Germany's Saarkohlenwald named Forest Area of the Year 2026

The Saarkohlenwald in the state of Saarland has been officially declared the Forest Area of the Year 2026 by the Association of German Foresters (BDF). This decision is an expression of recognition for the successful transformation of the area from a post-industrial landscape into a near-natural ecosystem. The award ceremony was attended by Saarland's Environment Minister Petra Berg and the federal chairman of the BDF, Dirk Schäfer. The organization highlighted the exemplary forest management conducted in this area and its growing role in nature conservation. The Saarkohlenwald beat other candidates thanks to its unique combination of mining heritage with modern reclamation.

Minister Petra Berg described the awarded title as a great honor and an incentive for the further development of regional forests. According to representatives of the Saarland government, this distinction confirms the correctness of the chosen strategy for climate protection and supporting biodiversity in the region north of Saarbrücken. Dirk Schäfer emphasized that the Saarkohlenwald plays a key role as a recreational area for residents of the metropolitan area, combining social and ecological goals. This forest, once a raw material base for the mining industry, has now become the green lungs of the region, as appreciated by BDF experts. „Die Auszeichnung ist eine Ehre und ein Ansporn für die künftige Waldentwicklung” (The award is an honor and an incentive for the future development of the forest.) — Petra Berg via Süddeutsche Zeitung

The Forest Area of the Year title is awarded annually by the BDF to draw public attention to the ecological, economic, and social significance of forests in Germany. In 2025, the award went to the urban forest in Wiesbaden, and the year before, in April 2024, the forest in Chorin in Brandenburg was ceremoniously honored. The selection criteria include not only the health of the tree stand but also innovation in management and the area's accessibility for the local community. Recent winners of the Forest Area of the Year title: 2024. Choriner Wald (Brandenburg); 2025. Stadtwald Wiesbaden (Hesse); 2026. Saarkohlenwald (Saarland) This year's selection of the Saarkohlenwald fits into the trend of appreciating forests that effectively adapt to climate change while maintaining recreational functions. The BDF indicates that the management model for this area can serve as a model for other regions struggling with industrial heritage. Granting the title aims not only to celebrate success but also to educate the public about sustainable forest management and the protection of natural resources.