NUMIC measure: tree planting on Eislebener Straße
The measure
One of the measures implemented so far is the paving of the footpath connecting Reichenhainer Strasse and Eislebener Strasse. An area of around 210 m² was sealed for this, so an imperial lime tree was planted in the neighbouring green space as a compensatory measure. A further 17 trees of different species were added for further greening. There are also plans to unseal an area of 200 m² in Chemnitz.
The reasons:
Every day in Germany, 52 hectares of land are used for transport, industry and housing. Sealed surfaces reduce habitats for plants and animals. In addition, water cannot seep away on sealed soils, while at the same time more heat is stored. This is why it is often warmer in cities than in rural areas. These aspects make it clear why compensatory measures such as planting and unsealing newly used areas are important for the environment and for our quality of life. In order to implement the measures as locally as possible, the neighbouring green space was chosen for this purpose. In addition, the avenue of trees that has now been planted beautifies the newly paved path and thus contributes to the quality of life.
The process:
The legal basis for compensatory measures is the Federal Nature Conservation Act and the Saxon Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG and SächsNatSchG). In Chemnitz, the Lower Nature Conservation Authority department of the Environmental Agency is responsible for implementation. Whether land sealing is permitted and which compensatory measures are required depends, among other things, on the extent of the land sealing. It is also decisive whether the property in question is a special biotope or a protected area, for example. This was not the case for the footpath on Eislebener Straße, meaning that it could be paved with the described compensatory measures. Planting and maintenance is the responsibility of the Parks Department.
Costs:
approx. 1,000 euros per tree for purchase and maintenance
Realisation period:
approx. 2 weeks