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The science city of Darmstadt is participating in the Natural Climate Protection action program
The Darmstadt City , in its meeting on Wednesday, January 28, resolved to participate in the Action Program for Natural Climate Protection (ANK). A permanent natural forest is to be established on an area of 247 hectares in the eastern city forest between the Steinbrücker Teich pond and the Prinz von Hessen mine. The usage rights will be transferred to the Federal Republic of Germany; the city will remain the owner of the land but will permanently refrain from any commercial use of it.
By participating in the ANK program, the selected forest areas will develop according to nature's own rules without forestry management. The aim is to allow natural forest processes to unfold and thus make an effective contribution to climate protection, adaptation to climate change, and the promotion of biodiversity.
“With this decision, we are consistently implementing the guiding principle of the forest and creating one of the largest contiguous wilderness areas in Hesse,” explains Michael Kolmer . Untouched forests are not only important refuges for rare and endangered species, but also efficient carbon sinks. At the same time, they increase the resilience of forests to droughts, storms, and pests.
The selected areas were determined according to expert criteria. In addition to the age of the existing stands, the connection to existing protected areas and the preservation of key recreational trails played an important role. The project was discussed in advance by an expert panel and at the Forest Roundtable and received broad support.
By participating in the Natural Climate Protection Action Program, the science city of Darmstadt will receive one-time revenue of approximately five to six million euros. These funds will be allocated to the investment budget and earmarked for projects in environmental education, local recreation, and visitor management measures in the city forest. Plans include information services and targeted recreational facilities that combine experiencing nature with knowledge transfer.
The new natural forest will not only create a long-term protected space for animals and plants, but also a place for research, environmental education and nature-based recreation in the immediate vicinity of the city.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/dk)
