“Here, the forest can do what it wants”
At the EXPO, the large-scale conservation project “Middle Elbe” is a model for natural eco-systems
“Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life” is the theme of the EXPO 2015 in Milan. Nature is the energy source for all life. All over the world, large-scale conservation projects are helping to make sure that this source does not dry up. One such project has been implemented along the “Middle Elbe” in the German federal state of Saxony-Anhalt since 2001.
A green carpet with yellow dandelion spots lies upon the pond, and fresh May greenery shines from the oaks. The frogs croak from a backwater. The Elbe − Germany’s second largest river − flows by less than ten metres away. This old dyke, built around 1850, is a sight to gladden the heart of any conservationist. Astrid Eichhorn points out some washed-up deadwood: “Nobody tidies up. Here, the forest can do what it wants.” The core zone of the biosphere reserve “Middle Elbe” runs through the Steckby-Lödderitzer Forest in the heart of Saxony-Anhalt. It comprises a still largely continuous riverside forest complex – one of the largest and last of this kind in Central Europe. UNESCO designated the Steckby-Lödderitzer river landscape and the Vessertal in the Thuringian Forest as the two first biosphere reserves in Germany back in 1979. In 1988, the reserve was expanded to include the Dessau-Wörlitzer cultural landscape. The biosphere reserve “Middle Elbe” was created in 1990 by incorporating other areas. The reserve was around 43,000 hectares in size. With the declaration of the Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve on 20 March 2006 and a comprehensive consultation process in the region, the area was almost tripled to 125,743 hectares.
It is thanks to this protection that here on the River Elbe an enormous species diversity of flora and fauna has been conserved. The Elbe beaver, on the list of animals threatened by extinction, is once again at home in its original habitat.
Dr. Astrid Eichhorn manages the Middle Elbe Project Office, which works for the WWF Deutschland (World Wide Fund For Nature) in Dessau, Saxony-Anhalt. “Protection on its own”, she says, “does not guarantee the conservation of a unique natural environment.
Read here which suitable measures are taken that allow autonomous development of such natural ecosystems.
Since 1 May and 31 October Saxony-Anhalt showcases at the world exhibition EXPO Milano 2015 as a centre of innovation of plant research. Saxony-Anhalt will present itself as an innovative and sustainable region in the heart of Germany, rich in culture and with much to see and experience. Visitors can discover a cross-section of this diverse state, as an attractive place for business, research and tourism. The cultural highlight in Saxony-Anhalt’s activities will be the “federal state days” from 27 to 31 May.
Contact:
Investment and Marketing Corporation Saxony-Anhalt
The economic development agency of the German federal state of Saxony-Anhalt
Tanja Ruedinger
Project Manager International Press & PR
Tel.: 49 391 5689976
Fax: 49 391 5689950
E-Mail: tanja.ruedinger@img-sachsen-anhalt.de
Internet: www.invest-in-saxony-anhalt.com
Investment and Marketing Corporation Saxony-Anhalt (IMG)
IMG is the economic development agency of the German federal state Saxony-Anhalt. IMG staff provides all services related to new business sites. In addition, we are marketing Saxony-Anhalt both nationally and internationally and developing tourism concepts.
We search our site and property database with 250 industrial and trade estates for a location tailored to your needs. We provide competent and individual advice for greenfield and brownfield sites, office properties or production halls. First site information provided within 24 hours. Arrangement of site visits take place following your preliminary selection. We can advise you on public grant programmes for investments, identify potential partners and arrange meetings with them. We identify a point of contact for you with the public authorities, coordinate and carry out negotiations for you on a federal state, state district and municipal level as well as with official bodies and institutions. We were assigned by the Ministry for Science and Economic Affairs of Saxony-Anhalt to guide you as a one-stop agency through the investment process.
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