How to save a research project Luxembourg’s forests
In the middle of the Bambësch, surrounded by damaged spruces and barren areas, on which hardly anything grows due to the dryness, it quickly becomes clear: Luxembourg’s forests are under enormous stress. Dürren, storms and pests leave deeper traces in the once vital tree stands. This is exactly where the research project « Forlux » comes in, which was officially presented on Thursday in the largest contiguous forest area of the city of Luxembourg. In cooperation with the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (List), it should provide scientifically sound answers and develop strategies for adapting forestry.
High wild stocks damage the forest: ecologist demands stronger hunting
Book and oak suffer particularly
Around 20 percent of the area of the city of Luxembourg are forested – almost 1,100 hectares, which, as Mayor Lydie Polfer (DP) emphasized, « are not in the best health ». Buchen and oak stocks in particular suffer from the increasing weather extremes as a result of climate change. Cut of Maurice Bauer (CSV) pointed to damaged spruces and dried out surfaces. The traces of a past tornado can still be clearly seen. « It is essential to support the forest, to promote biodiversity and to scientifically accompany this process, » emphasized Bauer.
It is terrifying to see how troubled many trees are. We have to raise awareness of what the consequences are.
Serge Wilmes
Environmental minister
A central goal of the project is long -term observation and analysis of forest health. As early as July 2022, a first observatory was set up in the Bambësch, which collects data on tree health, weather conditions, air quality, water balance and carbon storage. Special measuring devices and infrared cameras should help to recognize dry stress at an early stage – even before trees shout or even die.
Christophe Hissler and Stan Schymanski from the cunning presented the exact methods. Among other things, it is checked how different tree species react to the changed conditions and which measures could strengthen the resistance of the forests.
What they always wanted to know about wild boars
Research projects are financed by the state with 2.7 million euros
Environment Minister Serge Wilmes (CSV) underlined the importance of the research project, which is financed by the state with 2.7 million euros. He spoke of an important pioneering work by the city of Luxembourg and pointed out that around half of the Luxembourg forests were in municipal property. « The municipalities have a great responsibility and a lot is already undertaken, » said Wilmes.
We all hang on the forest, but the forest also hangs on us.
Maurice Bauer (CSV)
Department of the city of Luxembourg
A total of 35 percent of the country area is forested, but the situation of many trees is alarming. « We have to raise awareness of the consequences of climate change. Our forests urgently need support to be able to rejuvenate, » emphasized the minister. One problem is the high game population, which often destroys young trees directly again. Nevertheless, Wilmes was optimistic: « Together we can do something. It is not yet too late. »
This is how the government wants to save the domestic forests
« We all hang on the forest, but the forest also hangs on ourselves, » Maurice Bauer aptly formulated it. In cooperation with the natural administration, the city of Luxembourg is planning to set up a visitor center, he informed. This is intended to illustrate the entire life cycle of the forest and to sensitize the citizens to the importance of forests.
