New ditch association in Hohnstorf: Citizens take over water management!

New ditch association in Hohnstorf: Citizens take over water management!

A lot is happening in Hohnstorf: A new ditch association has been founded that is dedicated to maintaining a 400 meter long drainage ditch. In a region that often suffers from wet soils, this is a step in the right direction. The initiative was initiated by nine committed members who take care of water management and thus take some of the responsibility into their own hands.

Mayor Dirk Lindemann sees the founding of the association as an unbureaucratic solution to an existing problem. The development plan originally stipulated that residents would keep a five meter wide strip on their properties. However, this project was forgotten, which meant that the district had to ask residents to clear the areas again. It is interesting that the water association is now transferring responsibility for the ditch to the municipality, which is passing this task on to the new association. The members of the association are not only responsible for maintaining the ditch, they also pay an association fee to the Ilmenau Association.

Important role of the ditch

The ditch plays a crucial role in the drainage of the residential area, especially during the increasingly frequent heavy rain events that are intensified by climate change. This makes water management more urgent than ever. The Elbe Marsh is naturally susceptible to moisture, but the increasing sealing caused by new residential areas makes it much more difficult for rainwater to seep away. One point that cannot be talked about often enough is the impact of such developments on the environment, especially with regard to biodiversity and water balance.

As the Natural Forest Academy explains, historical drainage measures have often resulted in soils drying out and creating water debts. The extensive drainage that was promoted as early as the 18th century to create monocultures has long-term effects on the surrounding area. These developments have been exacerbated by climate change as well as the water needs of human society. The federal government has therefore initiated measures with the federal program “Water: N” that deal with sustainable water management and want to put innovations into practice.

Sustainability and neighborhood

In order to promote sustainable water management, work is being done on water balances in Hohnstorf as well as in many other regions of Germany. An example from Brandenburg shows that the dismantling of drainage infrastructure is becoming increasingly important in order to minimize the risk of flooding. The neighboring Dutch country also has something similar in mind, as it is unavoidable to question existing ditches in order to improve water conditions.

The Grabenverein in Hohnstorf not only contributes to care and maintenance, but also promotes neighborhood cohesion and thus creates practical solutions on site. The move towards a more active role for residents can serve as a positive example for other communities facing similar water management challenges.

In summary, it can be said that the establishment of the new ditch association in Hohnstorf represents a sensible commitment to local water management. At a time when water is becoming more and more valuable as a resource, the members of the association show how we can actively contribute to improving the environment through collective action. The influence of climate change makes it necessary for such competent management to be anchored regionally and to lay the foundation for a sustainable perspective.

You can find out more about these topics in the articles State newspaper, the Natural Forest Academy and that Federal Ministry of Research read up.