On March 12, 2026, the NATURE-DEMO project was presented at the 22nd meeting of the German authorities’ network on climate change and adaptation (Behördennetzwerk Klimawandel und Anpassung). Organized by the German Environment Agency (UBA), this online meeting gathered experts from various federal authorities and research institutions to discuss strategic climate adaptation.
Advancing Nature-Based Solutions for Railways
Shahriar Mohammadzadeh, representing the German Centre for Rail Traffic Research (DZSF), provided an in-depth look at how the project is addressing climate risks within the railway system. The presentation emphasized the role of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in mitigating hazards such as:
- Heavy rain
- Slope erosion
- Heat stress
A Structured Tool for Decision-Making: The NbS Catalogue
A key highlight of the session was the introduction of the NbS Catalogue, a structured tool developed within the project to support planning and decision-making processes for climate-resilient infrastructure.
- 59 distinct solutions are currently catalogued.
- Each solution is accompanied by structured factsheets.
- The factsheets provide critical data, including cost-benefit analyses, ecological impacts, and site requirements.
Case Study: Vegetated Crib Walls
To illustrate the practical application of these measures, the presentation compared conventional technical solutions, such as concrete retaining walls, with vegetated crib walls. This specific NbS measure serves multiple functions:
- Stability & Protection: It effectively stabilizes slopes and provides essential erosion control.
- Climate Resilience: It helps mitigate the consequences of heavy rainfall.
- Sustainability Co-benefits: Unlike concrete counterparts, these walls offer lower $CO_2$ emissions, enable carbon sequestration through vegetation, and actively contribute to regional biodiversity.
Future Outlook
The German federal authorities expressed significant interest in the transferability of these NbS measures to railway infrastructure and its surrounding protective structures. As NATURE-DEMO progresses, the findings from this catalogue will serve as the foundation for the project’s Decision-Support Platform and the implementation of demonstrators and replicators.
We look forward to returning to this network with further results as our on-site activities evolve!
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