How can a long-term balance between ecological, social, and economic interests be ensured in Central Hesse? This question was addressed on March 6, 2025, at Giessen City Hall by approximately 100 participants from the three universities in Central Hesse – including students, researchers, and staff from administration, local and state politics, regional businesses, as well as committed citizens from civil society initiatives and environmental associations – at the first Sustainability Barcamp. The intergenerational composition of the participants underscored the commitment to developing solutions that are fair to all generations and practical.
The Research Campus of Central Hessen (FCMH), the sustainability offices and departments of the three universities in Central Hesse, the economic development agency of the university city Giessen , and the Central Hesse Regional Management invited participants to the event. The organizers opted for an open format: instead of a fixed program, the participants themselves determined the agenda in the "Barcamp." The unique atmosphere in the town hall's council chamber underscored the grassroots democratic nature and approach of the Barcamp.
In his welcoming address, Giessen 's mayor, Frank-Tilo Becher, explained that sustainability means "harmonizing ecological responsibility, social balance, and economic viability." Becher emphasized the holistic approach of the Barcamp, which he said is necessary so that we can "find answers to the complex challenges of our time.".
THMPresident Prof. Dr. Matthias Willems, as the originator of the idea for the event, welcomed the participants and emphasized that the innovative capacity of Central Hesse is significantly strengthened through inter-university cooperation, but also through cooperation beyond this in the context of interaction forums such as the Barcamp.
In a grassroots democratic selection process, participants chose a total of twelve topics, which were discussed in two consecutive sessions. The breadth of the chosen topics reflected the diversity of perspectives, ranging from concrete practical projects such as "Community Supported Agriculture" and "Use of Commercial and School Buildings" to structural challenges like "Conflicting Ecological Goals," "Competition to De-Seale Surfaces," and "The Housing Crisis as a Sustainability Crisis." Participants engaged in lively, sometimes controversial, and solution-oriented discussions. Common interests and potential for cooperation quickly emerged in many areas. Contact information was exchanged, and follow-up meetings were arranged. Finally, in the town hall's concert hall, the key findings from the individual discussion forums were presented, and participants continued their conversations during a social gathering that evening.
With the Barcamp Sustainability, the organizers aim to lay the foundation for a long-term dialogue on sustainability in Central Hesse. The combination of scientific expertise, political influence, entrepreneurial drive, and civic engagement creates a unique ecosystem for practical solutions. Establishing this dialogue among such diverse participants – across institutional and generational boundaries – marks a crucial step towards a more sustainable Central Hesse.
