Prof. Dr. Mariele Evers, a professor at the University of Bonn specializing in ecohydrology and water resources management, has contributed to a new scientific report that outlines strategies for strengthening natural climate protection in Germany. As a member of the Wissenschaftlicher Beirat für Natürlichen Klimaschutz (WBNK), Prof. Dr. Mariele Evers helped develop recommendations aimed at improving the Federal Action Programme for Natural Climate Protection (ANK).
Prof. Dr. Mariele Evers’ research focuses on the relationship between water systems, ecosystems, and human activities. Her expertise is particularly relevant to the report’s discussion of wetlands, rivers, and floodplains, which play an important role in both climate mitigation and climate adaptation. Restoring these ecosystems can increase carbon storage, improve biodiversity, and enhance the landscape’s ability to retain water, thereby reducing flood risks and strengthening resilience to climate change.
The report emphasizes that healthy ecosystems are essential tools in combating climate change. Natural landscapes such as forests, wetlands, peatlands, and coastal ecosystems can capture and store carbon while providing habitats for wildlife and improving environmental stability. The advisory board therefore recommends expanding nature-based solutions as a core element of Germany’s climate strategy.
One of the report’s main recommendations is the restoration and rewetting of peatlands. Many peatlands in Germany have been drained for agricultural purposes, leading to large greenhouse gas emissions. The scientists suggest restoring these areas through rewetting projects and promoting paludiculture, a form of agriculture adapted to wet peatland conditions. This approach would allow continued agricultural use while reducing emissions and restoring ecosystem functions.
The report also calls for the transformation of forest ecosystems into climate-resilient mixed forests. By replacing monoculture forests with diverse and site-appropriate tree species, forests can better withstand drought, pests, and extreme weather while continuing to store carbon and support biodiversity.
In addition, the advisory board highlights the potential of agroforestry systems, which integrate trees into agricultural landscapes. Such systems can improve soil quality, increase biodiversity, and enhance carbon sequestration.
Beyond ecological measures, the report stresses the importance of better policy coordination and financial support for natural climate protection. The scientists recommend stronger integration of ecosystem restoration into land-use planning, long-term funding programs, and simplified administrative procedures to enable large-scale implementation.
Through contributions from experts such as Prof. Dr. Mariele Evers, the report demonstrates how interdisciplinary scientific knowledge—especially in water and ecosystem management—can help shape more effective climate policies. The authors conclude that strengthening natural climate protection will be essential for achieving climate goals while safeguarding biodiversity and environmental resilience in the future.