Decades of forest management in the project area has led to the replacement of natural wetlands with fast-growing tree plantations, resulting in habitat loss and reduced biodiversity. Dominated by unsuitable poplar trees, the damp to wet soils are now plagued by disease, disappearing wetlands, and a decline in rare species that depend on these ecosystems.

This project restores the ecological balance. On around 52,000 square meters – a former poplar plantation crisscrossed by two streams and marked by wet depressions – non-native trees are being removed. In their place, native tree species like alder and willow are being specifically promoted and maintained. Deadwood is intentionally left behind to provide habitat for many species. In the depressions, small swamps and wet clearings are created to increase structural diversity.

This way, the area is gradually transforming back into a species-rich, near-natural swamp forest ecosystem. Swamp forests play crucial roles: They purify water and air, store large amounts of water – making them especially valuable in the face of climate change – and provide vital habitat for numerous animal and plant species, including dragonflies, butterflies, and migratory birds. Moreover, due to its proximity to the metropolitan region, the area is also a valuable local recreation space.

This nature conservation initiative is part of a combined project

Companies investing in this project support both a nature conservation initiative and a certified international climate project – delivering double the impact. For every tonne of CO₂ demonstrably reduced through the certified project, a financial contribution goes to a nature conservation project in Düsseldorf.

Currently, nature conservation in Germany is combined with a certified biogas project in India (climatepartner.com/1359). As part of this climate project in the state of Punjab, approximately 7,200 biogas plants will be installed to supply connected households with energy for cooking and heating.