Suche
Mein Konto
Lausitz in transition: Innovative cycle path defies climate change!
The BTU Cottbus and ZALF are developing climate change-adapted cycle paths in Lusatia to promote the bioeconomy and tourism.
Lausitz in transition: Innovative cycle path defies climate change!
Lusatia is reinventing itself as a model region for climate-adapted cycle tourism and bioeconomy. As part of the research project “Landscape innovations in Lusatia for a climate-adapted bioeconomy and natural bioeconomy tourism” (LIL-KliBioTo), the Brandenburg Technical University of Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU) and the Leibniz Center for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) have developed Germany's first climate change-adapted cycle path. The cycle path called “Kühle Spur” runs between the Altdöberner and Großräschener lakes and sets new standards in the adaptation of cycle paths to the challenges of climate change.
The initiative is particularly important because Lusatia is considered one of the most sensitive regions in Central Europe. The increase in hot summer days is already having a serious impact on agriculture and nature-based cycle tourism in the region. These developments bring with them the need to take measures to ensure the region's attractiveness for cyclists. Thanks to the developing lake landscape and well-developed themed cycle paths, the region offers great potential, which should now be used in a targeted manner.
Measures to adapt to climate change
The measures initiated by the cycle path project include a targeted route through shady forest areas and the installation of drinking fountains. Landscape elements will also be installed to provide shade and make your stay more pleasant. Scientists use drones to analyze the effects of temperature on the landscape and identify critical hot and cold spots. This is intended to promote sustainable use of the space.
The planning of the cycle path also takes the users’ perspective into account. In addition to a sensible route length, points of interest, rest areas, swimming opportunities and connections to local public transport are included. An interactive map with hot and cool points in Lusatia was created to inform cyclists about the climatic conditions. In addition, the results of the project will be disseminated via apps in order to reach a broad audience.
Research and interdisciplinary approaches
The project, which started at the end of 2022 and runs until the end of October 2025, is being carried out as part of the “Land-Innovation-Lausitz” (LIL) research alliance and is funded by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). Over 60 partners from various areas such as research, business, agriculture, politics and administration are involved in the implementation. Interdisciplinary research offers Lusatia the opportunity to act as a model region for climate-adapted land use.
The importance of the project is emphasized by experts such as Prof. Dr. Sonoko Bellingrath-Kimura, co-head of the “Land Use and Governance” program at ZALF, and Prof. Dr. Frank Wätzold, Chair of Environmental Economics at the BTU, underlined. Both recognize the urgency of developing innovative solutions in the face of climate change in order to both protect biodiversity and establish sustainable forms of tourism.
Overall, the project aims to promote cycle tourism and at the same time adapt the bioeconomy in Lusatia. The challenges posed by climate change require quick action and innovative approaches to ensure the beauty and use of the region in the future.
A website is available for further information on the topic and the LIL-KliBioTo project: LIL-KliBioTo. Details about the research work and the measures can also be found on the website Brandenburg Technical University Cottbus-Senftenberg.