News
+ + +
New ecological study programme
14. 2. 2012, 09:24 by VS
From February 6 to 8, a workshop on developing a study programme "Applied Ecology" took place at Baku State University in Azerbaijan. Michael Succow Foundation representatives presented a benchmark analysis of existing ecological study programmes, shared experiences with landscape ecological studies in Greifswald, and developed visions and goals for the future study programme. At the end of the workshop, the programme's format and first contents were drafted. The project is part of the GIZ initiative "Sustainable biodiversity management, Southern Caucasus". The next meeting will take place mid-March in Greifswald.
Rominter Heath to be protected
31. 1. 2012, 14:52 by VS
The Michael Succow Foundation's project for a protected area in Kaliningrad has proved successful: Kaliningrad's governor signed the decree on foundation of the nature park Rominter Heath. The forest administration is in charge of establishing the reserve. In October 2011, the Michael Succow Foundation had presented the project results at the German-Russian Environmental Days and handed it over to the Kaliningrad province government.
Study trip for Russian engineers
17. 1. 2012, 11:18 by VS
From January 15th to 21st, Russian engineers, representatives of Moscow Oblast government, the Russian Ministry for the Environment and the Academy of Sciences took part in a study trip to Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The trip was part of a Russian-German peatland restoration project: in order to avoid dangerous fires like in summer 2010 and to mitigate climate change, peatlands in Moscow Oblast will be rewetted. In Germany, the Russian experts were visiting the regional nature park "Uckermärkische Seen", peatlands in Peene valley and Trebe valley, learning more about technical implementation of rewetting as well as about sustainable use of peatlands. At a concluding workshop in Greifswald, they set up a road map for measures to be implemented in Russia.
First step of restoration measures in Brandenburg’s Bollwin valley to be completed
12. 12. 2011, 11:01 by ER
In the framework of the EU LIFE project “Alkaline Fens in Brandenburg” a
number of drainage ditches in the Bollwin valley have been closed since
mid-November. This provides the basis for future peat growth in the fen. To
fill the ditches, the most degraded peat level at the top was stripped on
several areas and brought to the ditches. This method called “shallow peat digging”
has proved to be of value in numerous other peatlands over the last years. Next
to creating water levels near to the surface, shallow peat digging leads to not
very decayed peats at the surface and provides optimal conditions for re-establishing
a specific alkaline fen vegetation.
The first phase of these works will be completed at the end of November. Then most ditches will be filled in the valley’s central part. If the measures prove to be successful, more parts of the valley Filled ditch in Bollwin valley
will be revitalised in the same way from next year on.
The project is implemented by NaturSchutzFonds Brandenburg. The Michael Succow Foundation as biggest owner of areas, with it competency in peatland protection is project partner and closely cooperates in planning and implementing the measures.
MAB workshop in Ethiopia
12. 12. 2011, 11:01 by ER
Planning the establishment of a biosphere reserve in Ethiopia, the Michael Succow Foundation organized an international MAB workshop in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from November 4 to 8. “MAB” stands for the UNESCO “Man and Biosphere” programme, which promotes the global development of biosphere reserves. At the workshop, national decision makers and regional stakeholders discussed experiences on different aspects of planning and managing biosphere reserves. Additionally, a platform to connect Ethiopian and other African actors of the AfriMAB network on questions of biosphere reserve development and national MAB committees was initiated. Discussions repeatedly focused on Lake Tana as a potential biosphere reserve.
Prof. Michael Succow guided a delegation to Lake Tana region. There, political discussions with national actors and a meeting with the regional authority for culture, tourism, and park development took place, in order to discuss future cooperation and activities. Among the German delegation members were Prof. Dr. Beate Jessel (President of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation), Heiko Warnken (Director Division for environment and sustainable use of natural resources at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development), and Svane Bender-Kaphengst (Director of NABU’s Africa programme).
New foundation network
24. 11. 2011, 11:44 by VS
At a meeting of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's foundations on 19th November 2011, the "Foundation Net MV" was founded. The network aims at representing foundations in politics, media, and the public, strengthening cooperation and exchange of information among foundations, campaigning for founding and assisting potential founders. Kathrin Succow represents the Michael Succow Foundation at the network's steering committee.