The advancing climate change is a growing threat to biodiversity. The close connection and mutual influence of biodiversity and climate is becoming increasingly important in science and politics, both nationally and internationally.

22 participants from science, politics, administration, from practice and from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) exchanged views on current issues and solutions in the overlapping area of biodiversity, nature conservation and climate change in a stimulating conference atmosphere on the Isle of Vilm. The experts presented their current research results and projects in short presentations. “The conference is a special opportunity to deal with the topics from different perspectives. This results in new perspectives, synergies and the opportunity to network,” said Jutta Stadler from BfN. “This year the focus was on discussions about urban nature and water management.”

Using examples, the participants discussed how biodiversity conservation measures can also support adaptation measures of various sectors to climate change. Or also to what extent adaptation measures or climate protection measures can be designed in such a way that synergies with nature conservation can be achieved. For example, Prof. Manfred Köhler from Hochschule Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences impressively demonstrated how green roofs can contribute both to improving the urban climate and to promoting biodiversity in urban areas. And Prof. Petra Schneider from the Hochschule Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences used the example of forest and moorland areas in the Natura 2000 protected area Süppling to explain how degraded habitats can be revitalized through appropriate water management, thus simultaneously achieving climate protection and adaptation.

The aim of the event is to improve the exchange of information and experience among national actors in the field of biodiversity, climate and land degradation and to network the institutions involved. Abstracts of the lectures will be published as a paper in the BfN script series.