Naturnahe

Naturnahe is a German term that translates roughly as "close to nature" or "nature-oriented." It is used to describe approaches, designs, and practices that aim to integrate human activity with natural processes rather than overpower or replace them. The concept emphasizes ecological integrity, biodiversity, ecosystem services, and resilience to environmental change, often with a preference for native species and natural developmental processes.

In landscape architecture, naturnahe design seeks to recreate or mimic natural habitats, using irregular forms, varied microhabitats, and limited hard surfaces to support ecological functions. In forestry, naturnahe or near-natural management (naturnahe Waldbewirtschaftung) aims for sustainable timber production while maintaining structural diversity, continuous cover, and natural regeneration, typically in mixed-species stands. In gardens and urban spaces, naturnahe gardening focuses on native plants, pollinator-friendly planting, reduced pesticide use, and water-efficient schemes to support local biodiversity and ecosystem health. In land-use planning, naturnahe principles promote green networks, permeability for water and species movement, and soils that facilitate infiltration and resilience.

Benefits attributed to naturnahe practices include enhanced biodiversity, improved resilience to pests and climate stress, and long-term ecosystem services. Challenges can include longer time horizons for returns, potential conflicts with immediate aesthetic preferences or maintenance costs, and the need for coordination among multiple stakeholders. Critics may point to trade-offs between production demands and ecological goals or to the demand for low-maintenance environments.

See also naturschutz, biodiversität, naturwald, ökologischer landbau.