Germany's New 'Aktionprogramm Naturklimaschutz' Aims to Restructure 100,000 Hectares of Forest Annually
Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider has launched a new initiative, 'Aktionprogramm Naturklimaschutz', focusing on climate change mitigation. The plan targets farmers and forest owners, aiming to annually restructure 100,000 hectares of forest to enhance resilience to extreme weather and boost CO2 storage.
The comprehensive program consists of 41 measures, centered around forests, moors, and soils. Key strategies include rewetting former moors and wetlands, transforming coniferous forests into diverse mixed forests, and reducing water losses in forests. These steps are crucial for protecting moors and forests, vital for CO2 storage and combating climate change.
The federal government will collaborate with farmers, forest owners, cities, and communities to implement these changes. Farmers will be supported through funding for converting to 'wet' agriculture, income loss compensation, and additional incentives. They will need to adopt new practices like paludiculture and agrophotovoltaics, as rewetting moors requires significant adjustments.
The initiative's success depends on discussions with farmers and other stakeholders to finalize its details. With a target of restructuring 100,000 hectares of forest yearly, the government aims to create a robust, climate-resilient landscape. By protecting and restoring moors and forests, the program leverages nature's power in combating climate change.
