Boosting eco-systems

We are all feeling the consequences of extreme weather events; heatwaves, droughts, heavy rainfall and severe cyclones, and more frequently. Yet it is often the case that those who suffer the most from extreme weather are those who already live in difficult economic circumstances. With their joint initiative Tackling climate change together (TCCT), Munich Re and ERGO are supporting initiatives that help to mitigate the consequences of weather-related natural catastrophes or show people how they can adapt to climate change.

We do not just provide expertise and experience, but also the financial means. TCCT is pursuing two paths: together with EIT Climate-KIC, the largest public-private climate initiative from the European Union, TCCT is helping new companies to develop climate protection solutions. We will soon be reporting on the latest call for applications to the accelerator programme, and on the winning ideas. TCCT also supports projects that carry out so-called ecosystem-based adaptation initiatives. This involves maintaining, sustainably using, and regenerating ecosystems to limit the regional effects of climate change, and to ensure a basis of existence for the people affected in the area. Examples include reforestation or restoring coral reefs to protect the coast.

Increasing resilience to the consequences of climate change

Through the WasserWald project, OroVerde and its partner organisations from Guatemala, Mexico and the Dominican Republic are making a valuable contribution to strengthening the tropical rainforest ecosystem in selected catchment areas.

First project location successfully planted

The GIZ project for the reforestation of mangrove forests in Vietnam was strongly affected by the pandemic in 2021. Despite strict lockdowns, it was possible to plant over 100,000 mangrove seedlings and saplings with the help of breakwater fences.

A sales assistant serves a customer at a Solarkiosk producing sustainable energy and providing access to electricity and the internet independent of power grids.

Despite Corona: Successful start for the protection of the tropical forest

ERGO and Munich Re have been providing financial support to the GreenWatersheds project of the OroVerde Tropical Forest Foundation since the last quarter of 2020. Despite Corona, a lot has already been moved - and brings more quality of life for all, says project participant Margarita Mateo from the Dominican Republic.

Two men by a laptop discuss the business ideas of the cleantech start-ups in Climate-KIC’s accelerator.

Climate protection: Substantial successes in GreenWatersheds project

Since the fourth quarter of 2020, ERGO and Munich Re have provided financial support for the tropical forest foundation OroVerde’s GreenWatersheds project. The project’s annual report for 2021 shows impressive advances despite challenging conditions – especially thanks to the tireless dedication of the project staff working on site, as project manager Torsten Klimpel underscores.

Project launch in Vietnam and Latin America

TCCT and GIZ started two projects as part of the ecosystem-based adaptation initiatives in 2020: The reforestation of mangrove forests in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam and the support of the tropical forest foundation OroVerde for the conservation of tropical rainforests in Mexico, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic.

Michael Menhart, Global Chief Economist, Munich Re:

Insurance is our core business. It is how we make society more resilient. But we also want to use our expertise, experience and financial means to avoid losses, or at least to reduce their impact. Climate protection has been our focus for decades. With the two reforestation projects, we can reach people who are unable to protect themselves against the effects of climate change.