2023 - 2025
Mountain forest project with young people
Vision
Concrete actions must be taken in order for native forest biodiversity to be actively supported in its longterm and permanent conservation. Their use should be and should continue to be environmentally friendly and socially acceptable. A sustainable way of life that harmonizes with the environment and wildlife should become the norm in society.
Approach
Young people will gain a better understanding of the delicate mountain forest ecosystem and its sustainable use through meaningful forest work. A youth concept based on physical activity has been developed to enable youth to experience how complex the maintenance of ecosystems is.
Story
A week that leaves its mark – on the forest and on us
During a project week at my school, I had to spend a week working in the mountain forest with my classmates. On the first day, no one really knew what to expect. Sure, everyone had heard that it would be ‘exhausting’ – but we only realised how steep the slopes really were, and how unfamiliar working with heavy tools was, when we were in the thick of it.
What particularly stuck with me was the moment when, after hours of work, we had cleared an area: suddenly there was more light on the ground, and you could really see how the young trees would be able to better grow there. Later in the week, we built a path – it was a cool feeling to walk back over it in the evening and see what we had achieved.
I was particularly impressed with how our class grew closer, no one could just stand by and watch, we wanted to help each other. I think many of us learned something new about the forest and about ourselves: that you can do more than you think, and that it's nice to do something important with other people. It wasn't just the forest that changed in the end; we also took something with us that we will always remember.
Copyright Images ©Bergwaldprojekt
Impact
The Bergwald Projekt weeks are well attended
The activities are challenging and physically demanding
The project strengthens awareness of the mountain forest
Partner
Description
Mountain forests prevent avalanches, catch rocks, hold the soil together, offer peace and relaxation, provide good air, supply wood – and much more. And because they are so important, we want to care for and protect them.
Humans need protective forests. This function is carried out at higher elevations by mountain forests, which are also a distinguishing characteristic of the terrain. They are vulnerable to many things. The trees are being harmed by drought, more severe weather, and the ensuing pest problem. The death of young trees can result from an overabundance of game that gnaw on them. Maintaining a balance among biodiversity, protection, recreation, and use is crucial in mountain forests. However, natural forest management is time-consuming and expensive, especially because the use of machinery is nearly impossible on steep mountain slopes.