Schleswig-Holstein: 1,000 hectares secured for new nature reserves!

Schleswig-Holstein: 1,000 hectares secured for new nature reserves!

An important project in Schleswig-Holstein is taking shape. The state plans to designate several new nature reserves by 2027. This was announced by Environment Minister Tobias Goldschmidt (Greens), who described the initiative as a strong signal against the impending natural crisis. A total of around 1,000 hectares, spread across moors, lakes and other ecosystems, are to be protected. This roughly corresponds to an area of ​​1,430 football fields, which will be preserved for future generations.

The planned protected areas include the Winderatter See in the Schleswig-Flensburg district, the Hasenmoor in the Segeberg district and the Wittmoor, which borders on the Duvenstedt district in Hamburg. Other areas include the moor south of Hövede and the Tielenau Valley in the Dithmarschen district. Goldschmidt emphasized that the implementation of these measures is a significant step towards restoring damaged ecosystems.

The goal by 2030

The creation of these nature reserves is just the first milestone on the way to protecting a total of 5,000 hectares by 2030. According to the Ministry of the Environment, at least 130 species die every day, while in Germany 51 hectares of soil are sealed every day - the equivalent of around five football fields in Schleswig-Holstein alone. The EU has also obliged member states to restore 20 percent of damaged ecosystems by 2030 and even 100 percent by 2050.

In order to secure biological diversity in the long term, the national strategy on biological diversity is of central importance. This was initiated by the Federal Environment Ministry and the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) and has been supported by various research projects since 2019. The participation process includes over 70 social actors who actively participate in specialist interviews and workshops. The findings are incorporated into a catalog of measures that defines concrete goals by 2030.

The path to implementation

The results of the consultation process, which started on June 15, 2023, were published in the summer. 1,450 comments were received from the public, which shows how important protecting nature is to people. The broad participation shows that many actors - from nature conservation associations to agricultural representatives to sports associations - take dialogue and participation seriously. The topics of agricultural landscapes and protected areas were particularly actively discussed.

In summary, it can be said that Schleswig-Holstein is well on the way to protecting nature and promoting biodiversity. The designation of new nature reserves is the first step in a comprehensive project that will bring many more positive changes in the coming years.

Further information about the planned nature reserves can be found at sat1regional.de and the national biodiversity strategy bfn.de.