On January 27–28, 2026, the NATURE-DEMO project, represented by our partner DZSF (German Centre for Rail Traffic Research), participated in the second edition of the conference Fachtagung Umweltschutz in Projekten der DB InfraGO AG.
The event, held in Fulda, Germany, brought together environmental protection experts, planners, and infrastructure managers to discuss the integration of sustainability into major railway projects.
A Bridge Between Research and Railway Practice
Lars Symmank and Shahriar Mohammadzadeh presented a technical poster titled:
"Nature-Based Solutions for Climate-Resilient Railway Infrastructure – Insights from the NATURE-DEMO Project"
The presentation emphasized how the NATURE-DEMO project contributes to the modernization of the European railway network. The central point of the discussions was the NbS Catalogue and how the hazard matrix can assist engineers in identifying natural solutions for critical challenges such as:
-
Slope and embankment stabilization;
-
Erosion control caused by extreme rainfall;
-
Flood risk reduction on railway routes.
Direct Feedback from Infrastructure Practitioners
Participating in the conference organized by DB InfraGO AG provided the NATURE-DEMO team with a valuable opportunity to receive direct feedback from those who manage infrastructure on a daily basis.
While the concept of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) is still new to many professionals in the field, the poster presentation generated genuine interest. Discussions highlighted that, although there is a level of constructive skepticism regarding costs and efficiency compared to traditional "grey" solutions, there is an urgent demand for reliable data and practical implementation examples.
Conclusions: The Need for Evidence and Knowledge Transfer
The success of this dissemination activity underscores DZSF's mission within NATURE-DEMO: to transform cutting-edge research into practitioner-oriented evidence.
The exchange of ideas in Fulda confirms that the path toward a climate-resilient railway infrastructure requires constant dialogue and the demonstration of ecological co-benefits—such as biodiversity enhancement and carbon sequestration—alongside technical protection for railways.
Related
-
Bioswales: green channels that slow the flow
Bioswales are a linear rainwater run-off retention system designed as a shallow, gently sloping non-concrete channel (allowing for water infiltration). This system basically captures, retains and slowly releases the water run-off and direct rainwater into a conventional piping drainage system and/or the air (evapotranspiration) and soil (infiltration) media.
-
Rain gardens: turning autumn rain into an ally
Autumn brings long spells of rain, and with them come flooded streets, blocked drains and overloaded sewers. In a city covered by asphalt, rooftops and paving, rainwater has nowhere to soak in, so it rushes towards the drainage network all at once. Rain gardens offer a simple, attractive and evidence-based alternative.
-
NATURE-DEMO Featured at Tag der Schiene 2026 by DZSF
On September 19–20, 2026, the German Centre for Rail Traffic Research at the Federal Railway Authority (DZSF) represented the NATURE-DEMO project during Tag der Schiene 2026 (Railway Day), a major public outreach event dedicated to the future of rail transport.
-
NATURE-DEMO Scientific Frameworks Shared at Erasmus+ CRESC Summer School in Ostrava
From August 24 to 28, 2026, the Faculty of Safety Engineering at VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava (Czech Republic) hosted the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) International Summer School on Climate-Resilient Critical Infrastructure (CRESC).
-
NATURE-DEMO Newsletter no. 9
Stay updated on how NATURE-DEMO is strengthening European infrastructure resilience against climate hazards. Explore our latest quarterly newsletters to discover key project milestones, field implementation updates across our demo sites, newly published scientific research, and upcoming events.