Marseilles France July 1st 2003. GSDP Marseille of GERLIN Sustainable Development Project (GSDP) part of GERLING Group of Insurance Companies and the international activities of the company have been taken over by Dirk P. Kohler through management buy out. In 1998 Kohler initiated the establishment of GSDP to move GERLING into fostering of sustainable development through concrete project development. Kohler will continue GSDP development in international business. "We will act under a global firm and explore the existing network and expertise for our future business development and strength the companies basis through a broader and new shareholder structure," declared Kohler today in Marseilles.

GSDP has started in 1998 to explore the business opportunities in sustainable development.

Projects like the GERLING' sustainability strategy, European research on implementing Kyoto mechanisms and contributions of financial institution, the active participation in the United Nations climate change working group, venture capital for the exploration of freshwater spring-fields under the sea, implementation of biogas in Vietnam, regional development on islands, insurance sector development in Northern Africa and research on innovation sustainability and technological risks are some examples of proven success.

In France GSDP is co-founder of AUXILIA in partnership with the French energy giant EDF and other stakeholder, assisting local authorities in Agenda 21 and developing methodologies for industrial ecology. In Greece project development for the exploration of geothermal energy on the island of Milos is ongoing.

"We believe in the future Euro Mediterranean free trade zone as defined under the Barcelona treaty and the strategic position of Marseille in this market."

“Known for new and innovative projects GSDP is in addition to the insurance and financial services industry also successful in the water and energy sector," says Kohler.

With a background in applied economics, environmental management and insurance Kohler have been associated with GERLING since 1987.