The Green Belt as a European Ecological Network strengths and gaps

Karl-Friedrich Thöne
THE GREEN BELT IN THURINGIA – A VISIONARY IDEA
– Support in the declaration and designation of protected natural reserves.
– Assistance in the clarification of land ownership questions.
– Implementation of land development and land use measures.
– Promotion of sustainable land use and ongoing management.
– Assistance in the realisation of environmentally-friendly tourism initiatives.
– Coordination of public funding and financing models.
– Public relations.
A project group entitled The Green Belt Thuringia was set up within the Thuringian
Ministry for Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Nature Conservation to coordinate the
activities of the overall project.
THE MAIN PILLARS OF THE PROJECT
LAND DEVELOPMENT
Fundamental contributions towards reconciling ecological and agricultural interests as
well as reorganising land ownership and land use aspects were achieved through the
implementation of specific land development measures. This process was supported through
agricultural structural development plans, land consolidation procedures and village
revitalisation initiatives. The aim was to resolve land use conflicts and to develop land
management and development concepts together with all the parties involved.
Dankmarshäuser Rhäden
– the flood plains of the
Werra river
(Wartburg County)
All land usage conflicts
concerning nature
conservation, agriculture
and local administrations
were easily resolved
through a simplified land
reallocation process.
ENVIRONMENTALLY PROTECTED AREAS
The most valuable sections of the Green Belt were declared by the Government of
Thuringia as environmentally protected areas in the form of nature reserves, landscape
conservation areas or areas of outstanding natural beauty with the aim of securing their longterm
existence as natural habitats.
The most valuable sections of the Green Belt cover 30% of the total area:
– 1330 hectares of nature reserves
– 580 hectares of Natura 2000
– 19 hectares of protected natural landmarks
These are the key sections of larger protected areas.
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