Robert's provision of climate information helped us to identify agricultural species and practices that remain robust under different climate scenarios. He discussed with farmers first-hand which climate change phenomena they are already experiencing and linked climate projections with existing vulnerabilities. Identifying climate change adaptation strategies is not a straightforward process. Many factors come into play, such as preexisting vulnerabilities, community culture, and eating habits, as well as legal frameworks. Robert excellently guided the team through this process of identifying risks and opportunities while navigating the uncertainties.

Adaptation to climate change as part of comprehensive risk management is a highly complex task that requires on the one hand a deep understanding of physical climate models and on the other hand a systemic understanding and locally adapted flexible solution mechanisms. Dr. Robert Bierkandt brings a corresponding mix of qualifications and approaches to his consulting approach that is rare in the respective consulting industry. He is an excellent climate scientist who understands the models behind climate projections and is able to classify their validity. At the same time, he has been deeply involved with approaches of systemic organizational development in the various roles of his development as a consultant. Joint learning with clients and supporting their capacity development is the focus of his consulting work. Thus, his consulting philosophy emphasizes one of the most important factors of successful adaptation measures to climate change: the establishment of constant learning processes and feedback mechanisms. In our manifold cooperation with Robert we have come to a strategic further development of a holistic climate policy (mitigation-adaptation nexus) and to an evolution of our understanding of ‘climate information’ towards a systemic approach of ‘climate services’. In the respective consulting constellations, Robert and his immediate clients have always succeeded in developing functioning science-policy interfaces.

Dr. Bierkandt's creative hypotheses and assumptions let us initiate a national-level discussion on NAP [National Adaptation Plan] processes. The institutional arrangements suggested by Dr. Bierkandt have been highly valued by the Ministry responsible for climate policy and are used as the main guiding concept for integrating climate adaptation at the sub-national level. I would like to highlight Dr. Bierkandt’s creative and adaptive approach to problem-solving, prioritizing our partners’ needs and finding working solutions. I can point out his dedication to exploring and understanding the relationships and dynamics in a governance system.

I believe that with Dr. Bierkandt’s support, we were among the first international projects to emphasize the importance and urgency of adaptation to the negative impacts of climate change. Collaborating with Dr. Bierkandt was a true pleasure as he has proved himself to be an outstanding coach with solid knowledge in the field of climate change. It is important to highlight that Dr. Bierkandt is one of the few coaches who are ready to fully immerse in the assignment and implement training activities in the best possible way. His approach was different from what we usually expect from traditional ways of delivering a training: Robert ensured that participants could work independently to reveal their hidden potential and gave them the opportunity to reflect on a topic quite new for them.

Dr. Robert Bierkandt was the speaker at the seminar “Sustainable development in agriculture in the context of climate change“. Although the participants from ministries, research institutions and NGOs dealt with the issue in different ways, he excellently succeeded in presenting the topic in such a way that all participants were able to find common ground in the seminar.

From my experience in GIZ Robert Bierkandt was one of the most professional and easy-going persons/ experts I had a pleasure to work with.