In Saarland, new fields of blossoming flowers were created on over 40 ha of land this summer, providing shelter and food for many endangered animal species. The Landesentwicklungsgesellschaft Saarland (LEG Saar) and the Vereinigung der Jäger des Saarlandes (VJS), together with numerous Saarland communities, arranged for this: Throughout Saarland, they sowed a special, regional seed for 60 different kinds of flowers and herbs on an area sized over 50 football pitches. In doing so, they made a significant contribution to the preservation of biodiversity on the Saar. On Thursday, August 27th, the project was presented to the public on the flowered landscape at Gimbweiler Straße near Nohfelden-Wolfersweiler.
For LEG Saar, the preservation and further development of biodiversity are important components of regional development in Saarland. In practice, this means the generous sowing of special, diversified seeds. So, new spaces with a broad range of blossoming flowers that provide shelter and food for numerous animal species are created. This includes many types of insects, for example the native wild bee and butterflies, but also partridges, pheasants, rabbits and various species of birds, such as the skylark.
In cooperation with hunters from the region and municipalities, areas are identified that are particularly suitable for creating flowered landscapes rich in insects. LEG Saar provides land owners with a special regional seed mix free of charge. In return, they commit themselves to sowing and, thus, to setting aside their land for the coming years.
The seed consists of roughly 60 different regional plants: wildflowers such as musk mallow, cornflower and yarrow, as well as cultivated plants, e.g. red clover, vetch and sunflower, are among them. All of them are adapted to the climatic conditions and the needs of native animal and insect species.
The seeds were delivered to LEG Saar by the integration company Haseler Mühle near Neunkirchen. This subsidiary of Neue Arbeit Saar gGmbH deals with the cultivation and sale of local seeds. The mill offers people, handicapped or not, permanent and regular jobs on the primary labor market. www.haseler-muehle.de
Besides LEG Saar and VJS, also the municipalities made a significant contribution by providing space for the implementation of the joint project.
In the next few years, the parties involved would like to extend their commitment to further Saarland municipalities in order to raise awareness of the important topic of biodiversity and to widen the existing contribution to create a sustainable cultural landscape that is rich in species.
Roland Theis, State Secretary and Chairman of the Board of LEG Saar: `As a public company, it is our job to sustainably promote Saarland´s development. We do this together with the municipalities. In addition to economy-related projects such as the holiday park Bostalsee or the thermal resort in Rilchingen, this model of sustainable regional development also includes ecological sustainability for us. That´s why we want to make our contribution to a cultural landscape in Saarland that is rich in species.`
Valentin Holzer, Managing Director LEG Saar: `One of our goals is to raise public awareness of the topic of biodiversity. After all, it is an essential part of our region´s development. Accordingly, the promotion of habitats for endangered animal species is an important concern and also task for us. Together with the municipalities, the supporting associations and the local farmers, we want to be pioneers in creating an insect-rich cultural landscape of relevance to biodiversity.`
Landesjägermeister Josef Schneider: `Hunting is a cultural asset that has historically grown over thousands of years. Today, hunting is not just about obtaining high-quality and healthy food in a sustainable way. Hunting primarily serves the preservation of nature and therefore meets an important social requirement of our time. So, we think it is essential for us to initiate and support species protection projects such as Saarland Artenreich together with LEG Saar.`
Andreas Veit, Mayor of the municipality of Nohfelden: `The municipality of Nohfelden is actively committed to the 2030 Agenda of the United Nations and thus also to its 17 goals for a sustainable development. The fostering of biodiversity is an important part of this and we are happy to be able to valuably contribute to biodiversity in cooperation with LEG Saar through the area of blossoming flowers in Wolfersweiler.`
LEG Saar is the partner of the municipalities under the umbrella of Strukturholding Saar, a 100% state subsidiary. As a public company, we work together with the municipalities on the infrastructural and economic development of our country, renovate town centers, create living space and jobs for the local people. We attach great importance to ecological sustainability in order to secure the preservation of our varied and beautiful flora and fauna for future generations. www.leg-saar.de
Founded in 1948, the Vereinigung der Jäger des Saarlandes (VJS) actively supports the interests of all wild plants and animals as well as their habitats and supports government agencies in nature and animal protection. Furthermore, it is a founding member of the Naturlandstiftung Saar. Based in Saarwellingen, the VJS maintains and promotes the art of hunting and trains hunters and gamekeepers. It looks after around 3,400 members. www.saarjaeger.de
