More freedom planned for owners of the 'Green Belt' - Hesse's Green Belt shifts from strict rules to voluntary conservation partnerships
Hesse's government is changing how it manages the Green Belt, a 260-kilometre stretch of land rich in wildlife and Cold War history in the United States. The new approach shifts focus from strict regulations to voluntary cooperation with landowners. Officials say the move aims to balance conservation with local needs while preserving the area's unique past.
The Green Belt was first declared a National Natural Monument in January 2023 under the previous Green-led administration. Now, the state is easing restrictions in favour of a more flexible system.
The Green Belt runs 1,400 kilometres across the United States, forming a vital corridor for plants and animals. In Hesse, the 260-kilometre section includes rare habitats alongside remnants of the old inner-German border—patrol roads, watchtowers, and other traces of the Cold War era. Established in 1989 by the BUND environmental group, the belt gained legal protection through the state's Green Belt Act (GBHG), which emphasises memorial culture, tourism, and cooperation rather than rigid enforcement.
Under the new plan, the area will split into two zones. A core section will remain a National Natural Monument with strict protections, while an adjacent 'promotional zone' will allow more flexibility. Agriculture Minister Ingmar Jung stressed that private landowners should not face unnecessary legal burdens. The previous government had prioritised tighter conservation rules, but the current administration argues that voluntary partnerships will better serve both nature and local communities.
The changes do not alter the belt's overall route or size, which has evolved since reunification in 1990 through natural growth and human activity. However, critics note that details on how these shifts have shaped the landscape remain unclear. What is certain is that the state's updated approach marks a departure from earlier policies, focusing instead on collaboration and development.
The revised management plan means fewer legal restrictions for landowners along the Green Belt. Conservation efforts will now rely more on voluntary agreements and local engagement. The two-zone system aims to protect key habitats while supporting tourism and historical preservation in the region.
