For the sustainable development of regions, it is important to balance growing economic and social differences between rural and urban areas. OLGA initiates city-regional cooperations in the Dresden region and supports the networking of regional actors, upgrading ecosystem services, strengthening regional economic cycles and mutual understanding among the population.

Rivers and floodplains are important green lifelines in cities and rural areas. OLGA aims equally at improving the ecological function of these green elements and at creating regional value cycles in the Dresden region. The focus is on the cultivation of agircultural woods and shrubs along watercourses in combination with agricultural production and regional distribution of wooden biomass and field crops. Public awareness of regional interactions is strengthened. Municipalities, science, society and companies in the region are strongly working together.

Further Information

• OLGA project website

• Project fact sheet (*.pdf, 906 KB)

OLGA will develop a transferable solution for the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive, taking into account regional economic relations, interests of land owners, flood prevention and participation of the population equally. The project results intensify the economic development of rural areas through urban-rural cooperation and social cohesion in the Dresden region.

Project modules

Agroforestal land use along small water streams

OLGA examines agroforestal structures along watercourses with regard to their ecosystem services for the watercourse itself and the surrounding landscape, and provides farmers and municipalities with recommendations for the near-natural establishment of these wooded areas.

Nature conservation and regional value creation

OLGA thinks nature conservation, regional sustainable agriculture and food together. Stakeholders along the value chain of regional products such as crops for food use and energy wood are brought together and supported with regard to the creation of regional cooperation structures.

Citizens' research for sustainability

OLGA invites citizens to participate in its research. The public acceptance of Citizen Science in spatial development processes and te motivation of citizens in this regard is being investigated in more detail in the project.

Establish regional cooperation

OLGA initiates and supports existing urban-rural partnerships and encourages the population to participate in regional development processes on the topics of sustainable land use, regional food and energy use

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