About
Digitize the Planet e. V. digitizes nature conservation information in protected areas and makes this data available to outdoor apps, tour portals and map services in open data format, thus forming the basis for nature conservation-compliant outdoor activities.
Digitize the Planet
The Association
Vision
“All nature conservation information for leisure-related outdoor activities is available everywhere in context”
Our long-term goal is a harmonious coexistence of people and nature, supported by digital knowledge that is available anytime and anywhere. The standardized integration of nature conservation information into tour portals, outdoor apps, navigation services and maps is intended to promote nature conservation-compliant behavior, relieve sensitive areas and avoid conflicts.
Mision
“We compile all recreation-related nature conservation information worldwide and create a global data set (open data) that contains all information about the protected assets. We support all stakeholders in using this data.”
In this way, we want to raise awareness of nature-friendly behavior on the one hand and promote digital activity management on the other.
Our short-term goal is to link as many outdoor apps, tour portals and navigation services as possible to our database. This will enable outdoor enthusiasts to view and take into account all relevant nature conservation regulations both at home when planning their route and on site.
In the medium term, we want to establish an international network of stakeholders from nature conservation, tourism, sport and industry in order to create common standards for nature conservation.
We form the basis for outdoor activities that comply with nature conservation regulations.
Digital nature protection!
Digitize the Planet e. V. (DtP) makes a significant contribution to ensuring that nature conservation is understandable and digitally accessible for everyone.
As an independent interface between protected areas on the one hand and outdoor portals, tourism and sports associations and outdoor companies on the other, we provide the platform that transforms complex regulations into digital, clear, standardized information.
Our platform brings standardized data on protected areas, laws, rules, local agreements and codes of conduct to where outdoor enthusiasts need it most – their preferred digital applications such as tour portals, outdoor apps and navigation services.
In this way, we make it easier for guests and destinations alike to use nature consciously and responsibly, without burdening it unnecessarily.
Non-profit status
Digitize the Planet e. V. is a young association that was founded in March 2020. As such, it fulfills its non-profit mission to promote nature conservation with a start-up mentality. This is reflected in its innovative capacity and agility. The purpose of the association is non-profit, serves the general public and does not itself pursue any economic interests.
Digitize the Planet
Our History
Initial situation – requirement
Due to the increasing challenges in the area of “trails” for destinations, landowners, trail managers, etc., there is a need to find solutions. The proliferation of tours through closed or private areas, the increase in outdoor sports tourism and nature conservation make the question of a digital solution more urgent than ever. In order for there to be a unified approach, it is necessary to bring all stakeholders together and make joint decisions.
In the search for a solution, 3 round tables were held on the topic of “Visitor guidance for destinations – analog and digital”. Participation was deliberately kept open to all interested parties.
1.Round Table - 18.09.2018 I Immenstadt
Topics
Visitor guidance and quality management
Signs are important as basic quality as well as visitor guidance to avoid conflicts. Solution: Visitors can be guided along the customer journey by using data.
Internationalization and common standards
Basic standards at European level would be helpful, which are consistent across countries as well as analogue and digital.
Stimulus for platforms to manage community paths
Development of criteria and rules on how paths can be created online by the community.
2.Round Table - 06.03.2019 I Berlin
Topics
Framework conditions
Consideration of current conflicts of use and possible solutions in relation to the dimensions “space and players” and “evaluation and values”.
Product quality
Rules are also content, which must be presented with a source. Good content must be created professionally and be open data.
Data quality
Heterogeneous quality and quantity of official data as well as missing data or data that cannot be used digitally. OpenStreetMap offers good data in the area, but this does not comply with the jointly agreed rules.
Conclusion
Need to draw up a code of conduct for individual activities with instructions and recommendations for sustainable and respectful interaction with one another.
3.Round Table - 24.09.2019 I Immenstadt
Topics
Code of conduct
Development of a code of conduct with rules/recommendations for visitor guidance, which must be available digitally before departure.
Nationwide platform
Establishment of a nationwide platform on which users can collect data relating to the protected areas.
Services provided by the providers
Not only nature sports enthusiasts on the demand side should adhere to the rules, but also the actors on the supply side such as platforms, DMOs, authorities, forestry, etc.
Idea of founding a non-profit association
Task: To digitize legal bases and nature conservation information, create common standards and ensure good and open data in cooperation with DMOs and protected areas, etc.
Foundation of the association - 11.03.2020 I Berlin
Due to the cancellation of the ITB caused by Corona, the foundation took place in a small circle in the offices of BTE Tourismus- und Regionalberatung in Berlin.
The association’s work began with the intention of promoting nature conservation and realizing this project by digitizing nature conservation information, legal rules on the use of nature, local regulations and safety information. The data will be freely accessible (open data) and will be disseminated primarily on outdoor platforms with the aim of making nature conservation information available to users.
Digitize the Planet
Members
Membership in Digitize the Planet e. V. benefits organizations from a wide range of sectors. Contribute your ideas, interests, and expertise to help create a conflict-free and environmentally friendly coexistence. Become part of an important and far-reaching project for the future of outdoor sports, nature conservation, and tourism.
The following organizations and individuals are already members:
Protected Areas
Authorities
Sports Association
Nature Conversation Association
Outdoor Platforms
Mapping Services
Tourism
Destination
Outdoor-Industry
Forest Authority
Corporations
Supporters
David Wewetzer
Alexander Dingeldey
Susanne Groos
Digitize the Planet
Board
The four-member board is composed of representatives from nature conservation, tourism, outdoor sports, and tour portals. This gives the association a broad range of expertise, a deep understanding of stakeholders’ needs, and strong networking capabilities.
During the 4nd General Assembly in June 2024, the board, which has been active since the founding of the association, was re-elected.
Registered Office Mailing Address
Digitize the Planet e.V.
Kreuzbergstraße 20
10965 Berlin
Mail: mail@digitizetheplanet.org
Tel: +49 151 1542 0423
Hartmut Wimmer
Chairperson
Effective visitor management is only possible on a digital basis. Once the guest is on-site, it’s too late. Through digital platforms, every guest can access information about which areas are open and which are closed. They can also get an overview of local regulations, laws, and restrictions.
After graduating in engineering from the University of Munich, Hartmut Wimmer founded his own engineering firm in 1994 before shifting his focus to tourism infrastructure. Confronted with challenges in tour planning, he decided to find a solution for the standardized collection of valuable information. This idea led to the founding of Outdooractive in 2008. Since then, Hartmut’s goal has been to create the world’s largest outdoor platform using pioneering technology. A passionate outdoor enthusiast himself, Hartmut aims to create a virtual home for like-minded individuals to share their nature experiences.
Since the founding of Digitize the Planet, he has been actively involved as the Chairperson. Through his pioneering work in digitalization, he understands exactly what is needed for our new association to succeed.
Dr. Neele Larondelle
2. Chairperson
The digital management of visitors is an increasingly challenging task for the administrative bodies of National Natural Landscapes. Rising visitor numbers and the wide variety of (often unchecked) digital offerings make it difficult for visitors to adequately inform themselves about the rules and regulations in place. The goal must be to protect sensitive areas within Germany’s most valuable landscapes while still enabling remarkable nature experiences. Achieving this is only possible through effective information and communication. Building a comprehensive data foundation from a single source is an essential step—and I am glad to have been part of shaping this process with Digitize the Planet from the very beginning.
Neele Larondelle studied Regional Sciences at the University of Potsdam and Natural Resource Management at TU Dresden. After various stays abroad, she completed her Ph.D. at the Chair of Landscape Ecology at Humboldt University in Berlin. In collaboration with The New School in New York City, she researched socio-ecological relationships in urban areas and developed assessment and modeling methods for ecosystem services.
Until 2016, she worked at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, where she studied conflict potential and communication strategies in urban forests as recreational spaces. Since 2016, she has been with Nationale Naturlandschaften e.V., where she leads the Protected Area Management and Conservation department. In January 2020, she was appointed Deputy Managing Director.
Since the founding of Digitize the Planet, she has been actively involved as the Vice Chairperson, giving a voice to the National Natural Landscapes within the organization.
Mathias Behrens-Egge
3. Chairperson
Nature sports and outdoor activities are increasingly guided by digital information: digital mapping services, offerings from travel destinations and organizers, tour portals, recommendations, or community input. To avoid complete confusion, it is urgently necessary to structure this data in a customer-oriented way. To prevent conflicts, valid regulations (e.g., access rights, detours, seasonal offerings) should naturally be taken into account. For this, information about these regulations must be readily available. I see a need for action here and am pleased that the association is tackling this issue in a structured and consistent manner.
Mathias Behrens-Egge studied Landscape and Open Space Planning with a focus on Tourism Economics and Regional Development at the University of Hanover (Dipl. Ing.). He is the founder and Managing Partner of BTE since 1989 and has also been a guest lecturer on “Tourism Economics for Planners” at Leibniz University Hanover since 2009. At BTE, he leads the company’s departments for Active and Nature Tourism and Regional Development. His work also focuses on destination development and facilitation.
Since the founding of Digitize the Planet, he has been actively involved as the 3rd Chairperson. He contributes primarily his experience in tourism and destination development, as well as in active tourism.
Tilman Sobek
Cashier
Tilman Sobek is one of the founders and managing directors of absolutGPS, a company that emerged from the University of Leipzig. absolutGPS is a developer of numerous active tourism concepts, ranging from hiking and touring cycling to mountain biking.
He is also the initiator and founder of the Mountainbike Tourism Forum Germany e.V., which serves as an industry association dedicated to the professionalization of mountain bike tourism in Germany.
Digitize the Planet
Team
Our team implements the mission of Digitize the Planet e. V. in their daily work by creating a responsible relationship with nature through open, standardized, and internationally digitized rules, conservation purposes, and other environmental protection information.
Registered Office Mailing Address
Digitize the Planet e.V.
Kreuzbergstraße 20
10965 Berlin
Mail: mail@digitizetheplanet.org
Tel: +49 151 1542 0423
Tom Müller
Technology Data
office Berlin
Tom has been a team member of Digitize the Planet since April 2023. He completed his studies in Transportation Engineering with a focus on Traffic Informatics in Berlin. Following his studies, he participated in various international research projects aimed at reducing traffic emissions. Most recently, he worked as a front-end developer for various NGOs in the education sector.
Tom will support the association as a full-stack developer with a special focus on the front end.
Sebastian Sarx
project manager
office Innsbruck (AT)
Sebastian Sarx has been with the association since May 2020, filling the first full-time position, marking the beginning of our work on the digitalization of nature conservation regulations. Sebastian studied Geography in Bonn and Innsbruck, focusing on sustainability and geospatial data during and after his master’s program. A passionate mountain sports enthusiast himself, he is eager to contribute to ensuring that outdoor sports and nature conservation go hand in hand.
He supports the association as a project manager and works closely with the board to achieve its goals.
Thorsten Unseld
Communication
office Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Since June 2023, Thorsten has been part of the Digitize the Planet team. He studied Tourism, Marketing, and Business Administration in Augsburg and Madrid. After initial roles in the event industry in Buenos Aires and Stuttgart, Thorsten spent many years in the tourism sector, particularly in destination management (outdoor) for the Ammergau Alps Nature Park, and later as Managing Director for Garmisch-Partenkirchen Tourism and the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena.
At the association, Thorsten serves as Senior Manager, responsible for communications, network and partner management, events, and the future strategic direction of the organization.
Thomas Richter
Technology Data
office Berlin
Thomas joined the Digitize the Planet team in November 2024.
He brings more than 15 years of experience in software and web development. Previously, he worked for several years at a Berlin startup focusing on 3D modeling, UI/UX and hardware control.
For some time now, Thomas has been using his IT knowledge to volunteer for climate protection and an ecological-social transportation transition in Berlin. He is passionate about open source and open data as well as digital maps that show him the way on hiking and cycling tours.
Thomas supports the association’s mission as a full-stack developer with a focus on backend development.
Digitize the Planet
Funding Projects
Best practice: Integration of nature conservation data in Rhineland-Palatinate
Digitization of 526 nature conservation areas in Rhineland-Palatinate. The Rhineland-Palatinate Nature and Environment Foundation is fully funding this project.
Temporary closures in nature and landscape
This project enables us to integrate temporary closures of protected areas into our Digitize-Platform.
NUDGE Project
Environmental education in digital services: nature conservation information as open data.
Open data of the rules for the use of landscape
Digitization of regulations on the use of the landscaped
Rule preparation for leisure activities
Preparation of the rules for leisure activities for selected areas of the Sielmann Foundation as open data.
Digitize the Planet
Funding Projects - Ideas
OpenStreetMap – Coordination Office and Editor
The aim of this project is to set up a coordination office for OpenStreetMap (OSM) and to make our data available via an editor in OSM.
Digital tour inspector: nature-friendly visits
With this digital tool, we create the possibility to have created GPX tracks checked for their nature conservation compliance.
We are looking for funding opportunities for the implementation.