As part of the RegioBlau project, two key events took place in June 2026 in the pilot regions of Northern Rhineland-Palatinate and Rhön–Vogelsberg. The aim of the project is to strengthen the implementation of water retention measures in municipal and privately owned forests by expanding regional governance structures and raising awareness in a targeted manner.
Regional project group meeting in Northern Rhineland-Palatinate
On 19 June 2025, representatives from forestry offices, public authorities, local councils and other regional stakeholders gathered at the Hachenburg Forestry Training Centre. The focus was on the results of expert interviews conducted previously and on developing initial approaches for the planned dialogue processes. The discussions highlighted the need for low-threshold support and funding schemes for private forest owners. Furthermore, a call was made for an ‘enabling administration’ that actively supports the implementation of measures. Other topics included the simplification of approval procedures and the greater involvement of local political decision-makers.
Successful launch in the Rhön–Vogelsberg pilot region
On 23 June 2025, the RegioBlau kick-off event for the Rhön–Vogelsberg pilot region took place. Alongside the Hofbieber and Schlüchtern forestry offices, regional stakeholders from the districts of Fulda and Main-Kinzig took part. Following an introduction to the project, the participating forestry offices presented their views on the regional challenges and key areas for action. The participants then discussed various starting points for further collaboration. These included greater use and communication of water flow path maps within local authorities, raising awareness amongst politicians and administrators of the importance of water retention in forests, identifying measures that do not require approval procedures, and clarifying the roles, responsibilities and support needs of the stakeholder groups involved.
The events in both pilot regions demonstrate a high level of interest in cross-sectoral collaboration on the topic of water retention in forests. The insights gained form an important basis for the project’s development of practical solutions.
Further information on the RegioBlau project can be found at: https://www.ifls.de/regioblau/
Contact person at IfLS: Dr. Marie Sophie Schmidt (schmidt[at]ifls.de)
