Naturkorridoren

Naturkorridoren is a conservation and environmental project focused on the creation and maintenance of ecological corridors—continuous, connected stretches of natural habitat—that facilitate wildlife movement, genetic exchange, and ecological resilience. Originating in the European Union’s LIFE Programme in the early 2000s, the project was designed to address habitat fragmentation caused by urbanization, agriculture, and infrastructure development. By 2010, Naturkorridoren had expanded across multiple German states, linking forest fragments, wetlands, and riparian zones primarily along major river basins such as the Rhine and the Elbe. The corridors serve a variety of species, including large mammals like deer and lynx, numerous bird species, and aquatic organisms that rely on unimpeded water flow. Management practices involve restoring native vegetation, removing invasive species, installing wildlife corridors in roads and railways, and implementing buffer zones to reduce edge effects. Scientific studies associated with Naturkorridoren have documented increased movement of indicator species, improved genetic diversity, and enhanced ecosystem services such as pollination and flood regulation. The project is managed by a coalition of governmental agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions, with funding sourced from EU environmental funds, national grants, and regional contributions. In addition to ecological benefits, Naturkorridoren also supports local communities by promoting eco-tourism and educational opportunities, thereby integrating environmental stewardship with socio-economic development.