The project “Participatory Development Strategy for Lusatia” funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) focused on how the coal phase-out in Lusatia could increasingly be perceived by local citizens as an opportunity. Coal has long been making a significant contribution to regional added value in Lusatia and, due to its historical importance for the economic upswing, it is also an identity-creating factor. The project assumes that, in addition to economic alternatives to the coal industry, the expansion of infrastructures, wise participation of local citizens and cooperation between companies, local politics and science are essential factors for a successful transformation process.

The aim of the project has been to integrate questions of culture and identity into the structural change process and to promote trust through participation and thus courage and confidence. The project aims to include a diversity of perspectives as well as arguments and reasons as the basis for cooperation and for shaping the future. In addition to the Trialog in Berlin, two workshops were held in Lusatia as part of the nine-month project. A total of approximately 70 actors from politics & administration, business, organized civil society and science as well as creative artists were present. Most of the participants came from Lusatia. However, external actors were also explicitly invited to bring a supra-regional expertise and perspective as a source of inspiration and reflection.

The results of the discussions, the presentation of various participation projects and options for action are summarized in the report (in German only).