Rhine-Ruhr 2025 and NABU NRW: Together for Sport, Culture, and Species Protection

The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games have shown that international encounters and top athletic performances can go hand in hand with a clear commitment to protecting nature. In close cooperation with the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union, North Rhine-Westphalia branch (NABU NRW), a strong statement was made for biodiversity, sustainability, and regional engagement.

Since 1966, NABU NRW has been dedicated to preserving habitat and species diversity, promoting sustainable agriculture, forestry, and water management, and advancing climate protection. With more than 130,000 members, it is the largest environmental association in North Rhine-Westphalia and stands for a strong connection between practical nature conservation, environmental education, and social dialogue.

A special highlight of the partnership was the joint ringing of peregrine falcons at a former mining site on the International Day for Biological Diversity in May 2025. Where coal was once mined, peregrine falcons now find ideal breeding conditions on old pithead towers. Together with mascot Wanda, herself inspired by the fastest animal in the world, a powerful symbol was created: sport, culture, and nature can go hand in hand and build bridges to the future. During the Games, visitors and participants could also engage with NABU NRW’s nature conservation experts at the interactive Info & Participation Pagoda as part of the Discover Route, an element of the festival program surrounding the Games.

Donations go to NABU NRW’s peregrine falcon conservation project

In addition, Rhine-Ruhr 2025 introduced a species protection contribution of 2.5 percent on all sales of Wanda merchandise. The resulting €1,550 collected after the Games now goes to NABU NRW’s peregrine falcon protection project, making a tangible contribution to preserving the species and its habitats in North Rhine-Westphalia.

The partnership between Rhine-Ruhr 2025 and NABU NRW has shown that major sporting events can leave behind more than just exciting competitions. They can take responsibility and set sustainable impulses for the region.

After the event, NABU NRW reflected on the cooperation: “We were delighted to be part of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 and NABU NRW partnership as the official peregrine falcon protectors. With the mascot Wanda, the peregrine falcon received special attention and a unique opportunity. This created a bridge between sport and key environmental topics such as biodiversity and species protection.”

Now it’s your turn! If you’d like to get involved in protecting nature and biodiversity yourself, you can find more information and ways to take action directly at: www.nabu-nrw.de