In which region do we want to live? – Transformation in economy, society and culture in Central Germany

Since the 19^th century, Central Germany has been marked by extensive lignite exploitation as well as energy-intensive industries. Yet, after German reunification in 1990, many mines and industrial facilities had to close with profound impacts on the region’s social and economic landscape. At the same time, mining had also devastating effects for the environment which was largely neglected before 1990.

Still today, the landscape in the area south of Leipzig is marked by the legacies of former and current mining activities. On the way to our main destination, we will have a short visit to the United Schleenhain coal mine in the province of Saxony just 20 km to the south of Leipzig. After that we will make a short detour and take a look at the power plant Lippendorf. Our journey continues to Zeitz, in the province Saxony-Anhalt. As many other small and medium-sized towns in this region, Zeitz and its citizens and businesses is trying to reinvent themselves. The town has long been known for its diverse industries. Yet after 1990, only few of them remained and the town experienced high unemployment rates, outmigration, decay of industrial and housing buildings and a loss of reputation. Just within the last seven years, this development seems to come a halt with new opportunities stemming from the German “lignite mining exit” and an emerging cultural and creative scene that has recently discovered the town’s free spaces.

The excursion will give an insight into this economically and culturally interesting region. Participants will discover the lignite mining industry in the region and discuss the effects of the structural changes from 1990 up to today as well as future economic development options with responsible persons from different fields from the region.