Waldmacher Award 2026: Technikum Laubholz honours commitment to the future of forests
Göppingen/Ellwangen, 30 September 2026 – Forests are an essential foundation for climate protection, biodiversity and a sustainable economy. At the same time, they are facing major challenges as a result of climate change. With the Waldmacher Award 2026, Technikum Laubholz has honoured individuals, projects and organisations whose commitment contributes to the preservation and sustainable development of forests. A total of 11 applications and nominations were submitted.
At the event “WALD.IST ZUKUNFT” as part of the Landesgartenschau Ellwangen, the winners of the Waldmacher Award 2026 were honoured on 20 September 2026.
© Technikum Laubholz
The 2026 Award Winners
Research Category
Professor Emma Sayer, Institute of Botany, University of Ulm, and 25 volunteers
With the WandelWald project, the team is investigating which tree species are better able to adapt to changing climatic conditions. Together with ForstBW, around 250 saplings from six tree species were planted in the Botanical Garden of the University of Ulm. Their development will be monitored over the long term.
© Universität Ulm
Social Engagement Category
TEAM KLIMA, Göppingen District Forestry Office, Hermann-Hesse-Realschule and Schiller-Realschule
130 young people, 800 trees: Students aged 12 to 16 first explored climate change and forests in the classroom and were trained as climate ambassadors. They then joined TEAM KLIMA and the forestry office in planting 800 climate-resilient trees in the Göppingen district.
© Hermann-Hesse-Realschule
Young Talent Award Category
Wilhelm-Busch-Schule / SBBZ Sprache Göppingen
Under the motto “The whole school experiences the forest”, the Wilhelm-Busch-Schule created special opportunities for students to experience nature through forest days and project days. In the Oberholz and other forests around Göppingen, the forest became a space for learning, discovery and hands-on experience.
© Wilhelm Busch Schule
Voices from the Award Ceremony
“A future for our forests requires knowledge, new ideas and people who take action. This is also at the heart of our work at Technikum Laubholz. My thanks go to all the Waldmacher who are making a tangible contribution to the future of our forests through their commitment.”
Dr. Tobias Wolfinger I Managing Director, Technikum Laubholz
Forest as a Resource for the Future
The forests of Baden-Württemberg are much more than places for recreation. They sequester carbon, protect natural habitats and provide wood as a renewable resource for a climate-friendly, bio-based economy.
As an application-oriented research institution, Technikum Laubholz develops innovative technologies to make hardwoods suitable for high-value industrial applications. With the Waldmacher Award, Technikum Laubholz also highlights that the future of our forests will not be shaped by technological innovation alone, but equally by the commitment of people who take responsibility and drive sustainable development forward in their communities.
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