Promoting rural development and thinking consistently from a socio-ecological perspective – that is the core of the regional project.  It aims to improve access to a future-oriented, sustainable financial market for the population and MSMEs in rural areas and strengthen the sustainable use of demand-oriented financial services.

Financial institutions have enormous leverage in the transformation towards a green economy. The idea behind Green Finance is simple: Economy needs to be financed. If banks pay special attention to financing climate-friendly investments, they quickly drive change. At the same time, a green portfolio reduces the credit default risk of financial institutions due to extreme weather events or changing social norms. National banks at the regulatory level and insurance companies with far-sighted risk management under ESG aspects (Environment, Social, Governance) additionally promote this development. We accompany our project partners on their way to turning into a sustainable bank.

New ESG standards in the risk management of financial institutions mean new requirements for borrowers. Our target group – small and medium-sized businesses in rural areas – must be able to adapt to this. In practice-oriented training sessions developed together with our project partners, participants learn to see climate change primarily as an opportunity. By running their businesses sustainably, they strengthen their resilience to the impacts of climate change and explore new markets. However, ecological awareness is probably not the main reason for ecological transformation. Above all, investments in climate protection must pay off.