Think climate protection globally and act locally: This is the motto of the climate partnership between Rastatt and Saint-Louis in Senegal. In 2014, the city of Rastatt entered into the climate partnership with the West African city on the initiative of the local Naturefriends Rastatt group. Both cities agreed on measures to jointly promote climate protection and climate impact adaptation.
The climate partnership is about the mutual exchange of experience between Rastatt and the African partner municipality on the topics of climate protection and climate adaptation as well as nature and environmental education. A joint action program was also developed.
The municipal council initially rejected the implementation of the program in 2015 by a majority vote. in 2019, a cross-party motion in the Rastatt municipal council made it possible to resume the climate partnership. Since then, extensive climate protection measures have been jointly developed and successively implemented in both municipalities. They are largely financed by donations and grants.
The exchange between the two cities as well as the civil society partners, in particular NaturFreunde Rastatt e.V. and Klimabündnis Rastatt, is close. Most recently, a delegation from Saint-Louis visited Rastatt for a five-day working meeting in August 2023. The climate adaptation measures identified included the greening of city centers, the expansion of photovoltaic systems and measures to protect against flooding both on the floodplains of the Rhine and in the mangrove forests. More info
In 2021, the municipal council of the city of Rastatt decided to install photovoltaic systems on suitable roofs of existing municipal buildings in the baroque city. In Saint-Louis, a PV system was also installed on the town hall and on one of the three registry offices. Together, 54kWp were installed. The town hall has also received an electricity storage system, which helps to maintain the administration's power supply even during power outages. In addition, 25 solar lights were installed on the premises of a non-profit fishery processing company for women. This leads to greater safety at work and enables longer working hours, allowing the employees to improve their income. Further advantages: The electricity can be produced in an environmentally friendly way. This means that environmentally harmful generators can be dispensed with.
One of the goals in both municipalities is to green the city centers. 1.the city of Rastatt gave away 000 climate trees to its citizens in 2020 and 2021. These are intended to make an effective contribution to CO2 storage and also ensure a better microclimate. The city of Saint-Louis has successfully applied for funding for street greening. A total of 5,300 native trees of various species are to be planted along the main roads. Thanks to numerous donations and the support of the Climate Alliance and Naturefriends Rastatt, coconut palms have already been planted there in advance. In addition to the tree planting, a tree nursery and the appropriate equipment to care for the trees will also be purchased. This will also create 15 permanent jobs. The aim is to improve the microclimate in the streets (more humidity and shade). The project is scheduled to run until 2026.
Saint-Louis is heavily affected by coastal erosion and rising sea levels due to its location directly on the Atlantic. The reforestation of the mangrove forests around the city is a future project. So far, the reforestation has been achieved through donations and voluntary work. The local supporters in Rastatt are the NaturFreunde Rastatt e.V.. In order to carry out the reforestation successfully, it is necessary to clear the areas of Typha australis (cob plant) in advance and keep them clear. The Typha can be used to make building materials and other items. This can directly/indirectly create jobs.
