Climate Adaptation in Warendorf: Progress, Projects, and Challenges in February 2026

Climate Adaptation as a Central Focus in Warendorf

The city of Warendorf has positioned itself as a pioneer in climate adaptation over the past few years. In February 2026, the evaluation of previous measures and the planning of new projects were at the forefront. These include the implementation of the European Climate Adaptation Award (eca), discussions on Tiny Forests and rainwater management, as well as the engagement with the EU Nature Restoration Directive. These topics illustrate how diverse and practical Warendorf's climate policy is.

The eca Audit: Successful Evaluation of Climate Policy Measures

In December 2025, Warendorf conducted an external eca audit, which is considered a milestone in the city's climate adaptation policy. The audit, carried out by the eca Federal Office in collaboration with the climate team led by Paul Hartmann, confirmed and classified the city's existing climate adaptation measures as certifiable.

The city has already implemented or is in the process of implementing over 30% of the measures defined in the Climate Adaptation Program (KAP). These include, for example, renaturation projects along the Ems River, heat-resilient urban planning, and the promotion of renewable energy. Another positive outcome of the audit is that no additional requirements were formulated – a sign that Warendorf is on the right track.

Tiny Forests and Rainwater Management: New Projects for Climate Resilience

In February 2026, the Environmental and Mobility Committee discussed two central proposals embedded in climate adaptation: the establishment of Tiny Forests and the development of decentralized water reservoirs.

Tiny Forests According to the Miyawaki Method

Tiny Forests, also known as Mini Forests, are densely planted, fast-growing forests established according to the method of Akira Miyawaki. They contribute to increasing the forest area in urban spaces, binding CO₂, and enhancing biodiversity. In Warendorf, Tiny Forests are planned as compensatory or replacement plantings under the Tree Protection Ordinance. However, funding on private land does not fall under municipal support. The committee unanimously approved the proposal, with sites such as Emsseepark being discussed.

Rainwater Management as a Climate Protection Instrument

Another focus was the construction of decentralized water reservoirs for rainwater retention. This measure is part of the "Sponge City Concept" and is intended to cushion both heavy rainfall events and dry periods. The reservoirs also serve agricultural irrigation and fire protection water supply. Although the proposal was unanimously approved, the creation of a comprehensive overall concept was rejected. Instead, a pilot project for the improvement of fire ponds is being examined, which could also be implemented in cooperation with farmers.

EU Nature Restoration Directive: Challenges for Warendorf

Another central topic in February 2026 was the EU Nature Restoration Directive (W-VO), which has been legally binding since 2024 and aims to restore at least 20% of EU areas by 2030. In Warendorf, large parts of the city and the neighboring municipality of Freckenhorst are affected.

The city has already implemented measures for the creation of green corridors and the reduction of sealing, which also contribute to climate adaptation. The North Rhine-Westphalia Climate Atlas states a sealing rate of 7.9% – a value below the regional average. However, the concrete implementation of the W-VO at the municipal level is still uncertain. The NRW Association of Cities and Municipalities criticizes the lack of cost reimbursement regulations, which could put municipalities in a financial dilemma.

Outlook: Climate Resilience as a Central Element of Urban Development

Warendorf's climate policy is embedded in a process that continues to evolve. The successes of the eca audit, the discussion on Tiny Forests and rainwater management, and the engagement with the EU directive show that the city is ready to actively address the challenges of climate change.

Future priorities could include the expansion of climate adaptation measures in the surrounding areas, strengthening cooperation with partners from business and civil society, and the development of further funding models. The path to climate neutrality by 2030, which was already adopted in 2011, is ambitious – and Warendorf is taking concrete steps to achieve this goal.