Lower Saxony funds €2.25M to boost climate resilience through soil protection
Lower Saxony is investing €2.25 million in a project to strengthen climate resilience through soil protection. Environment Minister Christian Meyer announced the funding on Wednesday, targeting efforts to adapt to extreme weather conditions. The initiative focuses on de-sealing surfaces to restore the natural functions of soils in managing drought and heavy rainfall. The KliBoG project forms part of the state's wider climate adaptation strategy. Soils act as natural buffers by absorbing and storing water, which helps mitigate the impacts of droughts and floods. Protecting and de-sealing them is essential for maintaining these functions.
The funding will support practical tools for local authorities. A newly published guide, *De-sealing for Climate Adaptation*, provides step-by-step methods for assessing sealed areas and planning de-sealing measures. The State Office for Mining, Energy, and Geology (LBEG) developed the guide to assist municipalities in implementing these changes. While the exact number of towns and cities adopting the guidelines remains unclear, the project aims to encourage broader action. The second part of the guide is now available, offering detailed advice on restoring soil health for better climate resilience.
The €2.25 million allocation will fund local initiatives to reduce sealed surfaces and improve water management. The guide's publication gives municipalities clear instructions for assessing and de-sealing areas. These steps are designed to enhance Lower Saxony's ability to cope with increasingly extreme weather events.
