“The establishment of the Forest Risk Facility further raises Bonn's profile as an international location for sustainability issues,” says Mayor Katja Dörner. “It is important that we work together at all levels and share our respective expertise on the question of how we can adapt our forests to the dramatic consequences of the climate crisis. As a city, we are committed to preserving our forests for future generations in a wide variety of areas - be it through the sustainable management of our own urban forest, which covers around a third of the city's area, through the diverse environmental education programs for young and old in the Haus der Natur or through the participation of the Bonn fire department in the only German forest fire module in the European Civil Protection Mechanism.”

Due to its numerous international organizations, Bonn is considered a driving force for research and communication on forest-related topics. In 2024, the European Forest Institute (EFI), which is also based in Bonn, honored the federal city with the title “European Forest Capital 2024”.

According to the BMEL, Germany is initially funding the Bonn-based Forest Risk Facility (FoRISK Facility) with a total of 1.2 million euros until 2030. As a network of experts, the facility is intended to be a permanent point of contact for partners and initiatives. It is intended to strengthen cross-border cooperation in dealing with forest risks such as storms, forest fires and insects. It will also serve as a platform for the development of practical guidelines and political strategies as well as for advice on disaster risk management.

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