Nature Conservation Symposium on September 3rd and 4th Focuses on the Forest

Registration possible

How do we make the forest climate-resilient? Do we leave the forest to itself or manage it purposefully? And what does this mean for biodiversity and species protection? These and other questions are the focus of the conservation symposium on the topic "Forest in Transition" in Saarbrücken. It will take place on September 3rd at the Saarland University of Applied Sciences for Technology and Economics (htw saar). On September 4th, a half-day excursion to the primeval forest on the outskirts of the city will follow. Registration is now possible online.

"Saarland is one of the federal states richest in forest. With around 93,000 hectares, our deciduous-rich and mixed forest covers about 36 percent of the state’s area. It provides a habitat for many species, acts as a climate protector, water filter, and raw material supplier. In addition, we use it for walking and dog walking, cycling, and hiking," says Environment Minister Petra Berg. "However, climate change is putting a lot of strain on the trees. They suffer from the changing conditions. It is all the more urgent to redesign the forest to be climate-resilient. Various concepts and approaches exist in science on how this can succeed. We will also address this area of tension in September in Saarbrücken."

The symposium conveys scientific fundamentals and the latest research findings. In addition, it illustrates the current situation of our forests with practical examples and regional references. Topics include, for example, the effects on climate and biodiversity of forest wilderness and managed forests as well as the possibilities of genetic adaptation of trees to climate change. But also the forest development in the Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park, Saarland’s biodiversity strategy, and reforestation along rivers are on the agenda. The event concludes with a panel discussion, where questions from the audience will also be addressed.

On September 4th, a half-day excursion to the primeval forest on the outskirts of the city follows, addressing the topic "From Dominant Forest to Industrial Forest to Natural Forest – Three Management Models."

The nature conservation symposium is aimed, among others, at nature conservation associations, municipalities, volunteers, as well as foresters. But interested parties from other fields, for example students, are also invited to register.

The symposium is organized by the Saarland Environment Ministry and the Regional Office for Natural Climate Protection, which is affiliated with the ministry.

Further information about the event, the program, and the possibility to register can be found on our website: More about the conservation symposium