Luxembourg's biodiversity is under threat, prompting the Natural Environment Observatory to focus on preserving open landscapes, which offer essential ecological and economic benefits.
In Luxembourg, biodiversity is increasingly threatened as more species disappear or face decline. To address this trend, the Natural Environment Observatory (Observatoire de l'environnement naturel) has issued a flyer highlighting the importance of open landscapes. These environments serve as vital ecosystems that are both ecologically and economically valuable.
"The state of nature here in Luxembourg is concerning," remarked Jessie Thill, president of the Observatory and alderman of Walferdange. "The Observatory's 2021 report highlighted significant biodiversity decline, particularly in open landscapes. This is why we are now focusing on assessing such landscapes. We want to quantify, including monetarily, what it would mean to implement nature conservation measures."
On Wednesday afternoon, the Natural Environment Observatory invited the public to a meadow north of Mamer. This area, once dominated by a spruce forest, has now been transformed with patches of flowers, grass, hedges, and even a pond, thanks to a biodiversity contract signed by the landowner – a farmer. Simone Schneider, head of the scientific department of the nature conservation syndicate SICONA, elaborates on this transformation:
"This grand-ducal regulation involves the extensive use of species-rich meadows. The farmer receives a subsidy for adhering to certain conditions, such as mowing later and avoiding fertilizers or pesticides. This ensures that the biodiversity and overall benefits provided by such a species-rich meadow are maintained."
Among the benefits of such measures is the creation of habitats for pollinators like bees, which play a crucial role in food production. Furthermore, society as a whole gains financial benefits from these efforts. Doris Bauer, an employee at the biological station of the nature conservation syndicate SIAS, explains:
"The European Commission estimates that for every euro invested in nature conservation, society receives between €4 to €38 in ecosystem services. For instance, by refraining from using fertilisers and pesticides, groundwater remains cleaner, reducing the need for drinking water treatment. Additionally, by restoring healthier meadows, we enhance natural CO2 storage capabilities."
These ecosystems also contribute to mitigating floods and related damages by absorbing water. Luxembourg boasts approximately 140,000 hectares of open landscapes, half roughly consisting grasslands and the other half of arable land. Currently, nearly 7,000 hectares are under biodiversity contracts, with plans to expand this to 13,000 hectares by 2030.
