Environment

Germany's coastal and inland waterways are precious assets that must be used and preserved sustainably. Rivers, floodplains and estuaries form highly complex ecosystems, provide habitats for many animal and plant species, contribute to climate regulation and assist in flood protection. Transporting goods by water relieves the burden on roads and railways. Waterways are among the most ecologically sustainable transport routes. And the expansion of highly-efficient wind energy on our coasts is a key factor in the energy transition and for climate protection. On the other hand, human interventions affect rivers and coastal areas just as much as progressive climate change.

It has long been recognised that waterways need to be used in ways that avoid provoking conflicts between economic and ecological goals. National and international guidelines, laws and regulations for nature, environmental and water protection present us with new challenges. Where and how can the renaturation of federal waterways succeed? How can the consequences of climate change be predicted and what adaptation strategies are available? And which of the possible solutions for infrastructure measures, renaturation, green shipping or sediment management are both sustainable and safe? Complex questions such as these can only be answered in an interdisciplinary context on the basis of consistent research and development.