Rhine-Ruhr 2025 meets Wildlife Conservation: Peregrine Falcon Banding

Peregrine Falcon Banding: In honour of International Day for Biological Diversity, environmental education, and sustainable practices, the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games has forged a pioneering partnership with NABU NRW. The start of this collaboration was symbolically marked by a joint initiative to band young peregrine falcons accompanied by a prominent figure who also received her band: our mascot, Wanda, who was herself inspired by the fastest bird in the world.

The meeting took place at a special location: a former mining site in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), now a habitat for species such as the peregrine falcon. Where coal was once extracted, peregrine falcons now nest on old mining towers at great heights. These remnants of industrial culture resemble natural rock formations and provide optimal breeding conditions for the birds.

A key partner in the transformation of decommissioned mining facilities is the RAG Foundation, dedicated to repurposing former mining sites into places of encounter and strengthening regional identity by preserving industrial monuments. The settlement of peregrine falcons on mining towers demonstrates a unique way to effectively combine industrial heritage and conservation efforts.

These partnerships send a clear message: Rhine-Ruhr 2025 stands not only for elite sports but also, together with regional partners, for responsibility towards nature and society. Through peregrine falcon banding and the integration of industrial monuments before and during the Games Time, this commitment becomes more visible and tangible – illustrating how sustainable projects can be realized locally.

Help the NABU conservation programme with Wanda merchandise

With every purchase of Wanda merchandise, 2.5% of the proceeds directly support the NABU protection project for peregrine falcons in NRW – a contribution to active species conservation and environmental awareness.

Overall, the banding event was highly educational and moving for all involved from Rhine-Ruhr 2025 and NABU NRW. And now, Wanda is officially part of this environmental commitment and the path towards more sustainability in and through sports.