Since 2008, the Grand Duke has actively supported the Hëllef fir d'Natur Foundation by granting it his High Patronage. Every year, he visits a new nature reserve managed by the Foundation, where he learns about ongoing projects and conservation initiatives.
Welcomed by Mr. Patrick Losch, President of the Fondation Hëllef fir d'Natur, and Mr. Jeff Gangler, Mayor of the commune of Boulaide, HRH the Grand Duke paid an official visit to the Foundation's grounds in Surré, in the heart of the Oesling region. Accompanied by Mr. Serge Wilmes, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity, and Mrs. Martine Hansen, Minister for Agriculture, Food and Viticulture, the Sovereign was able to discover the ecological restoration projects, biodiversity preservation and the fight against climate change, while exchanging views with the local players involved in these initiatives.
The visit highlighted four major projects:
- Cactus Blummewiss - Restoring flower meadows. The Cactus Blummewiss project, run by the Fondation Hëllef fir d'Natur in partnership with Cactus S.A., is restoring 25 hectares of flower meadows in Surré. Faced with the degradation of 80% of Europe's natural habitats, the project relies on sustainable agricultural practices such as late mowing and moderate grazing to promote biodiversity. An educational trail will soon be set up to raise public awareness of the importance of these rich and fragile environments.
• LIFE ArdennEislek – Restoring and connecting cross-border habitats. Launched in 2025, LIFE ArdennEislek brings together Natagora (Belgium), the Hëllef fir d’Natur Foundation, and natur&ëmwelt Luxembourg) to restore and connect several thousand hectares of Natura 2000 habitats between the Belgian Ardennes and the Luxembourg Eislek. The project creates ecological corridors and restores open habitats and rare forests, which are essential for threatened species. Funded 67% by the European Union, it strengthens biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
- Horizont Climatic - Supporting the transformation of landscapes. Horizont Climatic studies and supports the adaptation of the Greater Region's landscapes to climate change. Working with local authorities, residents and managers, it is developing tools, observatories and events to better understand changes and anticipate challenges. This project is part of a global strategy, complementing Luxembourg's Landscape Master Plan, to preserve landscape diversity and strengthen its ecological and social resilience.
- Planzt Mat! - Participatory reforestation in Surré. Launched by Fondation Hëllef fir d'Natur with the support of Luxemburger Wort, Planzt Mat! is a response to the destruction of Luxembourg's forests by bark beetle and global warming. The project targets the Surré area, devastated by clear-cutting, to replant a variety of trees and create more diverse and resilient forests. It invites the public to actively support planting, protection and maintenance to preserve forest biodiversity.
Throughout the morning, HRH the Grand Duke was able to appreciate the remarkable work of the Hëllef fir d'Natur Foundation, in conversation with its experts, project partners and committed local players. Visibly enthusiastic, the Sovereign praised the quality of the conservation initiatives carried out in the field and the public involvement they generate.
The visit ended with speeches by Mr. Serge Wilmes and Mrs. Martine Hansen, who paid tribute to the exemplary nature and concrete impact of the Foundation in protecting Luxembourg's biodiversity.
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