Credit: © Conny Koob
On Wednesday 27 December 2023, the Upper Sûre Nature Park (Naturpark Öewersauer) announced that it had recently named Marco Schank and Charles Pauly honorary presidents.
At its meeting on 22 December 2023, the steering committee of the nature park appointed its former presidents, Marco Schank and Charles Pauly, honorary presidents. They received this distinction in recognition of their "exceptional merits" and their commitment to the service of the Upper Sûre Nature Park.
Marco Schank served as the first president of the Upper Sûre Nature Park between 1999 and 2009. Over these ten years, he became known for his "tireless commitment" to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development in the region. The nature park added that major projects were carried out under his leadership that helped preserve the natural beauty of the nature park while providing visitors with a unique nature experience.
He was also committed to the promotion of regional products, leading to the emergence of today's association of seven "vum Séi" producers, for example. His leadership also saw the development and implementation of the "Maart a Musik" concept, which aims to market local products in a pleasant atmosphere, accompanied by music and food. Moreover, Marco Schank's presidency was marked by the acquisition of the solar-powered boat on Upper Sûre Lake.
For his part, Charles Pauly helped strengthen cooperation with local municipalities and other partners during his fourteen-year mandate (2009-2023). His vision and commitment, particularly to the protection of drinking water, are said to have "left a lasting imprint" on the nature park. He was committed to ensuring that a ranger was allocated for the first time to the region - on 1 June 2021, Tom Schmit assumed this position. In addition to serving as an on-site contact person for visitors and residents, the ranger organises guided tours and awareness workshops.
Charles Pauly's presidency was also marked by the creation (in 2020) of the "Uewersauer-Stauséikommissioun", an interministerial committee bringing together the competent authorities to assess the situation of the Upper Sûre dam before and after each swimming season and to agree on possible changes. In summer 2022, Charles Pauly also participated in the inauguration of the newly developed memorial trail at Schumannseck; the trail extends through a historically significant area, marked by visible remains such as foxholes, trenches and bomb funnels.
From now on, honorary presidents Marco Schank and Charles Pauly will continue to act as ambassadors of the Upper Sûre Nature Park and use their "vast experience and expertise" to advance the objectives of the nature park.
The Upper Sûre Nature Park and current President Jeff Gangler congratulated Marco Schank and Charles Pauly on this "well-deserved honour" and said they looked forward to continuing their collaboration in pursuing sustainable development in the region.
