Luxembourg Highlights Forest Water Retention Efforts for International Forest Day

Luxembourg's Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity and the Nature and Forest Agency reported on a recent thematic visit held as part of the International Day of Forests, observed annually on 21 March.

In this context, a presentation on water retention in forest soils took place on Friday 20 March 2026 in the Consdorf municipal forest (Houneck area). Attendees included Luxembourg's Minister of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity, Serge Wilmes, the Director of the Nature and Forest Agency, Michel Leytem, the First Alderman of the municipality of Consdorf, Michel Majerus, and representatives of partner organisations.

According to the authorities, the field visit provided an opportunity to demonstrate to stakeholders in the environmental sector the methods used to retain water in forests through concrete projects.

They noted that improving water retention capacity forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the resilience of Luxembourg's forests to the effects of climate change and to support biodiversity. Specifically, this innovative approach aims to increase the natural moisture content of soils so they can better absorb and store water - a particularly important measure for mitigating the effects of runoff during heavy rainfall, which can cause widespread flooding.

Similarly, water retained in the soil provides a valuable reserve during prolonged periods of drought: wetter soils allow trees to better withstand water stress and improve their chances of survival.

The project visited in the Consdorf municipal forest is fully aligned with this approach. Several decades ago, a network of artificial drainage ditches was established there to modify the soil's water regime and facilitate forest management. However, given current climatic conditions, the objective today is to reverse this approach in order to restore the natural functioning of the environment, re-establish the hydrological cycle of the forest soil, protect biodiversity and prepare the forest for future challenges, the authorities noted.

In this context, efforts are focused on planning targeted on-site interventions, filling in old drainage ditches and creating forest ponds and shallow water areas, thereby promoting better water retention and encouraging the development of diverse ecological habitats.

Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, the International Day of Forests is celebrated each year on 21 March with a different theme. For 2026, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has chosen the theme "Forests and Economies", highlighting the importance of forest resources for sustainable development.

The field visit was organised in cooperation with the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity, the Nature and Forest Agency, the municipality of Consdorf and partner organisations, including Privatbësch, PEFC, FSC, Pro Silva Luxembourg, the Agricultural Technical School (Lycée Technique Agricole - LTA), the Fondation Hëllef fir d'Natur and the Natur- & Geopark Mëllerdall.

Houneck forest area in Consdorf; Credit: ANF