Core areas: Advocacy & Policy
„In my opinion, development aid and protection of the environment are inextricably linked in the realisation of sustainable success. The programs and specific projects of Biovision have this link as the highest priority. Policy can be central in supporting this."
Michael Brander wholeheartedly supports the integrated perspective that Biovision pursues in order to help people in Africa. Programs and projects operate in harmony with nature and ensure that problems are solved without harming the environment The consistent focus on sustainable success seems to be less attractive sometimes, he says, but it’s the precondition for long-term improvement of the living conditions for people in Eastern Africa.
Michael Brander coordinates the "Advocacy and Policy" projects "Changing Course in Global Agriculture“ and „Stop DDT - for effective, safe and environmentally friendly malaria control“. Showing that the methods to effect sustainable development and improvement of living conditions for people in the south are available is central to the work of Biovision, whether in environmentally friendly malaria control or in ecological farming. Here Biovision can depend on the in-depth knowledge of its programmes and projects.
For his work, Michael Brander can utilise his academic studies in International Relations, which he completed at St. Gallen University (HSG). He also spent a semester at the University of Economics (VSE) in the Czech Republic. Michael became aware of Biovision through an alternative civil service placement. He has also completed a placement at an Alpine mountain farm in Central Switzerland.
Travelling plays an important role in Michael Brander’s life. He particularly likes destinations where he can experience the various contrasts to everyday life in Switzerland. He is still savouring the many new impressions he gained on journeys through Morroco, Syria, Lebanon, India, Uganda or Kenya. His free time in Switzerland is varied, too: In summer, he takes walks through the countryside in Aargau and Toggenburg, and in winter he enjoys the snow with his snowboard. Apart from sports, he likes to go to the cinema – again looking for new impressions and contrasts to his everyday life.
