UFU e.V.

Unabhängiges Institut für Umweltfragen

Sobre nosotros

The "UFU e.V." is the first foundation of an independent institute for environmental science in the former East Germany.

Already in November 1989, it was initiated by committed East-German scientists. The decisive impetus for this step was the request to analyse and to promote the development of environmental policy in a citizen-friendly way and by looking at the contemporary issues. Therefore, the "UfU e.V." was founded in Berlin on March 10, 1990, in the presence of more than 200 founding members and guests. As the objective of its work it was defined in the statutes:

"The purpose of the association is the promotion of ecologically oriented science, research, planning of the environment, lifestyle as well as the protection of the environment. The gained experience shall be available to all citizens and institutions. They shall be formulated accordingly, intelligible to everyone.

At the moment, the "UfU e.V." has a branch in Berlin as well as sub-offices in Halle/Saale and Pöglitz (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) as well as the fields of work: environmental law, environmental pedagogy, waste management, air pollution/mapping and energy.

Today, about 250 members support the activity of the "UfU e.V." with their contributions, donations and activities. Apart from the seven-headed board of directors, a scientific advisory council to whom eight personalities from science and politics belong support the work of the "UfU" with regard to the content.

Keypoints of the work of the institute are among other things:

- Participation of the citizens in environmental protection
- Legal possibilities of traffic reduction and avoidance
- Energy pedagogy and energy saving at schools, plans for schools as to how to deal with the environment
- Advice on energy consumption
- Development of waste reduction and waste management concepts
- Biological indication to determine the air pollution
- Actions referring to current problems and decisions in environmental policy

After prior agreement, we can give expert advice for other net participants, deliver expert opinions and give lectures, we can communicate specialist information and arrange for contacts in the fields of citizens' participation in environmental protection and environmental law. We offer overnight accommodations for other net participants.