Digital nature conservation information is now available for 190 protected areas in North Rhine-Westphalia
Digitize the Planet, in collaboration with the NRW Foundation, has successfully implemented another major project to digitize nature conservation data. The goal of the project was to make digital and nature conservation-related information centrally available for all 190 nature reserves managed by the NRW Foundation in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Between November 2025 and February 2026, data from 190 nature reserves were systematically processed and integrated into the Digitize the Planet database. This means that comprehensive information on reserve boundaries and rules of conduct is now available digitally—an important foundation for informing outdoor athletes and nature visitors about behavior that respects nature conservation and for protecting biodiversity.
Comprehensive data collection and quality assurance
For each protected area, geographic data, regulations, and metadata from various sources were compiled, including Wikidata, Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, and the World Database of Protected Areas. In addition, images and descriptive texts were incorporated to provide a clear visual and textual representation of the protected areas.
In total, the following were:
190 nature reserves have been digitally mapped
2,692 usage rules compiled from the respective protected area regulations
Created over 24,000 words of descriptive text
145 images integrated for 108 protected areas
The data sets underwent several stages of quality assurance. In addition to automated verification mechanisms, the dual-review process was also employed. Furthermore, external Digital Rangers conducted random spot checks of the content against official regulations—with no issues found.
A digital foundation for behavior that supports nature conservation
By making this information available digitally, Digitize the Planet is laying an important foundation that will enable outdoor apps, platforms, and digital maps to display up-to-date conservation regulations in the future. This will make it easier for people to behave appropriately in nature and protect sensitive habitats.
The complete datasets have been handed over to the NRW Foundation for further use and maintenance. In addition, Digitize the Planet is providing training to the foundation’s staff to ensure that the data remains up to date over the long term.
This project once again demonstrates how digital infrastructure can help make nature conservation information accessible and promote sustainable recreational use.
