Grand Duke Praises Environmental Initiatives During Visit to Oesling Region

On Tuesday 1 July 2025, Grand Duke Henri undertook an official tour of the grounds of Hëllef fir d’Natur Foundation in Surré, in the Oesling (Éislek) region of northern Luxembourg.

As reported by natur&ëmwelt Asbl, the Grand Duke was welcomed by President of the Hëllef fir d’Natur Foundation, Patrick Losch, and Mayor of Boulaide commune, Jeff Gangler. Accompanied by Luxembourg’s Minister for the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity, Serge Wilmes, and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture, Martine Hansen, the Grand Duke examined projects on ecological restoration, biodiversity preservation and climate change mitigation and engaged with local stakeholders involved with these initiatives.

According to the local nature conservation NGO, the visit highlighted four key projects:

⁃ Cactus Blummewiss – Restoring Flower-Rich Meadows: The Foundation, in partnership with Cactus SA, restores several hectares of species-rich meadows at Surré. With 80 per cent of Europe’s species-rich hay meadows degraded, this project promotes sustainable farming practices such as late mowing and moderate grazing to support biodiversity. A new educational trail will open soon to raise public awareness about these precious and fragile habitats;

⁃ LIFE ArdennEislek – Restoring and Connecting Cross-Border Habitats: Launched in early 2025, this project brings together Natagora (Belgium), Hëllef fir d’Natur and natur&ëmwelt Asbl to restore and connect hundreds of hectares of Natura 2000 habitats between the Belgian Ardennes and the Luxembourg Éislek. The project creates ecological corridors and restores rare open habitats and forests vital to threatened species. Partly funded by the European Union, it strengthens biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Target species include the scarce pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly, the rare marsh fritillary, birds such as the red-backed shrike and woodlark and plants like arnica and marsh gentian;

⁃ Horizont Climatic – Supporting Landscape Transformation: Horizont Climatic researches and supports the adaptation of landscapes in the Greater Region to climate change. Working alongside local authorities, residents and land managers, it develops tools, observatories and awareness-raising activities to understand changes and anticipate future challenges. The project complements Luxembourg’s “Landscapes” plan, which aims to preserve landscape diversity and boost ecological and social resilience;

⁃ Planzt Mat! – Participatory Reforestation in Surré: Launched by Hëllef fir d’Natur, Planzt Mat! addresses the destruction of Luxembourg’s forests caused by the bark beetle and global warming. The project focuses on Surré, replanting succession areas and clear-cuts with a wide variety of tree species to create a more diverse and resilient forest.

Natur&ëmwelt Asbl noted that throughout the visit, Grand Duke Henri expressed his appreciation and enthusiasm for the quality of the Foundation’s work and initiatives, exchanging views with experts, project partners and local participants. 

The visit concluded with speeches by Minister Wilmes and Minister Hansen, who praised the Foundation’s exemplary role and tangible impact in protecting Luxembourg’s biodiversity.