EU Funds of 1.5 Million Euro for Zschampert Renaturation: Project Progresses
In a significant stride towards environmental conservation, the State Directorate of Saxony (LDS) has approved funding of approximately €1.5 million for the restoration of the Zschampert stream. situated between Dölzig and Kleinliebenau in the district of Nordsachsen and traversing the nature reserve "Bienitz and Moormergel area."
On Wednesday, May 28th, Béla Bélafi, President of the State Directorate of Saxony, handed over the funding decision to Leipzig's Mayor Burkhard Jung, in the presence of Dirk Thomas, First Deputy Mayor and Mayor of Schkeuditz. The renewal project falls under the "Vibrant Luppe" initiative, with work expected to commence in August 2025 and complete by 2026.
"The approval of this funding marks an essential step towards restoring the Zschampert's natural functions and enhancing the region's ecological resilience," said LDS President Béla Bélafi. By returning the stream to its original course over a length of 1,100 meters, the Zschampert will once more become a vital waterway that fosters biodiversity and improves the long-term quality of life for residents.
The Zschampert, a tributary of the White Elster, is undergoing renewal to overcome the impediments caused by its current regulated course. This, in turn, will enable natural processes, promote biodiversity, and curb flooding.
In the restored section, a dynamic water zone will be established, which will periodically flood to create valuable wetland landscapes. These will serve as habitats for wet meadows, herbaceous vegetation, and riparian forests. This development will promote biodiversity and create essential habitats for numerous plants and animals, including the dragonfly species Southern Emerald, one of the rarest in Saxony.
An earth dam at the Green Corner will connect the Zschampert to its original riverbed, acting as an emergency overflow to drain excess water into the New Luppe during high water levels. Renewal will ensure a more even water flow, helping prevent extended dry periods and maintain a stable water supply, which significantly improves the ecological quality of the waterway.
The funding for this project comes from the Free State of Saxony according to the funding directive for waters/ flood protection (FRL GH/2024). The funding covers 90% of the eligible costs, with the remaining amount covered by local municipalities.
This project forms part of the "Vibrant Luppe" project, an initiative focusing on connecting the habitats of the Leipzig North-West floodplain and enhancing ecological conditions in the floodplain areas of Leipzig and Schkeuditz. The renewal of the Zschampert is a crucial milestone in this broader initiative, aiming to improve the ecological health of rivers and waterways in the district.
- The funding decision for the Zschampert stream restoration project, which falls under the "Vibrant Luppe" initiative, was handed over by Béla Bélafi, President of the State Directorate of Saxony.
- The project, focusing on ecological conditions in the floodplain areas, seeks to improve the ecological health of rivers and waterways, including the Zschampert, a tributary of the White Elster.
- The restoration of the Zschampert will lead to an increase in biodiversity, with the creation of habitats for numerous plants and animals, such as the dragonfly species Southern Emerald, one of the rarest in Saxony.
- The renewable energy sector may also benefit from this initiative, as the improved ecological conditions could potentially lead to more sustainable practices in the environmental-science and industry sectors, contributing to the transition towards renewable energy sources.
