SAFE

SAFE - Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry Experienced

A transdisciplinary platform that connects research, education, and practice for climate adaptation, healthy soils, and sustainable resource use.

Why SAFE matters

SAFE serves as a bridge between research and practice. It makes technologies and strategies for effective resource use more tangible through participatory education, applied research, and hands-on public engagement. The initiative responds directly to the EU Missions Healthy Soils and Climate Change Adaptation.

Led by Montanuniversitaet Leoben, SAFE brings together partners from education, research, industry, and civil society to address climate-resilient energy systems, sustainable land and forestry management, and industrial transformation pathways.

From awareness to action

Through workshops and participatory projects, SAFE empowers participants from citizens to farmers to become contributors to climate-friendly transformation. The project demonstrates how science and society can co-create practical, forward-looking solutions for a sustainable, resilient, and economically stable Europe.

Core Objectives

Research and Education

Practice-oriented research, teaching, and public learning formats for all age groups in the thematic fields of Healthy Soils and Climate Change Adaptation.

Transdisciplinary Exchange

Network-building and knowledge transfer among academia, industry, schools, and citizens to strengthen transformative participation and visibility.

Knowledge Transfer

Active exchange through participatory methods, with SAFE acting as a regional beacon and interface between science and implementation.

Living Lab Concept

SAFE is implemented on a dynamic 1.5-hectare site near Leoben. The area has a dual function: it supports research and educational initiatives for effective resource use, and it operates as an immersive public experience space in the format of a Living Lab.

Do-it Labs for students of Montanuniversitaet Leoben combine theory with practice through interactive learning. For visitors of all ages, the site offers stations that demonstrate climate adaptation, soil protection, and sustainable land and forestry management in a concrete, hands-on format.

Forest of the Future

Demonstrates how forests can adapt to climate challenges while preserving their role as long-term carbon sinks.

Interactive soil and biodiversity stations

Raised beds, carbon-enriched soil examples, flowering strips, and biotope elements show practical pathways to increase water retention, improve yields, and strengthen ecosystem resilience.

SAFE Workshop Video

SAFE in Pictures

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Hands-on learning

Participants engage directly with practical stations and field demonstrations.