Preserving our natural heritage
The biological diversity around Baden-Baden appears in many habitats, from species rich meadows to sunlit forest edges and near natural woodland. The city forest is one of them, a place of retreat, a space for adventure, a protector of the climate and a home for many species. Yet it also feels the effects of climate change with drought, heat and storm damage.
That is why our efforts begin here, with climate resilient tree species that are better adapted to the new conditions. They strengthen the forest and help preserve biodiversity, supporting greater species richness, fresh air and genuine encounters with nature.
Our first project
Biodiversity describes the variety of life, from plants and animals to microorganisms and their habitats. It forms the basis of stable ecosystems and thus also of our climate, clean water and fertile soils.
Enriching the city forest with climate resilient tree species is essential. These species are better adapted to rising temperatures, longer dry periods and extreme weather events. In this way, the forest remains healthy in the long term, offers habitat for numerous species and actively contributes to climate protection.
With your donation you support the preservation of biodiversity and help ensure that we can continue to benefit from the many positive effects of a healthy forest in Baden Baden in the future, for the climate, for species diversity and for our own wellbeing.
Climate change is profoundly transforming our forest ecosystems. Water balance, vegetation cycles and soil conditions are falling out of equilibrium. To strengthen the resilience of the city forest, greater diversity becomes essential. Climate stable, rare tree species reduce risks from heat, pests or extreme weather and enhance biodiversity.
And this is only the beginning. From here, our commitment will continue to grow.
Our first biodiversity project focuses on the Baden-Baden city forest. Yet “preserving our natural heritage” reaches further. Outside the forest as well, from blooming FFH meadows to sunlit forest edges or abandoned vineyard terraces, there are valuable habitats that deserve protection.
In the open cultural landscape, the loss of species is particularly severe. At the same time, these areas make an important contribution to climate protection, for example through CO₂ storage in extensively managed meadows.
That is why from the very beginning we are thinking beyond the forest. In the long term, these habitats will also become part of the project, complementing the measures taking place in the woodland.
No – the measures carried out as part of “Preserving our natural heritage” go beyond the city’s mandatory responsibilities. They represent an additional commitment that would not be possible without donations and voluntary support.
The city of Baden-Baden naturally fulfils its legal duties in forest management and nature conservation. This project complements those activities with concrete, targeted measures to protect biodiversity, such as planting climate resilient tree species, maintaining species rich meadows or implementing measures along forest edges.
Only through the involvement of the Citizens Foundation, tourism, the forestry department and dedicated supporters can projects like these be realised at all. Every donation helps to achieve more than what is legally required, securing our natural heritage for the long term.
Together for greater biodiversity
Behind the project stand dedicated partners, bringing expertise, passion and a shared vision: to protect nature in and around Baden-Baden and to keep it alive and tangible for future generations.
Citizens Foundation Baden-Baden
The Citizens Foundation is the driving force behind the project and supports everything that moves Baden-Baden forward. It brings people, ideas and financial resources together. As a non profit foundation, it creates the basis for local engagement, participation and community cohesion.
The Citizens Foundation ensures that your donation reaches the place where it truly makes an impact.
Forestry Office Baden-Baden
When it comes to the city forest, no one knows it better.
The Forestry Office contributes its professional expertise, from selecting climate resilient tree species to implementing the measures on site. With its knowledge, it ensures that every action makes ecological sense and helps the forest remain healthy, diverse and resilient in the long term.
Agency for Sustainable Communication
Ulrike Stöckle supports the project with her expertise in climate protection, biodiversity and sustainability communication. As the founder of the Agency for Sustainable Communication, she brings more than 16 years of experience in consulting, strategy and education.
She ensures that all content is well founded, easy to understand and communicated with real impact.
Baden-Baden Tourism Board
As the destination management organisation, we bring sustainability, nature experiences and tourism into harmony. We not only make projects like this visible, we embed them within the visitor experience of our city.
We create experiences that allow guests and locals alike to truly feel the value of our natural heritage.
Because we share the responsibility of preserving the natural heritage of our region.
FAQs about donations
Yes! Throughout the entire Christmas Market (27 Nov 25 to 06 Jan 26) you will find a donation box at the beeswax stand Honigseb. Every contribution, whether digital or in person, helps make the Baden-Baden city forest fit for the future.
And on 05 December 2025 we will be present at the Christmas Market with an action day at the Stadtwerke hut, together with the Citizens Foundation and the Forestry Office. On site you can learn more about the project, donate directly and get involved.
Your donation goes 100 percent to the Citizens Foundation Baden-Baden. From there, it is used exclusively for specific measures, for example maintaining species rich meadows, supporting climate resilient forests or preserving valuable habitats.
The practical measures are implemented by the Forestry Office Baden-Baden, drawing on extensive expertise and a long term perspective. By donating, you support an experienced team with deep local roots.
Yes, absolutely. If you as a company or organisation would like to contribute, whether once or on a regular basis, just get in touch with us. Together we will find the model that fits best.
Because Baden-Baden is not only beautiful, but also sensitive. With your contribution you protect the nature you experience yourself: meadows, forests, wild bees. Local, visible and meaningful. In this way, your journey gains new depth, and our region gains greater diversity.
Biodiversity Alliance
Since 2025 we have been an active member of the Biodiversity Alliance in the Karlsruhe region. Together with other dedicated partners, we work to preserve and promote biological diversity in our region.
The alliance is a regional initiative made up of companies, municipalities and institutions that have committed themselves to protecting biodiversity. It is based on shared guidelines, supports concrete biodiversity measures and makes the commitment of its members visible and transparent.
