Planting trees for the future - O' pflanzt is!
Planting future forests for climate protection
The initiative "O'pflanzt is!" is committed to the climate-friendly conversion of our native forests. Over the past three years, 100,000 trees have been planted. In the future, the project will include research on climate resilience in addition to planting.
The condition of native forests is critical. The latest forest condition report* from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry shows that 4 out of 5 trees are not healthy. Extensive drought and bark beetle infestation have particularly affected spruce and pine stands. Converted and managed forests actively contribute to climate protection. They sequester CO2 and store carbon in the wood and forest soils over the long term.
In 2022, the initiative "O'pflanzt is!" was launched by the BayWa Foundation together with the Bavarian State Forests. In addition to beech, oak and fir trees, tree species such as Norway maple, service tree and sweet chestnut are also being planted in Bavaria. They are better able to cope with the changed climatic conditions than spruce, for example. The original goal of planting 100,000 trees in Bavaria within three years was achieved. As a result, many fallow areas damaged by storms and bark beetles and monocultures have been reforested with climate-resilient tree species.
Source: BMEL - Forest Condition Survey 2023
Additional research work from 2025
In order to adapt our forests to future climate conditions, we need to break new ground. As part of our partnership with the Bavarian State Forests and the Office of Forest Genetics, we are jointly developing solutions by planting climate-tolerant tree species and origins under scientific supervision. The aim is sustainable forest management.
All planting is carried out on the basis of scientifically sound recommendations for the use of climate-tolerant origins and tree species. In subsequent years, valuable research data will be collected and evaluated in order to promote the transfer of knowledge to forestry practice and society.
All plantations are designed to meet the criteria of a potential seed stock of the future and can provide valuable seed for sustainable forests in around 30 years' time.
As part of the project, planting campaigns will take place in the Bavarian state forest from fall 2025 to fall 2030.
A project with strong partners
Achieving more togetherAs part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, Messe München has introduced the optional GoGreen ticket. Visitors and exhibitors can voluntarily support climate protection projects by paying a surcharge of €5 on the normal ticket price. This amount is not intended to compensate for the actual emissions caused by a visit to the fair, but to provide financial support for climate protection and adaptation measures.
Part of the proceeds from the ticket surcharge will go directly to our reforestation initiative O'pflanzt ist. We say thank you!