Credit: Fondation Hëllef fir d'Natur
Luxembourg’s Hëllef fir d'Natur Foundation recently confirmed its commitment to water conservation in the Grand Duchy on the occasion of World Water Day (22 March).
This year’s focus was “Glacier Preservation” and the foundation reported that it was committed to preserving Luxembourg’s aquatic environments, which it explained are also under threat.
In a press release, the Hëllef fir d'Natur Foundation stated that water, which is essential to life, is significantly impacted by climate change. Global warming disrupts its cycle, leading to prolonged droughts and torrential rains, threatening crops and soils. Biodiversity is also suffering: aquatic ecosystems, already weakened by pollution and habitat destruction, are also experiencing changing conditions, endangering many species. Drinking water supplies are compromised, with less water being replenished and water quality degraded.
Faced with these challenges, the Hëllef fir d'Natur Foundation confirmed it is working towards sustainable water management by investing in the protection and restoration of wetlands and rivers, as well as raising awareness among local stakeholders to preserve this vital resource. The foundation is working within the Syr River Partnership (Flusspartnerschaft Syr), a project open to all interested parties, which brings together municipalities, water managers and citizens in a shared commitment to the Syr watershed.
The Hëllef fir d'Natur Foundation’s river renaturation projects aim to restore the natural dynamics of rivers to make them more resilient to the effects of climate change. These actions include bank renaturation, the creation of buffer zones and the restoration and creation of ponds. By removing artificial obstacles, recreating meanders and reconnecting wetlands, water flow is slowed, promoting infiltration into the soil and recharging groundwater. This helps limit flooding and mitigate droughts, contributing to a more stable water cycle and the preservation of ecosystems.
Furthermore, in an effort to preserve aquatic biodiversity, the foundation has established a freshwater mussel breeding station, aimed at restoring populations of these endangered species. Mussels play an essential role in water filtration and maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems. By raising young mussels and releasing them into restored rivers, the project is expected to contribute to population regeneration and strengthens ecosystem health. This initiative combines scientific innovation and sustainable biodiversity management, while combating the degradation of aquatic habitats and pollution.
With these actions, the Hëllef fir d'Natur Foundation said it aims to protect water and biodiversity, while strengthening the resilience of ecosystems in the face of climate challenges. The foundation urged citizens, local actors and decision-makers to adopt responsible water management, in order to ensure a sustainable future.
HOM
