20 Trees Planted in Hollenfels to Mark National Tree Day Launch

On Thursday 13 November 2025, the Fondation Hëllef fir d'Natur launched its annual tree-planting campaign as part of National Tree Day, under the patronage of Luxembourg's Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity.

This year's event took place in Hollenfels, on land owned by the foundation, in the presence of its President Patrick Losch, the alderman of Helperknapp, Ben Baus, Luxembourg’s Minister of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity, Serge Wilmes, and the Director of the Nature and Forest Agency (ANF), Michel Leytem.

In his speech, Patrick Losch explained that the site had belonged to the late Marie Goetzinger-Schmit, a great nature lover who had entrusted the foundation with the house and some land - as well as with caring for the swallows nesting there. A minute of silence was observed in her honour before Patrick Losch spoke about priorities linked to climate resilience and biodiversity.

Alderman Ben Baus welcomed the involvement of local schoolchildren working on the orchard and learning about nature and animals. He emphasised the municipality’s commitment to supporting such initiatives and noted that while awareness-raising campaigns and social media challenges are valuable, maintaining orchards requires significant effort and resources, appealing for the means to care for these sites.

ANF Director Michel Leytem thanked all the organisations supporting the cause and recalled the EU's ambitious target of planting three billion additional trees by 2030 - including 1.7 million in Luxembourg. He highlighted the importance of involving young people in these efforts, noting that planting trees is particularly meaningful for them, as they can return in the future and see the trees' continued importance.

Minister Serge Wilmes noted a "positive development" in recent years, with trees increasingly seen as important, valuable assets rather than disposable or a nuisance. He stressed the importance of planting (also in urban areas) and protecting trees, and expressed the ministry's commitment to supporting local partners with expertise and resources. The minister also underlined the educational value of involving children in planting activities, noting that young people will benefit the most from the trees being planted today. He later spoke with some of the primary school pupils about their experience planting 70 metres of field hedges that morning.

The speeches were followed by the official launch of National Tree Day ("Nationalen Dag vum Bam"), with guests planting about 20 trees of various species (chestnut, apple, morello cherry, plum, walnut, wild pear, maple and lime) under sunny skies.

Speaking to Chronicle.lu, Minister Wilmes said National Tree Day was "symbolically important" in raising awareness of the many benefits trees provide: "They produce oxygen, they store CO2, which is really important to reduce emissions, they filter water, they [are important] for animals... they also prevent erosion. They give us so many important services... Without trees, life on earth would not be the same."

He acknowledged that Luxembourg’s forests, which cover approximately 35% of the territory, are under pressure: "The condition of the forests is not the best. We have to take care of the forests so they remain and their functions remain." He added: "On days like today, we should also encourage citizens to plant trees and to see their value. That is why such days are important. But, of course, one day is not enough; this must be done 365 days a year."

Minister Wilmes also highlighted the government's broader support framework, including the "Klimabonus Bësch" subsidy for private forest owners, municipal support under the Nature and Climate Pacts and support for nature conservation organisations such as the Fondation Hëllef fir d'Natur. "With that, we can gradually achieve our goals," he said.

The minister elaborated on the goal of planting an additional 1.7 million trees in Luxembourg by 2030 within the framework of the European Nature Restoration Regulation, noting that progress is already underway. To achieve this goal, financial assistance and advice from the ministry are important, but so too is the support of organisations already carrying out such initiatives (e.g. National Tree Day).

On the symbolic significance of this event in the context of COP30 (which he will attend in Brazil next week), Minister Wilmes noted the strong focus on biodiversity, particularly rainforests, which are "essential" for the global climate. He stressed the need to "strengthen nature" and "make it resilient" to help reduce CO2 emissions. "Nature is the best ally," he said, also emphaising the importance of financing projects, raising awareness and setting appropriate rules to help achieve these goals.

The outdoor ceremony concluded with a reception.

Launched in 1992 by the Fondation Hëllef fir d'Natur, National Tree Day marks the start of the planting season each year and raises awareness of the ecological, climatic and landscape value of trees and hedges. It encourages local authorities, associations, businesses and citizens to plant, maintain and protect these valuable allies in the fight against climate change, noted the foundation.

According to the ANF's 2023 phytosanitary inventory, more than half of Luxembourg's trees show signs of deterioration, making tree planting one of the most effective ways to combat climate change and restore ecological resilience.

For over 40 years, the Fondation Hëllef fir d'Natur has been working to protect nature in Luxembourg, managing more than 2,000 hectares of reserves and 84 priority sites. Its forest restoration, orchard and ecological corridor projects contribute to biodiversity and the preservation of Luxembourg's rural heritage.

For the official National Tree Day on Saturday 15 November 2025, over 40 municipalities, associations and companies will organise their own activities, which are listed in the special National Tree Day edition of Regulus, the natur&ëmwelt magazine (available at https://www.naturemwelt.lu/).

Those unable to plant trees can support the foundation's projects by donating via bank transfer (CCPLLUL IBAN LU89 1111 0789 9941 0000) or online at https://www.hellefnatur.lu/en.