Salt of the Baltic Sea threatens Rostock Heide - measures urgently needed!

Salt of the Baltic Sea threatens Rostock Heide - measures urgently needed!

In the idyllic Rostock Heide, one of the largest coastal forests in Germany, worrying developments spread. Researchers at the University of Rostock, led by Joachim Schmidt, warn of the death of trees on the edges and in the deep areas of the heath. The combination of increasing sea levels and human interventions leads to dramatic changes in the landscape between Margrafenheide and Graal Müritz. NDR reports that…

The location by the sea not only brings picturesque prospects, but also acute dangers. The increase in the level of the Baltic Sea in Warnemünde shows that the amount of water has increased by about 1.4 millimeters a year since the early 20th century, and this trend accelerates. Experts expect the level to increase by at least half a meter by the end of the century, which increases the susceptibility of the coastal regions for flooding. In the event of flood, the Baltic Sea penetrates far into the country, which is further favored by the deepening of the sea channels.

ecological consequences of the floods

Particular attention is paid to the floors of the Rostock Heide, which are dried out heavily and are increasingly threatened by salty Baltic Sea water. After flooding, the water cannot drain away, which leads to the accumulation of salt, which in turn damages the trees. About 9 hectares of moor areas have been lost in the past 30 years. Companies and institutions that are entrusted with coastal protection are required to counteract these developments. A package of measures was presented that aims to reduce salt enrichment and stop the death of the heath. The desired solution includes keeping as much fresh water as possible in the heath and relieving the surfaces of drainage, mowing and agricultural use.

A crucial role plays the citizens that have to decide on the implementation of these measures. So far it is unclear whether this will actually lead to an intensive examination of the topic. It is crucial for the region that awareness of this ecological challenge is raised, because the Rostock Heide is not only a popular hiking location, but also a valuable habitat of many rare animal and plant species. [Outdooractive describes the hiking trails through this unique landscape] (https://www.outdooractive.com/de/route/wanderung/mecklenburg-ostsekueste/ through-die-rostocker-heide-wo-wald-und-meer-sich-raufen/801603466/).

economic importance and challenges

The coastal regions in Germany, especially Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, are of great symbiotic importance. They not only accommodate natural habitats, but also important economic areas such as fishing and maritime industry. Although the leisure and recreational value is high and boosts tourism, intensive uses of the oceans and coastal rooms lead to ecological stress. Climate change also contributes to additional challenges: it increases the water temperatures and promotes the increase in sea level, which increases the dangers of floods. The Federal Environment Agency emphasizes the need for sustainable coastal protection measures.

Those responsible are required to develop an integrated coastal zone management that promotes both ecologically intact and economically prospering coastal areas. The future of the Rostock Heide depends largely on how well man and nature can act in harmony in this sensitive coastal space.