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Eltville am Rhein (Germany) and Tunuyán (Argentina) agree on a climate partnership
Overview
In December 2021, the municipalities of Eltville and Tunuyán met online for a professional dialogue, which was also attended by representatives of scientific institutions from both countries. A total of 30 people took part in the event. The two sides decided to work together in the future within a climate partnership, in order to minimise the negative impacts of climate change on wine production and the tourism industry.
Initial Situation
Climate change and its impacts are increasingly being felt at the local level. Drought, heat and flooding are also affecting Eltville am Rhein (Germany) and Tunuyán (Argentina). The regions where these two municipalities are located – Rheingau and Mendoza – are internationally renowned for their viticulture and as attractive tourist destinations. For them, adapting to climate change and its impacts it is of existential importance.
Connective Cities had offered to support the two municipalities in a dialogue, both professionally and technically. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this dialogue took place online rather than in-person.
Learning Experience
At the virtual meeting on 9 December 2021, the roughly 30 participants presented (among other things) research initiatives and measures for adaptation to climate change. They discussed their different experiences and perspectives on climate change mitigation and adaptation. The agenda also covered extreme weather events caused by climate change. Heavy rainfall is increasing the risk of soil erosion and endangering vines, tourism infrastructure and buildings. At the same time, changes in air temperature and water availability are having a strong impact on viticulture.
During the discussions it became clear that winegrowers, research institutes, universities and civil society need to work together on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Alongside delegates from the municipalities, experts from numerous organisations and institutions took part in the dialogue. These included members of the Argentine consulate in Frankfurt, the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy, Geisenheim University of Applied Sciences, Argentina's agricultural and wine institutes and the National University of Cuyo in Argentina.
Project Ideas
In the future, Eltville and Tunuyán wish to collaborate more closely and work together on climate change mitigation and adaptation. They saw joining the ninth phase of the 'Municipal Climate Partnerships' project as a suitable framework for this. The project is jointly executed by Engagement Global’s Service Agency Communities in One World, and the North Rhine-Westphalian Working Party on Agenda 21 NRW (LAG 21). It supports partnerships between municipalities from the Global North and South in their joint engagement for climate action.
Among other things, Eltville and Tunuyán wish to discuss how they can adapt their viticulture to the climatic changes they face, and prevent soil erosion by retaining water.
Activities
During the professional dialogue, the mayors of Eltville and Tunuyán signed a Memorandum of Understanding in which the two municipalities undertake to work together for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
This agreement was an important prerequisite for the municipalities to successfully apply to take part in the Service Agency’s 'Municipal Climate Partnerships' project from 2022 to 2024.
Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding by both mayors | Photo: Connective Cities
Perspective
With their virtual expert dialogue, Eltville and Tunuyán have created a solid foundation for their future collaboration. They wish to implement projects together, initiate learning processes and facilitate cultural and social encounters.
As part of their new municipal climate partnership, they will – with close support from the Service Agency – draw up a programme of action for their climate change mitigation and adaptation activities. This will serve as the basis for the long-term strategic planning of their joint work.
With the broad participation of research institutes, government agencies and municipal experts in their climate partnership, the two municipalities have set in motion a process that will improve understanding of the impacts of climate change on wine production and tourism. It will also make both municipalities more resilient.
further information
Climate impacts in municipalities with viticulture and tourism
Virtual meeting and formal cooperation between experts and representatives of Eltville on the Rhine, Germany and Tunuyán, Argentina
Published: 01/12/2022
Contact
Julia Übelhör
Coordinator for municipal development policy
City of Eltville on the Rhine
Phone: ++49 6123 / 697186
E-Mail: julia.uebelhoer(at)eltville.de
Photos
Categories:
Integrated urban development
City and biodiversity
Cities and climate change
Local economic development
Regions:
Europe
Germany
Latin America
Argentina
