BayWa Foundation continues 'O’pflanzt is!' initiative

The 'O’pflanzt is!' initiative is entering its next chapter. In collaboration with Bavarian State Forests, the Office for Forest Genetics (Amt für Waldgenetik), and Messe München, we are working to create more resilient forests for Bavaria's future. Having planted over 100,000 trees in the last three years, our new priority is supplying seeds for future forests.

Forests across Bavaria are increasingly feeling the effects of climate change. Prolonged droughts, extreme weather events and pest outbreaks are putting increasing pressure on forest ecosystems. In order to adapt forests to the changing climate, we need resilient tree species and high-quality genetic seeds. This is where our initiative comes in. Together, we are cultivating and monitoring climate-adapted tree species that will play a pivotal role in future forests. These seed orchards will help to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality seeds for future forest restoration projects. Our goal is to restore damaged forest areas and replace monocultures with diverse, mixed woodlands that can better withstand future challenges. Mixed forests are more resilient to the impacts of climate change, while also making an important contribution to climate protection by storing CO₂ in the long term.

'Our forests are under massive pressure from climate change, storms and pest infestations. Through 'O'pflanzt is!', we are uniting various stakeholders to contribute to climate protection in a scientifically sound and practical manner," explains Dr Marlen Wienert, a BayWa AG board member.

During a joint visit to a planting area near Landsberg am Lech (Bavaria) at the end of April 2026, the project partners received an update on the current status of the initiative. Alongside professional discussions, young trees were planted, providing a tangible symbol of the ongoing collaborative commitment. The Office for Forest Genetics' main focus is the long-term preservation of high-quality genetic material. These will form the basis for the diverse, climate-resilient forests of the future. This collaborative project demonstrates how science and practice can work together to develop innovative solutions for forest transformation. Bavarian State Forests also view the initiative as an important step towards the future of local forests. Mixed and structured stands of different climate-tolerant tree species are indispensable for sustainable forest management.

As part of the 'O'pflanzt is!' initiative, the project will support the planting of around 60,000 additional trees across 15 hectares of Bavarian state forests by 2030. These scientifically supervised plantings will create new, climate-resilient forests and lay the foundation for a future seed supply. Every tree planted today helps to build healthier, more resilient forests for the future. The project is also supported by Messe München. Visitors and exhibitors can contribute to funding the planting measures by purchasing a GoGreen ticket*, which will soon be known as the PLUS TICKET. In doing so, they make an important and direct contribution to forest transformation in Bavaria.

^{*) At least 83% of the proceeds from ticket sales go directly to the 'O’pflanzt is!' initiative. Up to 17% are used to cover necessary personnel and administrative costs.}