In the face of the daunting climate crisis, the Südkurier Newspaper Forest stands out as a beacon of hope and responsibility, aiming to address the severe forest damage in the Waldshut district of Baden-Württemberg.

Launched in 2023, this innovative project aims to rejuvenate the local ecosystem by promoting reforestation with climate-resilient trees, ensuring a sustainable future for our beloved Black Forest.

Inside our mission

At Südkurier, we pride ourselves on being deeply rooted in our community, providing modern services and being a trusted ally to the people of our region. Our Newspaper Forest project embodies our commitment to sustainability, encouraging local engagement and ensuring social cohesion through a shared mission: planting 30,000 trees over three years to combat the effects of climate change.

Our partnership with ForstBW, the State Forestry Commission of Baden-Württemberg, exemplifies a shared commitment to ecological, social, and economic balance. Together, we’ve identified two strategic locations in the southern Black Forest for reforestation efforts. By choosing tree species that thrive in the current climatic conditions, we are determined to create a resilient and stable forest ecosystem.

Südkurier is involving readers, customers, and local businesses in this green initiative by offering them the opportunity to sponsor tree planting. Through our dedicated platforms and promotions, we open pathways for community participation, reinforcing the notion of corporate responsibility while fostering customer loyalty.

Achievements and milestones

By the end of 2024, we successfully planted over 18,000 trees — an impressive milestone achieved in less than two years. The overwhelming support from our subscribers, commercial customers, and partners has been commendable, with the first planting event taking place in April 2024, followed by another in November 2024.

This progress signals our collective ability to reach more than two-thirds of our ambitious target, strengthening our resolve to reach the 30,000-tree mark by 2025.

Communication is at the heart of our project. We use a multi-channel approach to engage with our community, utilising our platforms such as Südkurier Online, editorial newsletters, and social media accounts. From informative editorial articles to engaging social media posts and e-mail campaigns, we prioritise transparency and accessibility.

Additionally, our interactive Web site provides detailed information and allows people to contribute by purchasing tree packages.

Our promotional strategies cover both consumer and business markets. We reward gift subscription orders with tree plantings, thereby combining personal contribution with environmental responsibility.

On the advertising side, we have launched special packages to increase the visibility of the Newspaper Forest and to attract corporate customers. Companies that donate significant numbers of trees are recognised through year-round “Thank You” ads and personalised PR content, reinforcing their corporate image and commitment to sustainability.

Educational and experiential events

Beyond online engagement, we inspire community involvement through on-ground events. Our planting events invite subscribers, school classes, and major donors to actively partake in reforesting efforts.

Furthermore, expert forums like “Is the Black Forest still salvageable?” provide education and insights into sustainable forestry practices, fostering a deeper understanding of our environmental initiatives.

As we move forward, the Südkurier Newspaper Forest continues to grow both in size and significance. Not only does it represent an important step in ecological restoration, but it is also a unifying force in our community.

By turning our shared vision into a green reality, we offer a model of sustainability that inspires others to act. Here, in the heart of Baden-Württemberg, our roots are growing deeper, our resolve is stronger, and we are planting seeds for future generations.

Header photo by Nico Talenta.

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