Saxony's only biosphere reserve, the Upper Lusatian Heath and Pond Landscape, is growing by around 2,300 hectares. This was decided by the Ministry of the Environment on February 16, according to a press release. The expansion includes areas in the six municipalities of Hohendubrau, Königswartha, Kreba-Neudorf, Lohsa, Malschwitz and Spreetal. The respective municipal councils approved the revision of the corresponding ordinance.
"The expansion of this unique cultural landscape is a great success - for nature and for the people who live, work or seek recreation here," said Environment Minister Georg-Ludwig von Breitenbuch (CDU) according to the press release. The added areas in the post-mining landscape would strengthen the unique selling point of the reserve.