The REGKLAM model region takes account of the existing network of ties between the economy, infrastructure and the natural environment as this is affected by climate change. The model region encompasses the city environs of Dresden, the surrounding districts of Meissen and Sächsische Schweiz/Osterzgebirge as well as adjacent parts of the districts of Bautzen and Mittelsachsen together with the city of Freiberg. This region is home to around 1.23 m inhabitants.

The model region’s diverse geography is representative of the Free State of Saxony, ranging from the ridge of low mountains constituting the Osterzgebirge in the south to the lowlands at the northern border to Brandenburg. The local climate is a result of the Atlantic air masses of western Europe meeting the continental air masses of eastern Europe.

The region is one of the most important economic engines in the new German Länder. Dresden is home to many small and medium-size companies in the fields of microelectronics, electrical engineering and machine construction as well as the food industry. Several universities with a largely technical profile, as well as the establishment of numerous research institutions, ensure a steady supply of highly trained employees.

In terms of agriculture, the sheltered location of the Elbe valley ensures a favourable climate – there is even a local wine-producing region. At a somewhat higher altitude, the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) is largely forested. Traditional rural landscapes, forests and many nature reserves (e.g. the Elbsandsteingebirge) constitute a hugely diverse countryside which, along with the rich cultural heritage of Dresden, is a major tourist attraction.   

A strict definition of borders has been consciously avoided for the model region. Instead, the dimensions of the presented region are determined purely by the relevance of REGKLAM’s results. The majority of the project’s investigations take place within this area. At the same time this is the area for which the project has striven to gain the participation of affected and interested actors, e.g. from industry, agriculture and forestry, the environment, politics, public administration, as well as city and regional planning. The indistinct borders affirm a readiness to welcome actors lying outside these borders to take part in the project on specific questions.