Building Collaborative Partnerships: An Example …
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2.2 Tools and Measures to Implement a Dialogue Between
Academics, Practitioners, and Citizens
2.2.1 Project Framework
The “BebeR”-project fits into several national activities that are aimed at mitigating
the consequences of climate change on a regional and local level. The focus is on
soil erosion, which is an important part of the strategy: “In connection with the
German Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change (DAS), regional statements on
the vulnerability of soil to climate changes are required to develop a perspective on
long-term adaptation strategies” (UBA 2016).
The pilot region for project “BebeR” is the administrative district of MansfeldSüdharz. This district is situated in the south of the German federal state of SaxonyAnhalt and covers an area of nearly 1450 km
2 . Land use in the rural areas is dominated
by agriculture and forestry.
The administrational authorities of Mansfeld-Südharz have been working on local
climate change adaptation measures since 2011. The work has been carried out during
two phases. The goal of the first phase (project “Klimpass”, 2011–2012) included
the compilation of a local adaptation strategy. Within the second phase (project
“Klimpass-Aktiv”, 2013–2016), the advancement, implementation, and evaluation
of specific adaptation measures were envisaged. The development of interactive vulnerability maps and the improvement of networking of relevant actors using internet
technologies and Web-GIS (-geographical information systems), were key elements
(Pundt et al. 2017).
The project “BebeR”, running from 2017 to 2019, is looking especially at the
improvement of the existing methodologies for soil erosion vulnerability assessment
on a local scale. Furthermore, measures to mitigate erosion are envisaged. Soil erosion
has been identified as a seriously pressing problem within the region. Two river
catchments were selected for closer observation. For these catchments, all relevant
actors dealing with water management and soil protection issues, were identified.
Datasets from different providers were collected aiming at describing the catchments
and the flow processes with the help of suitable computer tools, e.g. simulation
models. The basic data and the results of analyses are presented to all interested
parties. This is done mainly through maps, which requires easy-to-use Web-GIStools, accessible for all partners. Communication structures were established thus
containing traditional forms, such as workshops and meetings, and internet-based
forms, such as a digital forum. Both enable project partners to participate interactively
in the development and critical discussion about climate change adaptation measures.
625
2.2 Tools and Measures to Implement a Dialogue Between
Academics, Practitioners, and Citizens
2.2.1 Project Framework
The “BebeR”-project fits into several national activities that are aimed at mitigating
the consequences of climate change on a regional and local level. The focus is on
soil erosion, which is an important part of the strategy: “In connection with the
German Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change (DAS), regional statements on
the vulnerability of soil to climate changes are required to develop a perspective on
long-term adaptation strategies” (UBA 2016).
The pilot region for project “BebeR” is the administrative district of MansfeldSüdharz. This district is situated in the south of the German federal state of SaxonyAnhalt and covers an area of nearly 1450 km
2 . Land use in the rural areas is dominated
by agriculture and forestry.
The administrational authorities of Mansfeld-Südharz have been working on local
climate change adaptation measures since 2011. The work has been carried out during
two phases. The goal of the first phase (project “Klimpass”, 2011–2012) included
the compilation of a local adaptation strategy. Within the second phase (project
“Klimpass-Aktiv”, 2013–2016), the advancement, implementation, and evaluation
of specific adaptation measures were envisaged. The development of interactive vulnerability maps and the improvement of networking of relevant actors using internet
technologies and Web-GIS (-geographical information systems), were key elements
(Pundt et al. 2017).
The project “BebeR”, running from 2017 to 2019, is looking especially at the
improvement of the existing methodologies for soil erosion vulnerability assessment
on a local scale. Furthermore, measures to mitigate erosion are envisaged. Soil erosion
has been identified as a seriously pressing problem within the region. Two river
catchments were selected for closer observation. For these catchments, all relevant
actors dealing with water management and soil protection issues, were identified.
Datasets from different providers were collected aiming at describing the catchments
and the flow processes with the help of suitable computer tools, e.g. simulation
models. The basic data and the results of analyses are presented to all interested
parties. This is done mainly through maps, which requires easy-to-use Web-GIStools, accessible for all partners. Communication structures were established thus
containing traditional forms, such as workshops and meetings, and internet-based
forms, such as a digital forum. Both enable project partners to participate interactively
in the development and critical discussion about climate change adaptation measures.