Florian Wittmann

Florian Wittmann is a Professor at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), specializing in river and floodplain ecology at the Institute of Geography and Geoecology (IfGG). As director of the Floodplain Institute, he integrates basic ecological research with applied projects focused on landscape water management, flood protection, and floodplain renaturation. His work emphasizes reconciling ecological needs with human activities like agriculture, forestry, and transport, particularly through the EU’s Fauna-Flora-Habitat Directive.

Wittmann’s research spans near-natural floodplains, sedimentation-erosion cycles, and carbon sequestration in wood growth, contributing to biodiversity and climate protection. He has conducted long-term field studies in the Amazon basin for over two decades. His interdisciplinary team includes experts in biology, forestry, and geomorphology, addressing challenges like habitat loss (e.g., gravel banks, willow/tamarisk vegetation) and promoting sustainable floodplain management.