Preserving the natural environment - Approximately 55,000 species of animals and plants inhabit Thuringia.
Thuringia encounters immense hurdles in maintaining biological diversity in the region. Home to approximately 55,000 species of animals, vegetation, fungi, and lichens, Thuringia ranks among the most diverse states in Germany. This information was revealed by Environment Minister Bernhard Stengele (Greens) in his speech in Erfurt. Some of these species are unique to this state, like the Rhön snail.
The administration of gardens and fields has a considerable influence on biodiversity. Over 50% of the area is employed for farming, while 33% is woodland, 12% are inhabited areas and infrastructure.
The move in 2018 to halt forest management on 5% of the forest area, allowing it to evolve naturally, has aided biodiversity. Stengele elucidated, "In unmanaged forests, trees can grow exceptionally large and decay gradually, creating fresh habitats for scarce creatures, plants, and fungi."
The Nature Conservation Act mandates a report on the state of nature to be submitted every five years during the legislative period. This report showcases progress, decisive difficulties, and encompasses data about funding programs and voluntary involvement.
Link to the report: https://www.thueringen.de/fileadmin/user_upload/umwelt/umweltministerium/publikationen/2021/Lagebericht_Natur_2021_Thueringen.pdf
