Concluding event of the ANFO und RESI-extrem projects in Olfen
On the 24th of July 2023, the concluding event of the two projects ANFO and RESI-extrem took place in the city of Olfen. The event addressed experts who were involved in the projects as well as interested citizens.
Before the event, interested citizens were given the opportunity to take part in a walk through the city, which served as a presentation of implemented or planned measures within the framework of the two projects. The many participants gave positive feedback regarding the walk, highlighting the newly acquired information.
Subsequently the concluding event took place in the Leohaus and served to present the steps and results, which were accomplished throughout the past years. The event was opened by the mayor, Mr. Sendermann, who emphasized the relevance of adaptation to climate change as well as the efforts of the city of Olfen to prepare itself against heavy rainfalls and drought. This was followed by presentations from Professor Dr. Stefan Greiving of the IRPUD on current climate trends and challenges and by Dr. Jörn Birkmann from the Institute for Regional Planning and Development Planning on the relevance of cooperation between science and practice. Building on this, the two research projects and their results were finally presented in detail.
Within the context of the ANFO research project, the requirements for action needed by Olfen as a result of the increasing drought were analyzed. In the next step strategies were developed and a catalog of measures was compiled from which suitable measures were implemented or initiated in the city of Olfen. During the project, for example, the choice of plants and their care as well as the green space management, i.e. the way the green spaces in Olfen are designed and managed, were adapted. A selection of these implemented or initiated measures was presented as a short insight and, in addition, reference was given to further information on the website of the city.
The research project RESI-extrem dealt with the adaptation to heavy rainfalls. In this course, two heavy rain hazard maps for Olfen were created, which simulate different extreme events and can be reviewed on the city's website. In addition, an integrated urban development concept is being prepared which will consider adaptation to heavy rainfall events.
To conclude the event, participants were given the opportunity to ask questions. This led to an interesting dialogue about the future development of Olfen with regard to climate adaptation.