Brandenburg in the climate focus: Innovation for nature and the economy!

Brandenburg in the climate focus: Innovation for nature and the economy!

On October 7, 2025, more than 150 participants in Cottbus discussed the future opportunities through natural climate protection in Brandenburg. This event created a broad space for experts from science, practice and associations who dealt with the opportunities and hurdles in the area of ​​climate protection. A common theme was the need for healthy moors, forests and water bodies, which are crucial for a stable climate, water balance and agricultural productivity. Magdalena Eder, who speaks from the Brandenburg Climate Alliance, emphasized the importance of intact ecosystems for economic activity in the region.

The role of agriculture and land use was particularly emphasized at the conference by Prof. Herman Lotze-Campen, an expert from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. He pointed out that these areas are central to achieving climate goals. The President of the BTU Cottbus–Senftenberg, Prof. Gesine Grande, emphasized the importance of the university as a science location for transformation and regional innovation. In this context, innovative projects such as paludiculture and climate-resilient forest management were mentioned, which require funding and political support.

Hidden potential and necessary measures

Joyce-Ann Syhre from BUND Brandenburg called for legal changes, especially with regard to the Water Act and Forest Act. Björn Ellner from NABU Brandenburg made it clear that funding should be specifically aimed at biodiversity, climate protection and resilience. The newly established Regional Office for Natural Climate Protection aims to network actors and promote cooperation.

The panel entitled “From potential to practice” discussed how natural climate protection can not only trigger innovation, but also promote regional value creation. This discussion shows Brandenburg's ambition to position itself as a pioneering region in terms of both economic strength and ecological responsibility. Eder calls for joint action by the Ministry of Economics and the Environment in order to further develop the prospects for natural climate protection.

Innovative approaches to peatland use

One of the challenges raised during the conference is the lack of practical and profitable examples of peatland conservation or peatland management. The Alter Technologiezentrum (ATB) in Potsdam is working intensively on solutions for moor protection. Research is being carried out into the production of biochar as a peat substitute. Current projects focus on developing strategies for managing high water levels and establishing attractive utilization options for peatland biomass in regional value chains.

A central focus is on cascading biomass use, which primarily offers material recycling with higher added value and a better climate balance compared to energy use. The ATB can look back on decades of experience in technology and process development, especially with regard to fiber extraction from plants such as hemp or nettle. This expertise is now being used to adapt established processes and develop new solutions for paludiculture plants.

Overall, the conference in Cottbus shows that Brandenburg is on the right track to address challenges in the area of ​​natural climate protection and to promote innovative approaches to the utilization and management of natural resources. The lively discussion among the participants illustrates the need for a stronger legal and financial framework in order to successfully leverage this potential.

For more information about the event and the topics covered, read b-tu.de, atb-potsdam.de and bdp-net.de.