The 8th of June marked the 12th “World Oceans Day” — this time it ran under a special motto: 2021 is also the start of the United Nations’ “Decade of Ocean Research for Sustainable Development” … Reason enough for us to dedicate the first Valdivia Special to this topic.
The world’s oceans — Life’s Foundation and Climate Saviour
When German research vessel Valdivia set sail on 31 July 1898, the United Nations was but a distant dream. Yet, even then, scientists like expedition leader Carl Chun (1852 — 1914, born in Höchst, today Frankfurt am Main) were convinced that the world’s oceans were of immense importance to humankind. And right he was: Today, the oceans are an important source of food, energy, raw materials, active ingredients for medicines and, last but not least, a space for sport and recreation.
After going very much unnoticed in the past, another capacity of the ocean is currently gaining in importance: the water of the oceans also absorbs a considerable amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, about 2.6 billion tonnes every year, corresponding to approx. 31 percent of man-made CO2 emissions. However, it is unclear how long the oceans are oing to be able to absorb this amount. CO2 dissolved in water also increases the acidity of the water – with potentially severe consequences for many sea creatures, as any aquarist can confirm.
The UN Decade of Ocean Exploration
The United Nations has set up a framework for co-ordinating a wide variety of research projects in the decade from now until 2030. In addition to biological, meteorological and other classic tasks, economic and social aspects are impacting ocean research more and more: the shipping industry, fisheries, aquacultures as well as coastal residents and the tourism industry all benefit from the results. When the first World Ocean Assessment was published in 2016, significant changes and losses in the structure, function, and benefits of the oceans were already being observed. Therefore, science-based measures to mitigate and adapt to global change are urgently needed in the coming decades.
The goal of the UN Decade is first to coordinate existing know-how, make better use of it and feed it into political decisions. To be more precise, this means that digital scenarios and models are to be developed which, through improved predictions, will help decision-makers in politics and business to select the best, future-proof and sustainable measures in each case. Long-term goals include the elimination of ocean pollution, a more accurate understanding of climate impacts, and a sustainable Blue Economy in which use, understanding and responsibility go hand in hand.
Where is the digitalisation of the real estate industry headed? Decision-makers need to prepare for constant change and new challenges. In this article, we shed light on this hot topic and show how companies can future-proof themselves..
Laughing, romping, dreaming, experiencing community and freedom... all this is the playground at Aldea Infantil, ‘our’ children's village in Guatemala. It is the heart and symbol of a carefree childhood that every child deserves. We want to keep this symbol – and invite you to join us!
On the way back from MIPIM 2025 - with many impressions and after in-depth discussions!
Rethink leadership: In our newsroom series Valdivia Future: Governance, we introduce you to the model approach of ‘polymathic leadership’ – with promising potential for sustainable success.
In addition to the research work of the Alfred Wegener Institute, we in Valdivia are now also supporting the ‘Maritime Waste Disposal’ project of One Earth – One Ocean, or oeoo for short. Read more in the latest article in our Future series!
We have been fascinated by the world's oceans for four years, from the very start of Valdivia Now, as a member of the Friends of the Alfred Wegener Institute, we are actively involved in supporting scientific projects, educational programmes and public relations. Learn more about the important work of the AWI and its "Polarstern"!
This year marks the 29th time that the Children's Future Foundation has organised its popular Christmas parcel campaign. The aim is to show girls and boys in need in Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and, if possible, Ukraine that the world has not forgotten them.
Find out how Valdivia experienced this year's Expo Real!
Currently, an extreme drought and subsequent flooding have completely destroyed the harvest in large parts of Guatemala. Hunger is now omnipresent. It is also affecting the children's village Aldea Infantil, which we at Valdivia have been supporting for more than 3 years now. Read more about the current situation in the country here.
The highlands of Guatemala are no tropical paradise. There is abject poverty in the villages. Many mothers are left to fend for themselves and often do not know how to put the next meal on the table for their children. In order to alleviate the most urgent need, the foundation therefore prioritises free meals for the children. Read on to find out more about the project.
Have you ever thought about recruiting athletes for your management team? Or what valuable skills refugees and asylum seekers have to offer? Read on about this exciting topic in our latest article.
Valdivia at the 30th JPMCC in Frankfurt - it truly was a happening!
The fight against plastic waste in the oceans has only just begun. But it already has some heroes who are achieving considerable success within the realms of possibility. One of them is 4ocean. Join us and findout more about this pioneering company - and how you can support it and benefit yourself in the process.
Our Valdivia Future series today features Earth Day, which takes place every year on 22 April - read more and make a difference!
Obviously, you can never build the roof before the foundation – but you just might place it a little bit sooner. This is made possible by Scrum, a term taken from the world of rugby, designating an agile working approach. What exactly does "scrum" entail?
As a successor of sorts of ’our’ Valdivia, the Polarstern is at the center of our series Future: Marine Research – and serves as an example for the groundbreaking scientific work on the interaction between oceans and the climate as well as approaches to marine protection.
Good news from our partner foundation Kinderzukunft: "Our" children's village Aldea Infantil receives a generous donation - 50,000 euros for "the forgotten children of Salcajá".
How was MIPIM 2024 as seen by Valdivia? Here you find our review of this year's fair.
Even under normal conditions, life in Guatemala seems almost incomprehensibly difficult from a European perspective. The current political conflicts are further exacerbating the situation.
In the children's village "Aldea Infantil", Kinderzukunft provides effective and sustainable help on site.
Today's article sheds light on the current political situation and is also an appeal to provide support - because everyday things are needed locally that could easily be realised with a small donation. Read more here!
We are truly delighted to receive this award: together with our creative agency, we were honoured as "Winner" of the German Design Award 2024. Read onhere!
Merry Christmas 2023!
In most cultures, the transition from child to fully-fledged member of society is a special moment for the children themselves and for their relatives. A special 15th birthday party to mark this occasion is celebrated throughout Latin America. Read here how the children at the Aldea infantil children's village celebrate this day!
REFD 2023 in Frankfurt again was a truly important forum for the ndustry. Find out more in this article.
Christmas Parcel Campaign of the Stiftung Kinderzukunft: Learn more about the campaign and its background here.
Why not join in and support our partner charity with this year's Christmas Parcel Drive?
Read on toi find out our feedback on the fair!
Congratulations: The Stiftung Kinderzukunft celebrates its 35th anniversary. Here we introduce you to our partner charity and give you an insight into the philosophy, the projects and the aim of the foundation, from its establishment until today.
We at Valdivia have the protection and preservation of the oceans and their inhabitants at our heart. Learn more about NABU in this feature and how this well-known organisation fights to turn the oceans plastic-free.
Sustainability has made it into the minds of people. Find out more in the new Valdivia Future feature about what ithis means with regards to leadership of a company and the human element of it all.
Join our Managing Partner Daniel Bauer today on his trip to the children's village of our partner foundation Kinderzukunft in Guatemala!
Wjhat a great reason to celebrate Together with our creative agency, we were awarded as "Winner" with the German Brand Award 2023. Read on here to find out more!
This brand new article of our Valdivia Future Series deals with the state our oceans are in – this time in combination with a hot tip for a very special kind of vacation.
How can corporate governance become more sustainable? In our expert tips, we shed light on a truly valuable approach to better time management,
Learn more in this brief summary about how we experienced this years's MPIM in Cannes.
Back from Berlin after three days full of information, discussions and positive debates around the development of the real estate industry in the coming years.
Join us on the exciting journey from the beginnings in rather troubled times to today: What drives us. Where we have come to. What commitment a meeting sometimes demands. And how much the future means to us.
The UN Decade of the Oceans. In our article for our "Future" series, we present the film "Northdrift" today. Plastic waste in the world's oceans and the protection of the seas - important issues for us at Valdivia that we would like to help bring to more attention.
Join us and support Kinderzukunft and the Christmas parcel project 2022. we all can make a difference!
What is the way to sustainable corporate leadership … to Good Governance as defined in the United Nations' goals? Find out more in our new ESG related feature.
Since 1988, Stiftung Kinderzukunft has been providing sustainable aid for children in need. In this article, we introduce you to the project in Guatemala which we proudly support and which is particularly close to our hearts at Valdivia.
Successful leaders in the real estate industry today - Anthony Baumruk sheds light on this topic in a recent guest feature published in the FAZ.
Back from three days with the decision makers of the real estate industry: Read about the insights of Daniel Bauer, our Managing Partner.
How it all began...the history of Valdivia's origins is full of surprises. Dive in deeply!