Post industrial landscapes, esp. region such as post-mining and, even more, post open-pit mining areas do need innovative, specific and strategic planning processes and formats for a vital future. Exemplified by different planning processes in post-industrial landscapes over time it will be analysed what pros and cons are seen against the background of different political systems and societal structures. Beside common planning issues special formats such as International Building exibitions, garden shows, participation festivals, architectural and other competitions, advisory boards of different kind and even heritage protection issues of different levels may help to create value of the regions future.