Hambach Forest to Become Primeval Forest Under Permanent Protection

The Hambach Forest, a site that became a potent symbol of resistance against lignite coal mining in Germany, is slated for a significant transformation into a primeval forest. This designation will place the forest under permanent protection, marking a new chapter for the woodland situated between Cologne and Aachen.

An agreement has been reached between the state government of North Rhine-Westphalia, local municipalities, conservation organizations, and the energy company RWE. Under this accord, the forest will be transferred to public ownership no later than 2035 and designated as a wilderness development area, ensuring its protection under nature conservation laws. RWE will cease forestry use of the Hambach Forest even before the official transfer.

A wilderness area is defined as a protected zone where nature can develop without human intervention. In such areas, forestry activities are prohibited, allowing the forest to mature naturally into a primeval state. The plan also includes the creation of two forest corridors to connect the Hambach Forest with the Steinheide and Merzenich Erbwald, thereby enhancing habitats for local flora and fauna.

“

This is a historic day that opens a new chapter for the Hambach Forest.

This initiative fulfills a commitment made in the coalition agreement of the state's governing black-green coalition. The decision signifies a major victory for environmental activists who, since 2012, occupied treehouses under the slogan "Hambi bleibt" (Hambi stays) to prevent the forest's clearing for coal mining operations. The area saw one of the largest police operations in North Rhine-Westphalia's history in 2018 to clear the treehouses, though a temporary halt to logging was later issued by a court.

"This is a historic day that opens a new chapter for the Hambach Forest," stated NRW Environment Minister Oliver Krischer. NRW Agriculture Minister Silke Gorißen added, "The Hambach Forest, one of Germany's most famous forests, will be placed under protection and thus permanently secured for the people of North Rhine-Westphalia." The finalization of the lignite mine's closure, its reclamation, and the planned flooding to create a lake can proceed independently of these nature conservation measures.

“

The Hambach Forest, one of Germany's most famous forests, will be placed under protection and thus permanently secured for the people of North Rhine-Westphalia.