Nine conservationists honored for their commitment

Nine volunteer conservationists from Saxony have received an award for their many years of commitment. The volunteers are the backbone of environmental and species protection in Saxony, said Environment Minister Georg-Ludwig von Breitenbuch (CDU) at the award ceremony as part of the annual meeting at Neschwitz Castle, according to a statement.

"Tireless commitment"

The award winners are therefore particularly committed to nature conservation. "Without your tireless commitment, your expertise and your passion, many projects for the conservation of rare species and habitats would be unthinkable," said von Breitenbuch.

For example, Bernd König from Dippoldiswalde looks after eight natural monuments and five meadow biotopes. He also helps to record the black grouse population in the Eastern Ore Mountains and breeds endangered plants in his own garden.

Matthias Fickel and Steffen Reuter from Central Saxony work as ant keepers, resettling forest ant colonies when they have found a location on unsuitable land. Annett Kußmann from Leuna is involved in conservation projects and specific species protection measures for the endangered bird species lapwing as part of a working group she founded.

Nature conservation service with 1,200 volunteers

According to the Saxony State Foundation for the Environment and Nature Conservation, around 1,200 volunteers are involved in the state's nature conservation service. These are based in the administrative districts, where they receive guidance and training. The volunteers support the lower nature conservation authorities, for example in monitoring relevant areas and collecting faunistic and botanical data.