Story perspectives

Germany protects 88% of 1,400-km Green Belt, 2028 extension

7/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Environment Minister Carsten Schneider confirmed that 88% of the 1,400-kilometre Green Belt is protected after touring Saxony-Anhalt.
The reserve hosts about 7,500 insect and spider species, with 580 listed as endangered or threatened.
Thuringia, Bavaria and Saxony will permanently protect a 95-kilometre segment by 2028, funded by a million-euro Environment Ministry plan.
BUND has bought roughly 1,000 hectares since 2000 and warns agricultural expansion threatens habitat connectivity.

1 of 1

Story summary

Environment Minister Carsten Schneider confirmed that 88% of the 1,400-kilometre Green Belt is protected after touring Saxony-Anhalt.
The reserve hosts about 7,500 insect and spider species, with 580 listed as endangered or threatened.
Thuringia, Bavaria and Saxony will permanently protect a 95-kilometre segment by 2028, funded by a million-euro Environment Ministry plan.
BUND has bought roughly 1,000 hectares since 2000 and warns agricultural expansion threatens habitat connectivity.