components

78 are very important, because they focus on different aspects of the risks and to the present. The programme provides social activities, including health- the consequences of contamination. Together with the Green Cross Water care and preventive care, ecological education for safe behaviour and activ- and Legacy of the Cold War programmes, and local partners, some initiatives ity, psychological support, the development of self-management, activation have already been undertaken in Jalal Abad Oblast. and support of social initiatives at residences, rehabilitation and integration support, and assistance for physically handicapped people.

Carrying out orthopaedic surgical interventions and technical rehabilitation South East Asia for physically handicapped children and youths affected by Agent Orange are the main focus of the Socmed programme. To implement orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation for these children and youth, the Green Cross office in Vietnam linked with the Vietnamese Training Centre for Orthopedic Technol- ogists (VIETCOT) in Hà Nội, the Hương Sen Rehabilitation Centre for children in Tuyên Quang, the Bắc Thái Center for Orthopedics and Rehabilitation in Thái Nguyên, the Thanh Hoá Center for Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, and the Đà Nẵng Hospital for Orthopedics and Rehabilitation.

Social supports and the insurance system in Vietnam are not good enough to cover the costs of medical care for people in general, and for people with disabilities in particular. It is difficult for families to take their children to hospital if they are poor. Consequently, their disabilities become more serious. The support of the Socmed programme for these families filled an important gap. It was crucial to cooperate with medical staff in the district-level health system to identify the people with disabilities at an early enough stage. Socmed helped poor families take their children to hospital in time for early surgical interventions, and all children involved made good progress. Their health was improved, and they were able to walk and go to school without hindrance.

A new partner, the War Legacies Project (WLP), was found in Laos for a new Green Cross projects in Vietnam and Cambodia have brought together two areas of expertise phase running from 2014 to 2016. They join Hatfield Consultants, already a – from the ESS and Socmed programmes – to support children suffering from the long-term effects of wartime contaminants, including Agent Orange. partner in Laos. Activities started in September 2014 with the identification of key local partners to conduct oral histories and surveys, and to implement direct services to impacted households. Additional investigations to find available resources in the area, and to identify potential direct-service partners/collaborators, were also launched. A workshop was conducted in The Socmed programme in Vietnam is designed to deliver social care to disa- the Sepone District, to train teams that conducted surveys and needs assess- bled children, young adults and families who had been affected by chemical ments and to implement an effective case management system. weapons either during the war (1963 – 1975) or by their long-term effects up

79 In Cambodia the Socmed programme provided children, youths, and young The earthquake in Japan on 11 March 2011, and the ensuing Tsunami, caused mothers with training and coaching. Subjects included primary health care, immense destruction on the east coast of Japan. Villages and cities have and specific health care for children and youth affected by Agent Orange. been destroyed, more than 20,000 people died and 100,000 fled from the Prevention of health issues and the safe use of chemicals in agriculture were devastated areas. A more dangerous disaster followed the earthquake: The important parts of the work done during this period. Parents were actively nuclear meltdowns and explosions in the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power involved in these processes, as they are the ones in a position to make chang- plant. A high quantity of nuclear radiation escaped. es. All members of families were encouraged to join in social and awareness raising events, and in commune development work plans. The local organization Wathnakpheap implemented activities in Tamoung and Chamkravien Communes in the Kompong Cham province, with the aim of supporting access to education and basic healthcare for vulnerable people. Wathnak- pheap provided, through their projects, a basic understanding of primary healthcare, including hygiene and sanitation in areas particularly affected by toxic herbicides. The new collaboration agreement between Socmed and Wathnakpheap covers 2014 to 2016.

Fukushima: Four years on

In Japan, the Socmed programme is implemented by Green Cross Japan in cooperation with Green Cross Switzerland. One of the main concerns for the residents of Fukushima is to acquire more knowledge about dealing with radioactive contamination of soil, water, air and food. Because of radiation exposure, families are profoundly concerned about the health of their children. Parents living in the contaminated zones of Fukushima prohibit their Thousands of people are still unable to return home four years after the disaster. children from playing outdoors and from swimming in pools or rivers. Start-

80 ing in 2012, the Socmed programme organized annual summer camps for children coming from the contaminated areas of Fukushima.

In the summer camps, children could play without fear of radioactive contamination, in a rich natural environment, joining sports, catching insects, and swimming in the river – all of which are rare opportunities back home in the Fukushima Region. Playing freely outside and trying various activities (including artistic ones) at the camp offered children the chance to recover their physical strength and ease their psychological stress. For example, weeding classes on rice paddy fields helped participants to improve not only their physical strength, but also their psychological condition. Simply touch- ing soil and plant life is known to have potential stress-releasing effects.

A Mothers’ Club was opened in Koryama City in 2013, followed by another in Fukushima City in 2014.

Study Tour of the Fukushima Region

The 3rd Study Tour of the Fukushima Region was held from 29 September to 8 October, 2014. This collaboration with Green Cross Japan brought 32 politicians and journalists from different countries to visit Fukushima, including devastated or contaminated areas and temporary refugee housing. The politicians and journalists, as well as NGO staff and citizens from various coun- Green Cross has organized Fukushima Study Tours to help leaders and public figures understand tries, also met with Japanese politicians, nuclear engineers and academics. the disaster and its lasting effects. Decision-makers need to know what is at stake when they make decisions about nuclear power and nuclear safety. © Frank Vogel Seeing the real sites and hearing the voices of affected people gave the tour members first-hand knowledge about the risks of nuclear power.

81 Green Cross Information

Board of Directors (as of October 2015 General Assembly) Green Cross International Headquarters Mikhail Gorbachev, Founding President and Chairman Alexander Likhotal, President Alexander Likhotal, President (ex officio) Pierre Muller, Vice-President Sergei Baranovsky, Green Cross Russia President Adam Koniuszewski, Chief Operating Officer, Climate Change Task Force Project Lead- Martin Bäumle, Green Cross Switzerland President er and Interim Director for Smart Energy Robert Bucklin, Global Green USA Chairman Etienne Lacombe-Kishibe, Communications Coordinator Jean-Michel Cousteau, Green Cross France & Territories President Cynthia Capitaine, Head of Administration Shoo Iwasaki, Green Cross Japan President Paul Walker, Director, Environmental Security and Sustainability Dr. Ashok Khosla, India Maria Vitagliano, Director, Social, Medical and Education Dominika Kulczyk, Green Cross Poland President Marie-Laure Vercambre, Director, Water for Life and Peace Sander Mallien, Treasurer of Green Cross International Mubarick Masawudu, Green Cross Ghana President Elio Pacilio, Green Cross Italy President Ernst von Weizsäcker, Germany Faride Tirado (Candidate Member), Green Cross Bolivia President

Honorary Board Members Green Cross is present in 41 countries Princess Basma Bint Talal, Jordan Argentina, Australia, Azerbaijan#, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cambodia#, Victor Danilov-Danilyan, Russia Canada*, China#, Ivory Coast, Czech Republic, Denmark, France & Territories, Geor- Wakako Hironaka, Japan gia#, Ghana, Haiti, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan#, Kenya#, Kyrgyzstan#, Laos#, Prof. Istvan Lang, Hungary Republic of Korea*, Mexico#, Republic of Moldova#, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Dr. Rudolphus Lubbers, The Netherlands Senegal#, Spain, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan**, Tajikistan#, Diane Meyer Simon, USA Ukraine, USA, Vietnam#. Adolf Ogi, Switzerland * Denotes Green Cross prepcom (preparatory committee) H. E. Javier Perez de Cuellar, Peru ** Denotes Green Cross information office Robert Redford, USA # Denotes country where Green Cross conducts activities Mario Soares, Former Prime Minister of Portugal Rabbi Awraham Soetendorp, The Netherlands David Suzuki, Canada Ted Turner, USA Dr. Yevgeny Velikhov, Russia

82 Our Partners

Special Thanks: Green Cross thanks its partners and supporters. Green Cross has benefitted from the generous contributions of time and energy from interns and volunteers over the past two years. Their efforts have been invaluable to many Green Cross activities.

Julie Pinard, University of Geneva, France Kenza Gueddi, University of Geneva, Switzerland The Alstom Foundation Candice Geinoz, University of Geneva, Switzerland www.foundation.alstom.com Earth Focus Foundation Victoria Coo, University of King’s College in Halifax, Canada http://earthfocusfoundation.org Douglas Bueno, University of Geneva, Brazil Association de Soutien en Faveur Ardita Salihaj, Lycée des Glières, France de l’Economie Romande (ASFER) Charlene Kim, Pepperdine University, USA Alicia Kloss, Pepperdine University, USA Bradley Rice, Boston University, USA Ainhoa Rubiato, University of Geneva, France The Republic and Canton of Genava Juliane Buvelot, University of Geneva, Switzerland CCIG (Chambre de Commerce Industrie www.geneve.ch/welcome_en.html Ada Gabriela Miranda Moscoso, University of Geneva, Bolivia et Services Genève) Sidney Leung, Boston University, USA http://www.ccig.ch Lindsey Gendron, Dickinson College, USA Gaëlle Crausaz, Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne, Switzerland Daphne Andrews, Pepperdine University, USA Fédération des Entreprises Romandes Carole Apothéloz, University of Geneva, Switzerland https://www.fer-ge.ch Katy Orell, Webster University, USA Club of Madrid Evan Ann Rizzo, University of Geneva, Switzerland http://www.clubmadrid.org Sam Sherman, Cambridge University, UK Lucille Tong, University of Edinburgh, UK Julie Duval, Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Lyon, France FTI (Fondation pour Veronica Czajkowska, University of Sussex, UK les Terrains Industriels) Chloe Gummer, Boston University, USA Club of Rome http://www.fti.geneva.ch Stephanie Robbins, Boston College, USA http://www.clubofrome.org Tom Hollis Myers, University of Sussex, UK Kimberley Mees, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium Thomas Gelsi, School of Oriental and African Studies, UK Chloé Deffet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium Giorgio Armani www.armani.com/ Earth Charter International http://www.earthcharterinaction.org

83 And the partners who contributed to the Geneva photo exhibit: United Nations Office at Geneva http://www.gcint.org/geneva-exhibit Green Belt Movement SIG www.unog.ch/ -photo-partners/ http://www.greenbeltmovement.org www.sig.biz/sig-global/en/sig-global/

Université de Genève (UNIGE) International Council for Local http://www.unige.ch Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) SIGG https://www.sigg.com

Université de Lausanne (UNIL) International Federation of Red Cross http://www.unil.ch and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Simply Theatre http://www.ifrc.org https://www.simplytheatre.com

Ville de Genève MIGROS TAG Heuer http://www.ville-geneve.ch http://www.migros.ch/ www.tagheuer.com/

TMF Group www.tmf-group.com/ Peace Child International World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) http://peacechild.org http://wwf.org

TPG Pub http://www.tpgpub.ch Polycom http://www.polycom.com YOOX www.yoox.com/ch/

84 And the partners who contributed to the Geneva photo exhibit: http://www.gcint.org/geneva-exhibit -photo-partners/

Green Cross International Activity Report 2014-2015

Coordinated by Etienne Lacombe-Kishibe

Contributors: Adam Koniuszewski, Stephan Robinson, Marie-Laure Vercambre, Maria Vitagliano and Paul Walker, with support from Green Cross National Organizations.

Under the guidance of Alexander Likhotal and Adam Koniuszewski

Green Cross International 9-11, rue de Varembé 1202 Geneva Switzerland +41 22 789 1662 +41 22 789 1695 www.gcint.org

Design: Armanda Antunes Grupo de Comunicação Novembro [email protected]

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85 GREEN CROSS INTERNATIONAL 9-11 rue de Varembé Tel: +41 22 789 1662 1202 Geneva Fax: +41 22 789 1695 86 Switzerland www.gcint.org