Ecological Competence Center Oldenburg receives 250,000 euros in funding!

Ecological Competence Center Oldenburg receives 250,000 euros in funding!

The Oldenburger Land Ecological Competence Center (ÖKOL) recently received a significant financial grant of 250,000 euros. This funding was announced by the Office for Regional Development Weser-Ems and is part of the Lower Saxony program “Future Regions in Lower Saxony”. This program aims to promote cross-district cooperation in the region and is supported by the Lower Saxony Ministry for Federal and European Affairs. The funds are used to create development and action plans and are part of the “Future Region 4 Climate” project, which is supported by the districts of Ammerland, Cloppenburg, Oldenburg and Vechta.

What is behind the program? The “Future Regions in Lower Saxony” initiative has a total budget of 96 million euros from EU funds. Between 2021 and 2027, counties and cities can apply for funding, with projects covering a wide range of topics, from biological diversity to social participation. For ÖKOL, this not only means a financial boost, but also the opportunity to actively work with farmers to develop measures for more biodiversity in rural areas.

A versatile plan for the region

The use of the funding will help find practical solutions for important aspects of nature and climate protection. The close collaboration with farmers underlines the importance of promoting sustainable methods in agriculture. This joint action could serve as a model for other regions in Lower Saxony, as well as the interaction between nature conservation and agriculture, which the Lower Saxony State Office for Water Management, Coastal Protection and Nature Conservation (NLWKN) is promoting.

The NLWKN offers a variety of programs to ensure the diversity of landscapes, species and habitats. For example, a new program for agri-environmental and climate measures (AUKM) will be available from 2023, which specifically promotes innovative forms of cooperation. These developments are of great importance for the success of initiatives such as the “Future Region 4 Climate”. Ultimately, the long-term preservation of habitats and biological diversity is not an easy undertaking, but requires complex and well-thought-out strategies.

A look into the future

The region will have around 5 million euros available for similar projects by 2028, which will pave the way for numerous further improvement measures. This is not only a benefit for the environment, but also for the quality of life of the residents in the affected districts. Sustainable development and responsible use of natural resources are key to ensuring our environment for future generations.

For further information on funding opportunities for nature conservation in Lower Saxony, those interested can visit the Lower Saxony Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Climate Protection and the NLWKN platform. There are numerous options that aim to both protect nature and make agriculture more sustainable.

When it comes to further developing the region while at the same time paying attention to nature, projects like the “Future Region 4 Climate” are not only a step in the right direction, but also set an example for regional commitment. As you can see, there is a lot to do and even more potential just waiting to be exploited.

For further details and information on current projects, visit the Oldenburger Online Zeitung, ARL Lower Saxony and NLWKN Lower Saxony.