Policy LAB

Results and findings of the Bremerhaven Policy Lab

In 4 Policy Lab events in different formats between 2001 and 2004 attended by approximately 120 participants, key challenges in agriculture, urban development, climate protection, food education, and regional value creation were addressed. The primary goal was to develop practical solutions aimed at strengthening and expanding the regional structures within our food system.

One of the core highlights of the Policy Lab in 2024 as well as on the "Bremerhaven Climate- and Energy-Day 2024" (Sept. 15th) was the presentation of local initiatives together with the MOIN! Food Council, which showcased "Local Heroes" and a "Market of Possibilities." These included various local projects, products, initiatives, and small businesses that are contributing to the region’s efforts towards fair and sustainable nutrition through innovative products and ideas.

in 2024 an expert contribution was provided by Mr. Gereon Schmelter from TU Dortmund, who presented insights from his master’s thesis titled "Fish from the Tank, Salad from the Roof – A Master Plan for the Food System in Bremerhaven." His research offered both pragmatic and creative strategies for enhancing local food production while fostering fairness within the system.

The events also focused on the future-oriented topic of Sustainable Regional Nutrition. Discussions centered on how this can be more firmly integrated into local political agendas and how regionally produced communal catering can be developed to support these goals.

Key Outcomes:

• A strong focus on identifying innovative local projects and businesses to drive sustainable food practices.
• Presentation of practical and creative approaches to increasing local food production.
• Recommendations for embedding sustainable food systems more deeply into local policy frameworks.
• Discussion on the creation of regionally sourced communal catering options to support regional value chains and sustainable practices.

The Bremerhaven Policy Lab successfully established a foundation for future collaboration and concrete steps to advance regional food systems and sustainable nutrition in the region.

At the end of the project, the Bremerhaven project team produced a 40-page brochure for politicians, administrators and the interested public, which presents the most important objectives, topics, activities and results and provides recommendations for action for a robust, integrative CRFS for Bremerhaven and the surrounding area. The brochure is available online, as a download and as a printed version. It was distributed to interested visitors to the cities2030 stand at the Bremerhaven Energy and Climate City Day and met with great interest. The PDF (in German only) is online https://www.canva.com/design/DAGH0vRwweo/V5A5NMoukDOOrTPbpUsobw/view?utm_content=DAGH0vRwweo&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor and also available for download here: CITIES2030-Broschuere-09-2024.pdf

Picture: Politician wrapping up the results of the working group (how to involve politicians in the CRFS process"

Picture: Project team P15,16,17 and external expert "mensch und region" introducing the agenda of the policy lab event at april 19th 2024 in Bremerhaven.

Picture: "Local Heroes" travelling exhibition, displayed first at Policy Lab event 19.4.24 in Bremerhaven

Picture: Scetchnote from Policy Lab event in june 2023 - Vision for an integrated Foodsystem for Bremerhaven and its region.

Picture: Participants discussing at Policy Lab event in june 2023

Screenshot of presentation at 6-part online event: Info-Bites in may - june 2023

Picture: Posters and results displayed at Policy Lab event 19.4.24

Picture: 3 Politicians of the local social democtatic party posing for an instagramm picture at our Policy Lab event in April 2024

Picture: Participants discussing at cities2030 stand at the Bremerhaven Energy and Climate City Day at 15. Sept. 2024

Picture: Cover of our 40 pages brochure and workbook on findings and recommendations from the cities2030 project.