In typically Bergisch weather – with at times heavy rain – the REGIONALE Congress “Everything is a Resource! Resource Landscape in the Bergisches RheinLand” took place on October 28, 2025, at the innovation site :metabolon on the former Leppe landfill in Lindlar. More than 300 participants from the water, energy, agriculture, and forestry sectors, as well as from academia, administration, and politics, experienced a diverse program of expert presentations, guided tours, and themed forums focused on the efficient use of resources in the Bergisches RheinLand. Prominent guests included meteorologist Karsten Schwanke and North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister for the Environment, Oliver Krischer, who presented a funding notification for the REGIONALE project :bergische rohstoffschmiede.
At the start of the event, Jochen Hagt, District Administrator of the Oberberg District and Chair of the Bergischer Abfallwirtschaftsverband (BAV), welcomed the guests in the research halls of TH Köln at :metabolon. In his address, he emphasized the importance of the region’s native resources – water, stone, wood, and land – and stressed the need for innovative projects to ensure their sustainable and future-oriented use.
One of these innovative projects is the very venue of the congress itself: as a flagship project, :metabolon demonstrates how a regional circular economy can develop. With the ongoing REGIONALE project :bergische rohstoffschmiede, the :metabolon research and learning site is being further expanded – including the construction of a multifunctional building and a research hall equipped with technology focusing on plastics and construction materials.
Funding Approval for :bergische rohstoffschmiede
For the further development of the :bergische rohstoffschmiede, Oliver Krischer, Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport of North Rhine-Westphalia, presented a funding notification to the project managers from BAV and TH Köln. In his address, Krischer highlighted the great innovation potential of the Bergisches RheinLand:
“The Bergisches RheinLand is taking new paths toward sustainable and future-oriented regional development,” said Krischer. “Through strong partnerships and tangible projects, the region shows how environmental protection, economic progress, and social development can go hand in hand. This is a model for all of North Rhine-Westphalia.”
At the same time, Krischer stressed that humanity has overstepped the planet’s limits and that the necessary transition from a linear to a circular economy still requires significant effort. Implementation must happen locally, he said. For him, the Bergisches RheinLand embodies the central question of our time – a call for cultural change and new thinking: waste must be regarded as a valuable raw material to be reused and recycled. The REGIONALE, with its projects, initiates this transformation and shows how life within planetary boundaries can succeed. Alongside :bergische rohstoffschmiede, the Minister also cited the REGIONALE projects Bergische WasserkompetenzRegion :aqualon 2.0 and the Green Mobility Hub in Bergisch Gladbach as examples.
A Call for Smart Resource Management and a New Reservoir
The keynote speech was delivered by meteorologist Karsten Schwanke under the title “Climate Change – and the Challenges for Resources in the Bergisches RheinLand.” He vividly illustrated how climate change is accelerating faster than expected and that extreme weather events will occur more frequently in the future. According to Schwanke, the Bergisches RheinLand possesses key location advantages thanks to its abundant natural resources – particularly rainfall and forests – and its varied topography. However, the effects of climate change are increasingly noticeable and measurable even in the eastern Cologne/Bonn region: summer temperatures are now on average around five degrees higher than in the 1960s, and spring sunshine duration has increased by almost one third. Overall, springs and summers are becoming sunnier and drier, while winters are milder and wetter.
Compared to the Rhine corridor, temperatures in the Bergisches RheinLand are often one to two degrees cooler. Its hilly topography allows for the creation of both small and large water reservoirs – important for retaining water during heavy rainfall and for securing public and industrial water supplies. Schwanke praised the historical spirit of innovation in the Bergisches RheinLand and called for smart resource management and improved flood protection. In his view, building new reservoirs will become unavoidable in the future.
Never Underestimate the Power of Citizens
In the subsequent panel discussion, experts explored the importance of the Bergisches RheinLand’s diverse resource landscape for local people and businesses. Dr. Reimar Molitor, Managing Director of the REGIONALE 2025 Agency, and Prof. Michael Narodoslawsky, member of the REGIONALE Advisory Board, discussed water-related challenges with Dr. Uwe Moshage (Aggerverband), Ingo Noppen (Wupperverband), and Thorsten Reuter (Loopeperle e.V.). Moshage and Noppen emphasized that longer dry periods and increased algae growth make drinking water treatment increasingly important, while Reuter advocated for more private groundwater storage, such as cisterns and rain barrels in gardens.
On the topic of agriculture and forestry, Frank Herhaus, Head of Department at the Oberberg District, pointed out the lack of processing facilities, particularly in the meat sector, which hampers projects like the REGIONALE Food Hub. Dr. Franz Staubinger of the Hatzfeld-Wildenburg Administration criticized the overexploitation of forests and called for more cooperation and less regulation. In the future, mixed forests and revitalization of tree populations – including species resilient to extreme climate conditions – will be essential.
In the energy discussion, Christoph Schmidt, CEO of StadtWerke Rösrath AG, stressed the importance of citizen-driven ideas for advancing the energy transition. The energy transition, he noted, must be implemented locally and should welcome unconventional approaches. Bernd Rosenbauer of the Lieberhausen Energy Cooperative confirmed the inventive spirit of the Bergisches people: “We must not underestimate the power of citizens to make change happen.” It’s about inspiring people and showing possibilities.
In a subsequent discussion with Dr. Reimar Molitor, Elke Reichert, President of the State Office for Nature, Environment and Climate of North Rhine-Westphalia, called for greater public awareness regarding self-protection and local responsibility. She emphasized the role of districts and municipalities in joint action and noted that renewable energy still holds enormous potential for expansion. The morning concluded with a panel from :bergische rohstoffschmiede, which explored how circular economy principles can be transferred from research into practice.
Expert Forums and Future Workshops in Spring 2026
During the lunch break, participants joined guided tours of the :metabolon site. The following expert forums, led by renowned specialists on water, land, and energy, offered participants opportunities to delve deeper into key resource topics, exchange ideas, and develop new innovative project concepts.
Musical accompaniment for the congress was provided by Julian and Roman Wasserfuhr, internationally acclaimed jazz musicians from Hückeswagen, who performed together with cellist Jörg Brinkmann. They presented pieces from their album “Echoes_Sound of Home,” produced especially for the REGIONALE.
The congress was organized by the REGIONALE 2025 Agency in cooperation with its shareholders – the Oberberg District, the Rheinisch-Berg District, the Rhein-Sieg District, and Region Köln/Bonn e.V. – together with BAV and TH Köln as partners.
Beyond the congress, three Future Workshops focusing on the key topics will be held in 2026. Participation is free of charge. Registration is available at: www.regionale2025.de/zukunftswerkstaetten/
On July 7, 2025, the large-scale art installation “ECHO” at the Aggertalsperre was officially inaugurated as part of the REGIONALE 2025 Bergisches RheinLand. More than 50 guests from politics, administration, and the community attended the event.
The spectacular installation by the internationally renowned artist collective Boa Mistura from Madrid addresses the REGIONALE future theme “Everything is a Resource!” With its creative concept, it connects the elements of water, forest, stone, and grass in a new, sensually perceptible way. On the water side of the dam, the word “ECHO” was installed — but only half of it: the reflection in the water completes the word and makes it readable. This creates a fascinating interplay between art and landscape that changes regularly depending on the water level and sunlight.
“We were fascinated by the power of the landscape and especially the water in Bergisches RheinLand, which inspired ‘ECHO.’ It is a living artwork that connects with nature and is emotionally perceptible. ‘ECHO’ makes a statement, serves as a resonance space, and creates an echo. We are very proud to be part of such a relevant and important program like REGIONALE, which aligns perfectly with our vision to create something we have never done before,” emphasized Pablo Ferreiro Mederos from Boa Mistura.
A strong statement for sustainable resource management
Jochen Hagt, District Administrator of Oberbergischer Kreis and Chair of the Steering Committee of REGIONALE 2025, underlined the importance of “ECHO” in light of current environmental challenges and praised the collaborative efforts of all involved: “Especially in times when issues like climate change and resource management seem to be pushed into the political background, we are sending a signal here in Bergisches RheinLand,” said Hagt. “‘ECHO’ works on several levels: it reflects the element of water, creates resonance within the landscape — and ideally also with the viewer,” the District Administrator hopes.
The dam wall of the Aggertalsperre serves as the canvas for the artwork. Dr. Uwe Moshage, Board Member of the Agger Association, also expressed enthusiasm for the artwork and is pleased that the Aggertalsperre was chosen as the site for “ECHO.” “As an association, we depend on careful management of the landscape — so a temporary installation that artistically centers our resources is absolutely fitting,” said Moshage.
The letters of “ECHO” are up to 34 meters wide and 6.5 meters high. In total, the lettering stretches over 137 meters along the dam wall. The installation was executed by proud to print GmbH using a special foil technique applied to a dam wall for the first time in Germany. The foil is completely removable — dismantling is scheduled for spring 2026.
A REGIONALE thrives on making unusual things possible. “With the artwork ‘ECHO,’ we are staging the Aggertalsperre in a spectacular way. We want people in the region to develop their own connections with the term,” said Dr. Reimar Molitor, Managing Director of the REGIONALE 2025 Agency. REGIONALE 2025 invites people to engage with the topic of resource use amid an impressive landscape.
The opening was musically accompanied by jazz musicians Julian and Roman Wasserfuhr from Hückeswagen. With excerpts from their album “ECHOES – Sound of Home,” composed especially for REGIONALE 2025, they created an acoustic reflection of the visual artwork.
More information about ECHO at: www.regionale2025.de/echo
The Cologne/Bonn Region Visits Bergisches RheinLand
What regional cohesion can look like in practice was impressively demonstrated on Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the “Long Day of the Region” in Gummersbach. Just in time for the official start of summer, around 500 guests from across the Cologne/Bonn region gathered under sunny skies and summer temperatures at Halle 32 on the former Steinmüller industrial site. Together, they discussed current challenges and potential for regional development.
Organized by Region Köln/Bonn e.V., this year’s “Long Day”—held annually on June 21 and rotating through different parts of the region—was hosted in close cooperation with the Oberberg district, the REGIONALE 2025 Bergisches RheinLand initiative, the city of Gummersbach, VfL Gummersbach, and the local savings banks of Oberberg, who also brought along their impressive Sparkassen truck to provide activities for both children and adults.
The day began with a diverse excursion program, which this year focused not only on the Agglomeration Program of the Cologne/Bonn region but especially on the state-funded structural development program REGIONALE 2025. Ten thematic tours led participants through the Oberberg district, the Rheinisch-Bergisch district, and the eastern Rhein-Sieg district. Policymakers, administrators, academics, and business representatives were given exclusive insights into model projects and innovative sites of regional development.
Participants experienced firsthand the REGIONALE’s focus areas—such as repurposing and innovation, circular economy, mobility, civic engagement, culture, and recreation—through inspiring examples: in Hückeswagen, the historic castle is being transformed into an inclusive “Castle for All”; in Lindlar, circular and resource-efficient construction methods are pioneering sustainable urban development. The regional business community also presented itself as forward-looking and innovative—with companies like bicycle tire manufacturer Schwalbe, ALHO Systembau GmbH, and ABUS Crane Systems showcasing sustainable and technological responses to current challenges.
Another key focus was civic engagement, which the state program is specifically designed to promote—highlighted by initiatives like the bioenergy village Lieberhausen, the Genuss-Werkstatt, and the Dorfservice Oberberg, all of which show how people are actively shaping a “good life” in the Bergisches RheinLand.
The long-term and positive effects of REGIONALE initiatives were also evident through completed projects from REGIONALE 2010, such as Schloss Homburg, the revitalized Ohler Wiesen in Wipperfürth, and the transformation of the Steinmüller site in Gummersbach.
This year’s venue for the regional networking event stands as a model of successful project implementation: the 18-hectare area in the heart of Gummersbach has been transformed into a vibrant city district featuring jobs and high quality of life. The former industrial wasteland has become a driver of economic, scientific, recreational, and service development far beyond the city and district—thanks to strategic planning, wise investments, bold political decisions, and substantial private investment. In his welcome speech, Gummersbach’s mayor Frank Helmenstein emphasized the catalytic power of initial funding paired with sound planning.
In addition to a large shopping center, the area is now home to the Gummersbach campus of TH Köln, global IT and engineering service provider FERCHAU, the REGIONALE 2025 project “Innovation Hub Bergisches RheinLand” serving as a networking and innovation hub between science and business, and the Halle 32 event space. The site also hosts the Schwalbe Arena, home to the VfL Gummersbach handball team.
Jochen Hagt, District Administrator of the Oberberg district and Chair of the Steering Committee for REGIONALE 2025 Bergisches RheinLand, emphasized the enormous significance of the model projects showcased annually during the “Long Day of the Region.” Their success, he stressed, is largely thanks to the continued support from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the commitment of regional actors—from politicians and public administrators to engaged citizens. He also highlighted the importance of cooperation beyond district borders, which is expected to continue beyond the program’s timeline. Ongoing collaboration within Region Köln/Bonn e.V. ensures this continuity.
The powerful impact that emerges from strategic support, solidarity, and community engagement was also underlined by Nathanael Liminski, Minister for Federal and European Affairs, International Affairs, and Media in North Rhine-Westphalia and Head of the State Chancellery:
“What I particularly appreciate about the REGIONALE as a structural program: it’s not a top-down, state-mandated initiative—it is a program by and with a region. It thrives on participation, local expertise, engaged municipalities, creative changemakers, and, most importantly, citizens willing to take responsibility.” This, he said, is not something to be taken for granted—but it is the true recipe for success. At a time when polarization and fragmentation are increasing, the Cologne/Bonn region shows what is possible through collaboration—“across district boundaries, legislative terms, and party lines.”
The region’s strong spirit of cooperation was also reflected in the formal transition of the chair of Region Köln/Bonn e.V. After two successful years, Cologne’s Mayor Henriette Reker symbolically passed the baton to Sebastian Schuster, District Administrator of the Rhein-Sieg district, who will now lead the association for the next two years.
Following the official reception, guests continued their conversations about the region’s future in the Steinmüller site’s city park, enjoying the beautiful summer weather.
On December 17, 2024, the Regional Forum on Multiple Inner Development took place at the Zeughaus Neuss. More than 120 experts from politics, administration, business, and planning came together to address the pressing questions of urban development in the Cologne/Bonn region. The focus was on the four central dimensions of Multiple Inner Development: density and diversity of use, sustainable mobility, blue-green infrastructures, and sustainable energy supply.
Impulses and Workshops with Experts
Following introductory impulses from experts such as Patricia Kraus, transport planner from the city of Bochum, and Peter Küsters from GREENPASS GmbH, participants engaged in interactive workshops. These provided practical insights both through the experts and collegial exchange among participants. Together, concrete questions were tackled, for example: “How can diversity of use be implemented conflict-free in dense urban neighborhoods?” or “Can the ongoing housing demand in the region be a driver for Multiple Inner Development?”
The goal of the workshops was to develop solutions, recommendations, and examples for the challenges of implementing Multiple Inner Development. The content focus was on one of the four dimensions – density and diversity of use, sustainable mobility, blue-green infrastructures, and sustainable energy supply – while also highlighting connections to the other thematic fields. The discussions related to specific neighborhoods, locations, and projects, whereas overarching citywide and regional approaches were reserved for the panel discussions. Different spatial situations, from urban centers to rural areas, were addressed to consider the diverse demands and opportunities of Multiple Inner Development.
Panel Discussions: Implementation Strategies and Perspectives
After the workshops concluded, the panel discussions offered an opportunity to reflect and synthesize the results. Professor Bernd Scholl, who acted as an observer moving between groups during the workshop phase, presented the central findings and placed them in a regional context. Strategic approaches, support needs at various levels (from the whole city to the state level), as well as instruments and funding opportunities were illuminated.
The first panel focused on implementation on site, discussing potentials, limits, and solution approaches. Participants such as Claudia Wieja (Mayor of Lohmar) and Frank Herhaus (Oberbergischer Kreis) brought practical perspectives.
The second panel concentrated on practical experiences, instruments, and strategies at the higher levels of municipality, region, and state. Contributions by Brigitte Scholz (City of Cologne), Regina Rosenstock (Rhein-Sieg District), Christoph van Gemmeren (Ministry for Homeland, Municipal Affairs, Building and Digitization of the State of NRW), and Wilhelm Natrup (former Canton Planner Zurich) particularly addressed questions of quality assurance, funding, as well as communication and acceptance strategies.
The discussions focused on core questions such as: Who sets quality standards? What added values arise from renovating existing structures? How can Multiple Inner Development be effectively communicated to promote transparency and acceptance? The contributions not only provided valuable impulses but also conclusions for local work, which are now to be incorporated into future planning and projects.
Outlook on Next Steps
The event ended with an optimistic outlook on the next steps: Regional and collegial exchange is to be intensified further to learn from one another and develop joint solutions. The development of regional guidelines, which can serve as orientation for the implementation of Multiple Inner Development, as well as the creation of new offers for expert input on specific topics, are planned.
Supporting the concrete implementation of projects remains a central focus. The Regional Forum impressively demonstrated how valuable interdisciplinary dialogue and cooperation among various actors are for shaping future-proof urban development. The practical impulses and open discussion were consistently positively received by participants and opened new perspectives for sustainable and diverse regional development.
The event was an inspiring example of successful knowledge transfer and inter-municipal cooperation. The dialogue will continue to successfully pursue the jointly chosen path.
Source: Köln/Bonn e.V.