Blog

31.10.2024

Cooperation with Ukraine Hilfe

Cooperation with Ukraine Hilfe

This autumn, Green Cross Switzerland (GCCH) has launched a partnership with the Swiss association, Ukraine Hilfe. This organisation began its work in Ukraine shortly after the outbreak of the war and has since built around 120 housing modules as emergency shelters for people who have lost their homes due to the conflict. Through these efforts, Ukraine Hilfe is making an essential contribution to helping Ukrainians stay in their country, or even in their home regions, giving them renewed hope. Whenever possible, the housing modules are built on the site of the destroyed or uninhabitable homes — a significant psychological factor for the residents. When the war situation allows, this approach enables people to remain in their familiar surroundings.

Residents are selected by local authorities, and the housing modules remain under the ownership of the municipality where they are located. This ensures that the modules serve their primary purpose and are occupied only by those who really need the accommodation. Additionally, these modules offer advantages over traditional houses: they are not classified as permanent residences, so no building permit is required, and they can be relocated if necessary — a vital factor in times of war. Thanks to effective insulation, the modules remain habitable during Ukraine’s often harsh winters, even in the event of power outages. Moreover, manufacturing these modules in Vinnytsia is cost-effective and supports the local economy in the war-stricken nation.

This autumn, GCCH is joining the project by sponsoring two larger, fully equipped housing modules. Through our Ukrainian partner organisation, we will remain in close contact with the families who will live in them. The anticipated location will be in Chernihiv, a region in the area impacted by the Chernobyl disaster. The area around Chernobyl has been a focal point of GCCH’s mission since our foundation.

The cooperation with Ukraine Hilfe also includes the planting of many thousands of trees — a commitment that GCCH hopes to continue in the coming years. Since a significant portion of the housing modules are made of wood and sustainability is central to our foundation’s values, we are also committed to promoting reforestation. Planting trees that will grow into forests over time brings many benefits. Forests play an essential role for the ecosystem, which has been severely damaged by the war. Moreover, in comparison with other countries, a (much too) small proportion of the national territory of Ukraine is forested. In addition, each tree planted contributes to protecting the global climate and, consequently, to the future of humanity.

For more information about Ukraine Hilfe’s commitment, please visit their website.

20.09.2024

Vietnam: Bildung als Schlüssel

Vietnam: Bildung als Schlüssel

Since its inception, empowering people to help themselves has been at the heart of Green Cross Switzerland’s mission. Education plays a crucial role in this process, as it equips individuals with the tools to improve their own lives and the lives of those around them. Unlike other forms of humanitarian or development aid, education has a long-lasting impact and aligns with Green Cross’s core commitment to sustainability.

In particular, education and training are vital components of our SOCMED programme in Vietnam (Social and Medical Care and Education). In remote rural areas, medical infrastructure is often severely lacking. As a result, disabilities in children frequently go unrecognized for too long, leading to serious and heartbreaking consequences throughout their lives. On the bright side, early intervention can significantly improve their living conditions and quality of life—benefiting not only the children but also their families and, ultimately, society as a whole. This is where we step in, offering Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) through the training of local health workers.

This summer, several training sessions were conducted in Yen Son district, Tuyen Quang. Two classes were held for community and district health workers, with 58 participants, led by three rehabilitation specialists from Huong Sen Hospital. Additionally, ten classes were organized for municipal employees, with a total of 335 participants.

The goal of these sessions is to teach and reinforce basic knowledge on the early detection and intervention for children with mental and physical disabilities within the community. It also focuses on mastering the necessary administrative and organizational processes.

A wide range of child development topics is covered, from birth to age 16. This includes early recognition and intervention for conditions such as cerebral palsy (including muscle stiffness and movement disorders), scoliosis (malformations), intellectual disabilities, speech disorders, autism, and clubfeet, as well as common secondary complications (pressure sores, joint stiffness, muscle contractures, and deformities).

The training also aims to raise broader community awareness about the needs of people with disabilities, as early detection is critical to providing effective support. In this context, another goal is to ensure that people with disabilities can participate fully in social activities. Sadly, many are still excluded from social life, and sometimes even family life.

01.08.2024

The invisible scars of war

The invisible scars of war

Sadly, after almost two and a half years, there is still no end in sight to the war in Ukraine. Innocent victims of the war atrocities are still dependent on our solidarity and support. The horror of war seems to stop at nothing. This summer, for example, Kiev’s largest children’s hospital was badly damaged by a missile.

These past few months too, we have made a contribution to alleviating the hardship caused by the war by providing material support. This has included food, medicines, hygiene products and the equipping of shelters, to name just a few examples. A major project last year and the year before was the provision of systems for purifying contaminated drinking water.

In addition, there is a more urgent need than ever to increase psychological support, as the existing services are far from adequate. In Switzerland, we are often insufficiently aware of the psychological injuries that war inflicts on people. This is particularly true for children and young people. That is why we are currently – after successful pilot trials at the beginning of the year – setting up a permanent psychological support programme.

Several therapy sessions with children and young people in Kherson and Chernihiv have been taking place every week for several months now. Art therapy is a central element of the programme. The sessions usually take place in groups, but individual sessions – for example for children who have lost a parent – are also part of the programme. The focus is on helping children and young people to process their traumas and develop positive coping mechanisms. However, it is also about increasing awareness in the community for the needs of traumatised children and young people and addressing the stigmatisation of mental illness in Ukrainian society.

It is only thanks to your valuable support, dear donors, that these children and young people have been able to receive this urgently needed psychological support. With your continued backing, we can expand the psychological support programme even further and offer it on a long-term basis. You will be putting a smile back on faces scarred by the horrors of war.

04.07.2024

30 years of GCCH: Honouring Roland Wiederkehr

30 years of GCCH: Honouring Roland Wiederkehr

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Green Cross Switzerland, Roland Wiederkehr was honoured on 22 June 2024 for his life’s work and made a sponsor of our foundation. Béatrice G. Lombard-Martin, President of our Board of Trustees, and our CEO Martin Bäumle solemnly presented Wiederkehr with a certificate. Together with Mikhail Gorbachev, Roland Wiederkehr founded Green Cross International in 1993 and Green Cross Switzerland the following year. To this day, our charity is committed to helping those affected by man-made disasters. What we have achieved over the last 30 years would not have been possible without the pioneering work of Roland Wiederkehr.

The idea behind Green Cross was to create an organisation modelled on the International Red Cross, but with a focus on environmental protection, nuclear disarmament, security policy and the management of man-made disasters, particularly industrial and military disasters. To this day, rapid and long-term effective help for people to help themselves has remained an important goal. The transnational SOCMED programme (Social and Medical Care and Education) has therefore quickly become a key focus of our foundation.

Since our beginnings, we have focussed strongly on dealing with the Chernobyl disaster in the most severely affected areas in Ukraine, Russia and Belarus. We are one of only a few NGOs to continue our commitment in this area to this day, as far as the circumstances caused by the war in Ukraine allow.

Roland Wiederkehr and Green Cross Switzerland have also been successfully involved in the field of chemical weapons regulation and destruction. For example, Wiederkehr successfully campaigned for Switzerland’s participation in the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. Since 1998, we have also been active in Vietnam, where the use of the defoliant “Agent Orange” during the war (1965-70) still has very serious consequences for people and the environment. Wiederkehr recognised that help was urgently needed in this area because those responsible were still shirking their responsibility.

After expanding the project work to numerous other countries, the focus shifted in the mid-2010s to project work in the region around Chernobyl and Vietnam. The present is characterised by the war in Ukraine, i.e. the resulting restriction of project work in Belarus, the reorientation towards emergency aid for those affected by the war in Ukraine and the temporary termination of activities in Russia.

Roland Wiederkehr can take a satisfied and optimistic view of the future of Green Cross Switzerland. In recent years, our foundation has been able to build up considerable reserves thanks to successful fundraising and is now gradually increasing project expenditure. Even though we are open to expanding our project work into new countries, it is clear that our foundation will remain true to Wiederkehr’s ambition in the years following its establishment and will continue to focus on its commitment in the region around Chernobyl. As far as the circumstances of the war allow, and especially after the war, the expansion of the SOCMED programme there will be a key priority for our foundation.

Link to the interview with Roland Wiederkehr (only available in German)

17.05.2024

A longstanding & successful cooperation

A longstanding & successful cooperation

Green Cross Switzerland and the Hospital for Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation in Da Nang have been working together for 20 years now within the framework of the Socmed programme. This cooperation has resulted in thousands of people affected by Agent Orange, mostly children, receiving urgently needed medical support in the form of surgical treatment, prostheses, and orthoses as well as rehabilitation.

This humanitarian effort was recently honoured during a working visit by Basel-based orthopaedic specialist Dr Daniel Hueskes. Dr Thanh, Director of the hospital, presented Dr Hueskes and Ms Pham Thuy, the project coordinator of the Green Cross Socmed programme in Vietnam, with a certificate of thanks for this longstanding cooperation.  

During Dr Hueskes’ visit, eight patients were examined in collaboration with the local orthopaedic technicians. In addition, Dr Hueskes and local specialists carried out examinations at Vietcot, the training centre for orthopaedic technicians in Hanoi. They examined twelve patients and defined further treatments.

This valuable work emphasises the importance of international cooperation in making a lasting and positive difference to the lives of victims of highly dangerous herbicides such as Agent Orange.

22.03.2024

“Krieg ohne Ende” – Interview with Peter Jaeggi

“Krieg ohne Ende” – Interview with Peter Jaeggi

Freelance journalist, photographer, and filmmaker Peter Jaeggi has dedicated himself to extensively researching the effects of disasters. His latest book, titled “Krieg ohne Ende (War Without End),” delves into the enduring consequences of the use of the highly toxic herbicide ‘Agent Orange’ during the Vietnam War. Jaeggi’s work serves to raise awareness of these long-term repercussions. It is a contribution to ensuring that those affected are not forgotten.

In an interview with Green Cross Switzerland, Peter Jaeggi offers insights into his latest book, distinguished by meticulous on-site research.

What inspired you to write this book, and why is it personally significant to you?
It all began with Roland Wiederkehr. I had known the former National Councillor and founder of Green Cross Switzerland long before its inception, back when he served as the first managing director of the Swiss WWF. In the late 1990s, Roland Wiederkehr invited me to Belarus on behalf of Green Cross to document the long-term effects of the Chernobyl disaster. Belarus bore the brunt of the catastrophic meltdown. Green Cross also sent me to Vietnam to investigate the long-term consequences of the Vietnam War. My first book on the subject was published in 2000 under the title “When My Child Was Born, I Was Very Sad.” This second extensive journalistic endeavor has stayed with me ever since. The new book, “Krieg ohne Ende,” marks my third exploration of the use of chemical weapons during that time.

While crafting your book, you embarked on comprehensive on-site research, conducting numerous interviews with individuals affected by Agent Orange. Is there a particular encounter that left a lasting impression on you?
There are many. During our initial research expedition, we met Phan Thi Cuc, a young mother, and her three children. The sight of the two older children, born with enormous deformities, was deeply distressing. I had never witnessed such severe deformities in a human being. Their father had been exposed to Agent Orange, containing dioxin, during the war, resulting in genetic damage. He was unable to bear the sight of his disabled children and tragically ended his own life – using a pesticide. Most interactions with victims and their families get under your skin. Many of the affected individuals require constant care, often amidst financial hardship and a lack of external support. This struggle often spans decades, as the children age and suitable facilities remain scarce.

You assert: “An encyclopaedia illustrates: Half the world was embroiled in the Vietnam War.” Could you illustrate what you mean by this?
Here are just a few examples: Switzerland provided time fuses and Pilatus Porter airplanes, which were utilized for bomb drops and capable of being outfitted with machine guns. Alongside Americans, soldiers from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and South Korea were actively engaged on the frontlines in Vietnam. East Germany established an air defense system, while West Germany dispatched thousands of technicians, including specialists in weapon systems. The Japanese island of Okinawa served as the primary airbase for the United States during the Vietnam War. Over a thousand nuclear bombs, as well as nerve gas and Agent Orange, were stockpiled there.

 The central and indispensable main theme of your book revolves around the victims of Agent Orange. Was it especially significant for you to amplify the voices of these victims, who are often swiftly forgotten, irrespective of conflicts?
Disasters and wars don’t just conclude when the weapons cease firing, especially not for the victims. As exemplified by Vietnam, wars can inflict enduring harm on both individuals and the environment for generations. The Vietnamese victims’ association, VAVA, is already talking about the fifth generation of children born with Agent Orange-related disabilities. It is impossible to predict how many more generations will be affected. What is paramount is that the plight of these victims doesn’t fade into obscurity and that we raise awareness of their suffering.

How do you evaluate the current situation of affected individuals in Vietnam?
I have consistently asked war veterans about their feelings toward the United States today. Almost universally, their initial response has been: “What’s done is done. One must suppress one’s feelings to move forward, to look ahead.” But is this truly reflective of their heartfelt emotions? In traditional Vietnamese culture, the expression of pain and grief is frequently veiled in silence. Conversing with war victims over time frequently reveals a sense of disappointment that Washington has never issued an apology for the war. While the U.S. has been assisting in the cleanup of heavily contaminated Agent Orange hotspots for years, with hundreds of millions invested, many of those affected have voiced grievances during my interviews, asserting that victims are being neglected and are not receiving adequate support.

What do you believe is necessary today to do right by the victims of this disaster?
There is a pressing need for increased financial support to enable affected families to live with dignity. For example, overwhelmed parents require the help of caregivers. More commitment from the U.S. is urgently needed here – but also the Vietnamese state itself. Additionally, there is a lack of reliable statistics on the number of victims, which is crucial for planning assistance effectively. How can efficient aid be provided when the actual number of victims remains unknown? – The head physician of a large hospital complained in an interview about the incomplete training of his doctors. According to him, timely recognition and treatment of birth defects pose significant challenges. However, early detection by a professional is crucial for the long-term health outcomes of affected individuals.

In your book, you also discuss the plight of affected veterans. How has the situation evolved for (U.S.) military personnel?
It’s often overlooked that hundreds of thousands of American veterans from the Vietnam War are also grappling with the effects of Agent Orange exposure. In the U.S., a veteran is not required to prove that their suffering is directly linked to Agent Orange; it is sufficient for them to demonstrate their service during the Vietnam War for their medical treatment to be covered. In contrast, the U.S. demands proof from Vietnamese Agent Orange victims, which cannot be feasibly provided based on stringent scientific criteria. For instance, determining the extent to which poisoning resulted from Agent Orange versus other sources is impossible. This is a key factor that has driven Washington and U.S. courts to consistently reject compensation claims thus far. Consequently, in the eyes of official America, there exist two categories of Agent Orange victims: domestic veterans, some of whom are acknowledged as suffering from Agent Orange-related illnesses, and Vietnamese veterans, whom Washington refuses to recognize as victims of poisoning. American Vietnam War veteran Chuck Searcy denounces this disparity as a “criminal double standard.” Searcy is one of the former soldiers who chose to remain in Vietnam and are doing great humanitarian work there. Notably, he co-founded “Project Renew,” an NGO that is dedicated to detecting and disposing of unexploded ordnance, thereby saving innumerable lives.

You also deal with the necessary judicial proceedings, which often resemble a “David versus Goliath” battle. Nearly all claims for compensation against the manufacturers of Agent Orange are dismissed on the basis that a direct link between Agent Orange and deformities cannot be established. Is there any hope for the continuation of these lawsuits in the future?
Currently, there is significant optimism surrounding the ongoing legal proceedings initiated by Vietnamese-French environmental activist Tran To Nga. As a former “Vietcong,” a term used derogatorily to refer to members of the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam, she filed a lawsuit against the largest manufacturers of Agent Orange for damages in 2014. Initially, Tran To Nga lost the case after years of protracted legal battles, marked by occasionally sensational claims. In 2021, the court of first instance in Évry justified its ruling by stating that companies acting on behalf of the state were entitled to immunity from prosecution. However, the 82-year-old’s legal team has appealed the decision. France’s highest court of appeal in Paris is set to deliver what probably will be the final verdict this May. – Why is the trial taking place in France? Because French legislation has a unique characteristic: in France, unlike in other countries, individuals can also file lawsuits against a foreign state if it causes harm to a citizen.

 To mitigate the risk of Agent Orange, it’s crucial to decontaminate the soil in dioxin hotspots. The U.S. has invested millions in this effort. However, some experts question the effectiveness of the decontamination method employed. Could you elaborate on this further?
In 2018, the former U.S. airbase and Agent Orange transshipment center in Da Nang completed a cleanup costing around 110 million euros. Official reports state that the dioxin-contaminated soil was heated to 360 degrees to neutralize the toxin into harmless compounds. However, during the process, some of the dioxin-containing fumes escaped into the air, recontaminating the surrounding area. The extent of this contamination remains unknown. – Currently, the largest decontamination operation is underway approximately 500 kilometers further south, in Bien Hoa, using the same method. Lorenz Adrian from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research in Leipzig, who has been at the forefront of dioxin research for decades, criticizes the method used in Da Nang and now in Bien Hoa. He argues that complete destruction of the dioxin is unachievable with the heat process. Adrian has proposed an alternative solution to the Vietnamese government. This solution seems surprising at first glance, but he deems it safe: With the aid of specialized bacteria, it can be ensured that even highly hazardous toxins in the soil are rendered biologically harmless. According to Adrian, this method is applicable even in urban areas, and all that is required is a borehole, followed by the introduction of bacteria—and patience. Although it takes many years for dioxin to degrade, the process is safe and significantly more cost-effective than the thermal method.

What have you personally gleaned from your extensive experience with this issue, particularly concerning other global hotspots?
Allow me to respond with a question of my own. In the wake of catastrophic wars such as those in Vietnam, and amidst ongoing conflicts globally, the rallying cry of “No more war, ever!” seems the most natural, logical, and morally imperative sentiment. Yet, why does war persist? Could a portion of the answer lie in educational deficiencies? The reason this has crossed my mind is recent reports detailing how some Swiss schoolchildren view Hitler as an iconic figure. It’s unfathomable!

 

The Agent Orange photos accompanying Peter Jaeggi’s works have been realised since 1999 by award-winning Basel photographer Roland Schmid https://www.schmidroland.ch/

You can purchase the book ‘Krieg ohne Ende’ through the following link. Please note that the book is available only in German. With the code ‘Green Cross’, 5 francs will be donated to aid projects in Vietnam for every copy purchased.

15.03.2024

“Seeds of Hope” for Ukraine

“Seeds of Hope” for Ukraine

The war remains omnipresent for the civilian population of Ukraine. Critical infrastructure and private property are constantly being damaged and destroyed. Reconstruction takes time but is already underway. (Re)creating or growing something sustainably is part of Green Cross Switzerland’s identity. That’s why we’ve launched the “Seeds of Hope” project to aid people in conflict zones in Ukraine in restoring their gardens and fields devastated by the Russian military.

As part of this initiative, we provide people with seeds, tools, and offer training on agricultural practices. These training sessions teach efficient utilization of water, soil, and other resources to cultivate gardens and fields sustainably. With this support, people can once again grow their own staple foods and provide for their families. To date, agricultural training has been organized in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, located on the front line. Seeds have also been distributed in 16 villages around the northern city of Chernihiv.

In February and March 2024, we distributed 2,000 seed sets containing 22 different varieties such as cucumbers, tomatoes, rocket, and carrots. War-affected individuals can utilize these seeds to cultivate and nurture their own vegetables. This newfound self-sufficiency significantly contributes to alleviating food shortages and enhancing quality of life. Simultaneously, we view it as an opportunity to foster a sustainable development of Ukraine’s economy and society.

The people of Ukraine are immensely grateful to you, dear donors, for your support. We, at Green Cross Switzerland, would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude. Your contribution instils hope for a brighter future for the people of Ukraine.

08.03.2024

International Women’s Day – Green Cross is actively engaged!

International Women’s Day – Green Cross is actively engaged!

Today, 8 March, marks the anniversary of International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day was established in the USA in 1908. The women’s organisation of the Socialist Party of America (SPA) created this day to organise demonstrations for women’s suffrage. The first Women’s Day was held in 1911, and the idea of Women’s Day spread to Europe in the following years.

Under the slogan “For Bread and Peace” during World War I, Russian women further promoted the popularity of International Women’s Day in 1917. The strike under this slogan was seen as the start of the Russian “February Revolution”, with the demonstration taking place on 8 March 1917 according to the Gregorian calendar.

As part of the “International Women’s Year” in 1975, 8 March was declared “International Women’s Day” by the UN. Despite the institutionalisation and internationalisation of Women’s Day, the social, economic, socio-political and cultural situation for women in various countries can still be described as inadequate or poor.  For example, girls and women are more frequently affected by hunger, poverty or a lack of healthcare. In addition, women generally earn less for the same work and have worse educational opportunities.

Green Cross Switzerland would like to take this day as an opportunity to thank women worldwide and the employees of our foundation for their commitment to a better society. At the same time, we would like to draw attention to the fact that a great deal of commitment is still needed, both for the emancipation of women and girls and for improving their living conditions.

It is important to us to actively contribute to improving the living conditions of women and girls. This has already been demonstrated in our project work to date. The family clubs in the region around Chernobyl focus on supporting girls and women. In these clubs, women and girls are trained in nutrition, education and health issues. In addition, the clubs promote the employment of women and motivate and empower them to become entrepreneurs. It is also important that the clubs serve as a platform for women and girls to get to know each other.

Unfortunately, the family club activities in Ukraine had to be suspended due to the war. However, they are still taking place in Belarus. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all helpers and supporters for their commitment!

In Vietnam, women – health experts, project managers and volunteers – are making an important contribution to the care and support of Agent Orange victims and to the further development of the programmes. Without their commitment, the good results of our project work in Vietnam would not have been possible. Thank you very much!

24.02.2024

Psychological support for people affected by the war in Ukraine

Psychological support for people affected by the war in Ukraine

Today marks the second anniversary of Russia’s attack on Ukraine. While many people have been displaced by the war, many others did not have the money to flee. There is therefore also a large number of families that have stayed put and who now live their daily lives in a war zone. These people are exposed to repeated physical attacks: public infrastructure and private residences are damaged or the people themselves are directly affected by the attacks.

The situation is particularly detrimental to children and young people, whose development is being arrested or impaired as a result. In addition to physical injuries, the war is also having a devastating psychological impact, including trauma and emotional stress. Traumatic experiences increase the incidence of psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, addiction and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). The field of interdisciplinary psychotraumatology has developed various therapies for people affected by traumatic experiences. These therapies are also being used in Ukraine.

In 2024, Green Cross Switzerland is aiming to increase funding for and expand its range of psychological support for children and young people, as well as adults, in Ukraine. To this end, an initial pilot study was carried out in February. A specialist psychologist taught a small group of children breathing exercises to counteract emotional stress and increase their psychological resilience for the future. Efforts are currently underway to hold further sessions and expand access to opportunities of this kind. There is clearly an urgent need for these services. Following the example of the pilot study, the aim of the therapy sessions is not just to address acute problems but also to serve preventive purposes.

Green Cross Switzerland is optimistic that these therapy services will become established and supplement and consolidate local psychological services. In the same stroke, the initiative will also bolster and promote the psychological resilience of the Ukrainian people.

08.02.2024

Food distributions as part of the Tet Festival

Food distributions as part of the Tet Festival

Tết Nguyên Đán (meaning “Festival of the First Morning”), also known as Tet Festival, is the most important Vietnamese holiday and takes place on February 10 this year. The colorful festival is accompanied by a variety of customs and traditions and preparations usually begin 1-2 weeks in advance: people decorate their homes, visit the graves of their ancestors or cook Vietnamese specialties. The Tet Festival commemorates the ancestors and is also an opportunity for people to welcome the new lunar year with family members.

As part of the Tet Festival, the Krong Buk Charity Project organized food distributions to victims of Agent Orange and their family members in the southern Vietnamese town of Ea Kly. The Charity Project Krong Buk, led by Peter Jenni and Tran Thi Hiep, was able to provide 360 families with food, co-financed by Green Cross Switzerland. This cooperation has been in place since April 2023 and ensures the pragmatic use of relief supplies on the ground.

The aid campaign had a very positive side effect: the food supplier responsible distributed additional food parcels to those affected out of her own motivation.

We are very grateful for the supplier’s help and the cooperation with the Krong Buk charity project. This year, in addition to the existing orthopaedic and social services for victims of Agent Orange as part of the Socmed program, the inclusion and implementation of new content is also planned. Green Cross Switzerland is currently investigating the situation regarding the establishment of microloans for prospective start-up companies. These planning opportunities and the realization of projects would be unthinkable without our donors. We would like to thank you for your continued support.