Academy for Nature Conservation and Landscape Management (ANL)

The Academy for Nature Conservation and Landscape Management (ANL) is a public educational and research institution. According to a decision of the Bavarian State Parliament it was established in 1976 and is responsibility of the Bavarian State Ministry for the Environment and Consumer Protection (STMUV).

Entrance of the administration building of the ANL View over the city of Laufen with the collegiate church and the Watzmann

Left: The academy's entrance to the administration building.
Right: View over the city of Laufen with the collegiate church in the foreground and the Watzmann Mountain in the background.

We offer

Each year the Academy offers more than 100 events.

The Themes are mostly on the latest research results in conservation, landscape management and ecology. Since 2001 most events are held in the ANL's educational center: the „Kapuzinerhof“ in Laufen. Many specific environmental issues are covered and current policy developments are discussed. This occurs not only in Laufen, but also in other regions of Bavaria.

Educational Centre of the ANL (Kapuzinerhof) Replicas of old wooden fences in front of the administrative building of the ANL

Left: Educational Center of the ANL (Kapuzinerhof).
Right: Wooden fence in a traditional style (replica) in front of the administrative building of the ANL.

Get to know habitats, plants and animals first hand

During internships at the ANL, you will learn about the plants and wildlife and get insights into biological and ecological methods. Habitats will be described by their component plant and animal species and ecological relationships among the inhabitants explained.

Seminar group in an alpine excursion course Group on a field trip in a pond

Left: Seminar group during an alpine excursion.
Right: Participants on a field trip viewing water life.

New educational opportunities

The ANL is participating in the nationwide training program for "expert rangers", specialized in nature and landscape conservation (GNL). Course content includes nature conservation and landscape management, public relations, excursion didactics and conflict management. With this training of nature and landscape guides (ZNL), the Academy helps contribute to environmentally sustainable tourism that extends beyond national boundaries. In addition to knowledge about the nature, landscape and local history of the region, the "expert ranger" also learns how to interact with visitors. The courses are open to everyone.

A group of children is exploring and determining placement of plants in the area of the ANL Participants collecting and identifying insects at the ANL’s Research Area Straß

Left: Children looking at and identifying plants.
Right: Participants collecting and identifying insects in the ANL’s Research Area “Straß.

Research for nature

More than 150 research projects have been conducted by the ANL. An important criterion in the selection of a research theme is whether it is possible to direct implement the results in conservation practice. The scientific results are presented and discussed in lectures and symposia.

What research projects are currently in progress? Among others, projects aiming to restore the Salzach River and implement landscaping concepts and the Habitats Directive of the European Union. In addition, themes relevant to the social sciences, such as the history of nature conservation in Bavaria urban ecology, or sustainable development are covered.

Conservation as an experiment: The ANL’s Teaching and Research Area

Only three kilometers away from Laufen in the Schinderbachtal, the ANL’s Teaching and Research Station "Straß" is found. About 18 hectares of agricultural land were acquired by the Bavarian Nature Conservation Fund and are used by the ANL for teaching and scientific purposes. Maintenance and land utilization are conducted in cooperation with local farmers.

Building bridges with nature conservation

The Academy ist committed to the implemenation of EU projects such as Interreg and the natura 2000 pgrogram. It works nationally and internationally together with experts in nature conservation. One focal area is the exchange of scientific knowledge and practical experience, particularly with countries in southeastern Europe.

The ANL informs

Selected Publications The ANL publishes the latest scientific findings from research and events in various publication series. In addition, information brochures, flyers and CDs are also available.

Executive committee

Each members of the executive committee holds office for five full years, makes decisions on the main themes of the activities of the ANL and advises the ANL in strategic situations. The composition of the executive committee is formed as part of the regulation of the ANL. The structure ensures of the committee ist formed such that he representation of different social groups ist ensured. Executive meetings take place twice a year.

The composition of the executive committee (eighth term, 2011 to 2016) can be by following the link below (only in German). More

Cooperation Partners

We often work together with a large number of partner organizations, so we recommend you to visit of the websites of our cooperation partners in the areas of science, education and applied nature conservation. The list can be found by following the link below (only in German). More

The Academy for Nature Conservation and Landscape Management (ANL) is subordinate to the Bavarian State Ministry for the Environment and Consumer Protection. We are responsible for education and training, applied research, and the production of high-quality publications.

Links

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

As the first academy worldwide 2010 the ANL became an IUCN member. Joining the international network of experts, cross-border co-operations and international projects are part of our common duties. more