Students for the urban forest: responsibility and sustainability in crafts!

Students for the urban forest: responsibility and sustainability in crafts!

A highlight in sustainable forest management recently took place in the Brandenburg city forest. Students put up signs pointing to the PEFC certificate, which attests to exemplary and sustainable management of the city forest. This certificate not only refers to the economic aspects, but also takes ecological and social concerns into account equally. In this way, the city forest sets an important example for responsible action in nature, as Meetingpoint Brandenburg reports.

In this context, the young people had the task of building 20 nesting boxes, which they brought with them themselves full of enthusiasm and initiative. They received support from the city forest workers, who gave them valuable tips on how to increase biodiversity in the city forest.

Sustainable projects and commitment

The project week was not only educational, but also very entertaining. After working in the Bohnenländer Forest, the students explored the surrounding Havel waters by bike and often found time to swim. They also visited the city center of Brandenburg an der Havel and went on a unique houseboat tour, which certainly left lasting impressions.

At the end of the project week, 200 euros remained, which will now be donated to the city forest. This sum will be invested by the municipal forestry company in a sustainable project in the forest - another example of how you can take responsibility for the environment.

PEFC certification – a sign of quality

In order to promote sustainable forestry, more and more communities are relying on PEFC certification, an important instrument for ensuring sustainability in timber use. This initiative was launched in Germany in 1999 and is now represented in 49 countries worldwide. In Germany, over 68% of the forest area, which is around 7.5 million hectares, as well as around 2,500 companies in the processing chain are PEFC-certified, as Forest Wiki makes clear.

The PEFC certificate is not only a sign of sustainable forest management, but also helps to secure market access for forest owners without a certificate. Those who comply with the standards benefit from a bonus of 100 euros per hectare. However, taking part in the certification requires signing a declaration of commitment and usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.

With these measures, the city and the school children show what responsibility for our forest can look like and thus send a strong signal for future generations. A good hand for nature and promoting awareness of sustainable projects are the way to a greener future.