The response to the project has been overwhelming – and the network is growing. Key project partners include the State Forestry and Timber Agency of North Rhine-Westphalia, the North Rhine-Westphalia Forest Farmers’ Association, the North Rhine-Westphalia Association of Municipal Forest Owners and the Umbrella Organisation of Biological Stations in North Rhine-Westphalia. This alliance is supported by biological stations, regional forestry offices, local nature conservation authorities and universities across North Rhine-Westphalia. The involvement of private and municipal forest owners’ associations is of particular importance for nature conservation work in forest ecosystems. Representative project regions are being identified across the state via the network.
On the occasion of ‘Fire Salamander Day’ on 3 September 2025, the project partners signed an initial joint cooperation agreement. Another milestone was a kick-off meeting with the North Rhine-Westphalia Zoo Association on 3 June 2026: numerous zoological institutions from North Rhine-Westphalia have signalled their intention to participate. Plans include, amongst other things, the joint organisation of Fire Salamander Day, the creation of display enclosures and targeted support for local action areas. Further details of this collaboration are currently being finalised.