New times - new strategies

Rural areas in Germany face great challenges. Demographic change, the move-out of young people and tight public budgets have negative impacts on services of general interest (SGI) and infrastructure in many parts of the country. Not only the federal and local governments, but also every citizen has to cope with changing conditions. All parties concerned are demanded to develop new strategies and ideas in order to keep rural areas livable.

Show commitment and be prized

Many people already commit themselves in a creative way for the amenity of their home villages or towns – many of them without public attention. These people who work hard for the common well-being shall be honored by this award. Good examples of innovative ideas and projects which have been initiated or carried out by citizens will be presented to the public in order to encourage emulation.

inter 3 is the new managing office

The contest was initiated in 2011 in the course of the "Initiative Ländliche Infrastruktur" (rural area initiative) by the former Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development (BMVBS) and has run three successful rounds so far. From the fourth round on, which has officially started in February 2014 under the auspices of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB), inter 3 has been the managing office.