Protect Ethiopia from biopiracy

17.05.2012 – 10:00 am/pm

Lecture by Dr. Gemedo Dalle, Institute of Biodiversity Conservation (IBC)

Ethiopia is one of the global hotspots of biodiversity: in a comparatively small space, it hosts a huge variety of plant and animal life. Many of these plants are of commercial value, for example for the production of medicines. As the products are often developed in high-tech laboratories, countries of origin like Ethiopia are at risk to lose out on the benefits.

Admission: free

The importance of Biodiversity

10.05.2012 – 10:00 am

Lecture by Dr. Algenesh, Institute of Biodiversity Conservation (IBC)

The planet’s rich diversity of plant and animal life is increasingly threatened. The reasons are not only the expansion of human settlements and pollution, but can also be found in modern agriculture: A small number of commercial, often genetically modified seeds are replacing hundreds of varieties that have adapted to local environments. However, biodiversity is a necessity for future adaption in the context of new challenges, including climate change.

Admission: free

Goethe-Institut , Addis Ababa

8. Mai, 19.00 h Film Screening and Presentation: “Urban Change | Recycling”

Amharisch with englishen subtitles
Admission free

Addis Ababa is undergoing rapid urban change. 3 short documentaries produced by the Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction and City Development (EiABC) trace how some of these changes influence informal areas, newly emerging condominiums, micro-economies and the recycling centers (Minalesh Terra): “Disappearing Spaces” (13 min.), “Emerging Spaces” (15 min.) and “Supporting Spaces” (14 min.). In Amharic with English subtitles. Bisrat Kifle, Architect/Planner and Lecturer at EiABC, the co-producer of the movies, will be present for further discussion. In addition, German artist Nana Petzet with Ethiopian artists Tesfahun Kibru and Helen Zeru present their “research” about recycling processes in Addis Ababa.

Website: Nana Petzet

Goethe-Institut , Addis Ababa

Wednesday, 9. May, 19.00 hours
Film screening and discussion: Adopted, Dokumentarfilm, 2010, 89 min.

Admission free

The art project „Adopted“ by Gudrun F. Widlok (documentary film, 2010, 89min) plays with the dominant perception that the rich West gives something to the needy South. The usual game of excess and lack is reversed: Adult European, who are detached from their families, are given godparents in Africa. Initially thought up as artistic fiction, the project turned into reality due to high demand: To this day, more than 150 Europeans have been brought together with families in Ghana.

Website: Gudrun F. Widlok

Goethe-Institut , Addis Ababa

15.05.2012 – 19:00 hours
The Yes Men Fix The World – USA 2009, 95 min.

Admission free

‘The Yes Men’, Jacques Servin and Igor Vamos, are also known as Andy Bichlbaum and Mike Bonnano. From their office in Milwaukee they have spent the last few years using subversion to try and shake up the world, or at least the USA, They have become the bugbears of big corporations and their machinations.mFor the project “The Yes Men Fix the World,” the duo produced a special edition of the New York Times, with only positive news. The film presents the project and public reaction to it. It is moderated by Alemayehu Seife-Selassie, Media Division Head Proworks Multimedia.

Website: The Yes Men

Goethe-Institut , Addis Ababa

17. May, 19.00 hours Film premiere:
The Little Investigators Research Climate Change

Admission free

Two new episodes of the TV series “The Little Investigators” produced by Whizkids Workshop tackle the issue of climate change in Ethiopia. Scientifically sound and attractively presented, the episodes explain the link between CO2-emissions and environmental change to young Ethiopians aged 12 to 17. In Amharic with English subtitles. A project of the Goethe-Institut and Whizkids Workshop financed by the Climate Fund 2011 of the German Embassy in Addis Ababa.