A&W international

A&W is regularly consulted to participate in international projects on sustainable land use, integrated water management and biodiversity restoration. We stand for an integrated approach and believe that sustainable use will lead to healthy ecosystems. Flourishing biodiversity is visible and clear expression of a balanced use of the environment. Our evidence-based projects are focusing on finding this balance and discovering a new awareness of ecological values.

Our ecologists have extensive experience in a wide variety of ecosystems, from tropical wetlands and savannas to marine ecosystems. Projects in which we participate focus on (coastal) water management, climate adaptation, impact assessment, management of wetlands, biodiversity restoration and research into migratory birds. Our input varies from the independent execution of projects to working in multidisciplinary teams, for example through surveys and monitoring of biodiversity, remote sensing analyses, training and advice on sustainable water management and land use. Working with and empowerment of local people and organizations is rooted in our approach, since we are convinced that bringing in indigenous knowledge and experience is essential for making such projects a success.

In recent years, we have carried out successful projects in, among other countries, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Romania, Ukraine, Senegal, and Tunisia. One of these projects is sustainable water management in Mali and Senegal. In these projects, we often collaborate with other companies, research institutes, governments, and local partners. In Eastern Europe, we focus on support and advisory services in the areas of integrated water management, climate adaptation, and the development of ecological networks. In Romania and Ukraine, for instance, we have provided guidance on the design of ecological corridors for large predators in the Carpathians.

Another example of international research is the ecology of migratory birds. We mapped out the range of multiple different bird species. As a result, we know more about the ecology of both their winter habitat and their regular habitat. A large portion of this research was used to write the (award-winning) book “Living on the edge.“