FLSK x German Wildlife Foundation: Together for climate and nature conservation in the Aschhorner Moor

The Aschhorn Moor in 2023 and more to come – the FLSK team is entering into a long-term partnership with the German Wildlife Foundation. The stated goal: to preserve this enchanted moor in northern Germany as a refuge for rare animals and plants and as a natural carbon sink. Learn more about our work with the German Wildlife Foundation and why moors are a key to climate protection.

Protect what protects the climate

We dream of green meadows, marvel at imposing mountain ranges, and rave about the sea. But we overlook one of the most fascinating natural landscapes on our planet: the moor! When we heard about the superpowers of moors in an internal presentation, we were quite astounded. Here's a brief summary for anyone who has underestimated moors:

Because _CO2 contributes to global warming, intact peatlands act as a natural air conditioner for the planet. They consist of dead plant matter that only partially decomposes due to the moist and oxygen-poor conditions. This allows carbon to be stored in the soil for the long term instead of being released into the atmosphere as _CO2 . Wet peatlands can even store more carbon per unit area than all the Earth's forests combined! In addition, intact peatlands offer these benefits:

• Moors provide habitat for rare animal and plant species and offer a refuge for endangered species.

• Peatlands regulate water balance, improve water quality and serve as important filters for clean water.

• They function like a sponge and thus protect against flooding and high water by slowly releasing the water.

• Peatlands prevent soil erosion and contribute to the stabilization of the terrain.

• Moors influence the microclimate with water vapor and mitigate temperature fluctuations

A partnership for around 500 hectares of untouched wilderness

The FLSK team had a strong desire to support a project in Germany alongside our international projects. And then we fell head over heels in love with the Aschhorn Moor.

The project surrounding the Aschhorn Moor near Stade is something truly special. Under the care of the German Wildlife Foundation, approximately 500 hectares of wilderness are being created here—unbroken, untouched nature. 80 percent of the area has already been restored after the peat was extracted from individual plots. Peat extraction was halted early on by purchasing the mining rights for the entire area. Endangered plants such as the sundew grow in the Aschhorn Moor, and the critically endangered lapwing has also found a permanent habitat in the damp moor.

As part of our partnership with the German Wildlife Foundation, donations have been flowing specifically to the Aschhorner Moor project since September 2023. Important: Our commitment to the projects supported by the FLSK Future Fund worldwide remains strong.

Thank you, as our customer, for enabling us to support such great projects. We would also be delighted if you would spread the word about the important topic of "peatland conservation = climate protection" within your network.

*Image sources: H.-G. Hengstermann GmbH_Aschhorner Moor from above 2 ; IMG_20240201_115532_German Wildlife Foundation ;