EU funding for moor region: cultural assets and water hiking secured!

EU funding for moor region: cultural assets and water hiking secured!

There is exciting news for the “Elbe-Weser moor region” in Lower Saxony. A newly launched state program to support 14 future regions ensures that the districts of Osterholz, Cuxhaven, Stade and Rotenburg can benefit. According to the Weser-Kurier, the region has a total budget of 6.1 million euros available until mid-2028, with generous funding rates of up to 60 percent for various projects.

There was a celebratory start when Karin Beckmann, the state representative of the Office for Regional Development (ArL), handed over the funding notices to those responsible in the districts and thus initiated further steps towards the development of the region. The head of Cuxhaven, District Administrator Thorsten Krüger, emphasized the great importance of this funding, which is intended to strengthen not only moorland management, but also rural life as a whole. The projects were defined by the participating districts themselves and are based on a solid network.

New projects for the moor region

The first projects from the moor region have already seen the light of day. Projects were presented in the Cuxhaven district hall that focus in particular on the protection of cultural assets in museums and archives. One of the outstanding projects is the “Well prepared in an emergency” project, which provides initial equipment for cultural assets worthy of protection. This project includes emergency boxes with rescue supplies for museums and archives in the four districts involved and costs around 120,000 euros, of which 65,000 euros are covered by funding.

In addition, the Chamber of Agriculture is planning a special moorland advisory service aimed at advising farmers in moorland areas and promoting the transition to more moorland-friendly management. Compared to the total costs of around 315,000 euros, this project receives funding of 60 percent, i.e. around 189,000 euros, from the moor region's budget.

Focus on sustainable leisure activities

Another innovative project aimed at leisure enjoyment is the development of nature-friendly tourism concepts for water hikers. The Osterholz district takes the lead in analyzing suitable canoeing waters and improving the infrastructure for paddlers and rowers. Piers and rest areas are to be created, and this project is also supported with 60 percent of the funding budget, which enables a total investment of 100,000 euros.

The Elbe-Weser moor region is part of a far-reaching program that is provided with a total of around 96 million euros from ERDF/ESF+ funds for the 14 future regions in Lower Saxony, as the official website of Europe for Lower Saxony describes. This sustainably promotes regional cooperation and the development of joint projects.

With all of these initiatives, the moor region is not only being revitalized ecologically but also socially. It is clear that with a good hand and targeted funding, the region has a promising future ahead of it. It is often said that the heart beats in the region - and those responsible have been able to get a small taste of this in the last few weeks.

For those who would like to find out more about the specific projects and their impacts, detailed information can be found in the Weser-Kurier and in the [Landkreis Stade]. The explanations from Europe for Lower Saxony also offer a deep insight into the structure and background of these encouraging developments.