Eberswalde understands the language of the forest

Copper hammer, iron works, brass plant, crane engineering - four terms that epitomise for Eberswalde's industrial history. The city, which has approximately 42,000 inhabitants, is located on the Finow Canal, one of the world's oldest man-made waterways. And right in the middle of the city, almost hidden away, stands an virtually unique academic institution: the Höhere Forstlehranstalt (Advanced School of Forestry), which later became today's University of Applied Sciences, was established in 1830. Around 1,600 students are now educated there by 60 professors and lecturers on a range of subjects including forest science, wood research, soil science, forest management, landscape management, nature conservation, wood technology, business administration and sustainable tourism management. They learn about the links between economics and ecology and how to approach nature with respect and responsibility.

The aerial photograph of the campus shows exactly what goes on here as this is not so obvious on the ground. An integrated system has been created here which can best be described using the term "sustainable". It is open to all influences - but is also keen to maintain its inner coherence.