Lecture and discussion evening: Water - in nature, environment and society

This lecture and discussion evening will take place at the Cottbus Zoo and will be opened by its director Dr. Jens Kämmerling. Admission to the event is free via the zoo ticket office.

The speakers are:Dr. Jörn Geßner, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin Dr. Paweł Czechowski and Alicja Dubicka-Czechowska , University of Zielona Góra Dr. Volker Preuß, BTU, Department of Water Technology and Sanitary Engineering.

1st lecture - Dr. Jörn Geßner Expansion plans, salt load, climate change and the poison: Can the Oder still be saved? InAugust 2022, anglers and residents on the Oder documented the beginning of a man-made catastrophe that massively affected wide sections of the river and shook the Republic. Up to 1,000 tons of dead fish, mussels and snails perished in the course of the development, leaving behind a picture of misery. So far, no easy solutions to the underlying problem are emerging. What can and must be done now to prevent further disasters of comparable magnitude? The Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries presented a report on the causes of the catastrophe in late summer, from which options for action are derived.

2nd lecture -Dr. Paweł Czechowski and Alicja Dubicka-Czechowska Importance of the Middle Oder Valley for the Conservation of Biodiversity The Middle Oder Valley is a protected area under the Natura 2000 program. The area is located almost entirely in the Lubuskie Voivodeship in Poland. It is a bird sanctuary of international importance. It is characterized by a great diversity of habitats, including various forest communities, numerous oxbow lakes, meadow and pasture complexes, and periodically flooded wetlands. In addition to a diverse bird fauna, areas of the Oder Valley are also valuable habitats for many insect species, including bees, butterflies, hoverflies and beetles. The aim of the presentation is to show the importance of the Middle Oder Valley for flora and fauna.

3rd lecture - Dr. Volker Preuß The water management situation of the Spree - With the coal phase-out back to the future? For centuries, the water flow of the Spree has been regulated in order to create conditions that are as favorable as possible for the prevailing interests of use. The current generation of Spree residents in Lower Lusatia knows this river only with unnaturally large discharges, which have been caused for more than 100 years by the uninterrupted discharge of sump water from lignite mining. With the imminent coal phase-out, this epoch will come to an end. In addition, climate-induced changes in water availability are being felt to an ever greater extent. Decreasing discharge volumes of the Spree will increasingly challenge hitherto accustomed ways of use and management. A transformation of water management is therefore imperative. Starting from the historical situation, the lecture will look at the current situation and future options for action.

Date: Wednesday, June 14, 2023, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Location: Tierpark Cottbus, Tierparkgaststätte "Schlodder", Kiekebuscher Str. 5, 03042 Cottbus.

About the lecture series "Open BTU" From April 19, 2023 to June 14, 2023, the public lecture series "Open BTU" offers interesting insights into exciting fields of science. In the summer semester 2023, in addition to the social focus on structural change in Lusatia, the topics will include artificial intelligence, European educational cooperation and water in the region. With this educational format, which is open to all interested parties, the university's Center for Continuing Academic Education supports lifelong learning and promotes the transfer of knowledge and ideas in the region by addressing socially relevant issues. In doing so, the BTU cooperates with other universities and institutions. After each lecture, there will be an opportunity for questions and exchange with the speakers. Interested parties are cordially invited to participate in the wide range of events.

Further information:https://www.b-tu.de/weiterbildung/offene-hochschule/open-btu