Digitization for Thuringian nature conservation along the former inner-German border

The Green Belt is the largest and most important habitat network in Germany. For almost 40 years, Germany was divided into East and West and was strictly guarded along the inner-Germanborder. After the reunion, the former border path has been transformed into a refuge where more than 1,200 rare and endangered plant and animal species find refuge today.

Thuringia was the first federal state to place the Green Belt under protection as a National Natural Monument. We are happy to support the conservation and development of this protected area in our home region and to sustainably advance the Green Belt through digitisation.

The Thuringian Green Belt at BUGA21

The Bundesgartenschau2021 will take place in the Thuringian capital Erfurt this year, where the Thuringian Foundation for Nature Conservation will present itself with the permanent exhibition #grünebandbreite. The aim of the exhibition is to make the history of German division and reunification accessible to young visitors in particular. Bringing nature enthusiasts together with those interested in history and promoting tourism in Thuringia are important aspects as well. With audio and video stations, interactive info points and impressive augmented reality stations, the Green Belt allows young and old visitors to immerse themselves in the time from 1949 onwards and marvel at the merging of nature and history. 

An interactive app for more history and nature experiences

To make the Green Belt even more lively, the analogue exhibition was to be enriched with digital elements. The goal was to make exciting content accessible even before visiting the exhibition, without having to be directly on site. An interactive 3D multi-app is the perfect solution for this!

We have already implemented versatile and successful projects in the tourism sector, such as the dinosaur trail "Trixi Trias" in Jena. Thanks to our presence in social media with interesting content as well as our appearances in the press, the Thuringia Foundation for Nature Conservation has already become aware of our services before the exhibition. Winning the Thuringian Tourism Award confirmed our innovative ideas in the tourism and exhibition sector, which made rooom an easy choice. 

In order to communicate the history of the border and the power of nature in an even more attractive way, we developed the app "grünebandbreite" together, which is free of charge for users. It provides visitors with exciting insights into the history of the Green Belt. 3D and AR models of the former watchtowers and border strips make the history of German division seem more real and can also be tried out without visiting the exhibition. With the help of the app, photos of the employees can also be scanned and brought to life. To do this, simply hold the smartphone with the app in front of the picture and the storytelling can begin!

There is also a virtual tour of the exhibition on the website where visitors can immerse themselves in the eventful period of German division, marvel at the interweaving of history and nature and linger at the exhibition's information stations.

With the help of our digital extension, the target group will also be enlarged. The app facilitates access to the exhibition. This means that it can be used barrier-free and from anywhere. The versatile interaction possibilities also appeal to the younger generation - history and nature become informative fun for young and old. 

"With the help of rooom AG, we have succeeded in building a bridge between analogue and digital worlds. An app with content in 3D and augmented reality turns the history of the Green Belt into an interactive experience!"

Denis Peisker, Managing Director of the Thuringia Foundation for Nature Conservation.

The Green Belt app can now be downloaded free of charge for iOS and Android. The cooperation with the Thuringia Foundation for Nature Conservation was very inspiring and we are happy to make a digital contribution to nature conservation together!