How Does the Bodensee Contribute to Local Biodiversity?
Bodensee Contribute to Local Biodiversity
The Bodensee (or Lake Constance) is a 63km-long central European lake that borders Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is composed of two connected parts: the Untersee and the Obersee. While the region around it has been heavily influenced by clearing and cultivation since its inception, there are still areas with a more natural character, including the forested Bodanruck, where marsh gentian and orchids of the genera Dactylorhiza and Orchis occur, and the Eriskircher Ried, home to the rare Siberian iris (Iris sibirica). The lakes are ringed by resort towns. Tourists flock to the area for its lake beaches and scenic hikes.
The lake and its surrounding hills are a popular destination for sports activities, such as cycling, swimming, and windsurfing. In addition, the area has a strong history as an industrial site and an important port. It also has many cultural attractions, including historic castles, churches, and mansions that were once residences of the aristocracy.
As the most important freshwater lake in Bodensee, the lake has a considerable economic impact. It is a tourist magnet, and its water supplies many communities. It is the largest reservoir for drinking water in Germany and one of the most important wetlands in Switzerland, and it is a vital habitat for many endangered species.
How Does the Bodensee Contribute to Local Biodiversity?
At the same time, it is a sensitive system with complex ecological and social functions. In this sense, it is important to understand its dynamics in order to protect it from threats such as climate change and habitat destruction. The SeeWandel project (Life in Lake Constance – the past, the present, and the future) is contributing to this by collecting data on the status of biodiversity and climate changes in the lake region and developing measures for their protection.
The project is receiving funding from the Interreg CBC DE/AT/CH/FL Alpenrhein-Bodensee-Hochrhein Operational Programme for the 2014–2020 programming period. The EU’s European Regional Development Fund is contributing EUR 2 248 708 for the research work on the Lake Constance area and its transition towards a more natural state.
A good example of how the lake region is working to promote sustainability is the project ‘Echt Bodensee Apple’ (Genuine Lake Constance Apple). Launched in 2022, this project involves over 100 orchard farmers from the Lake Constance region and the cooperation Obstregion Bodensee, food retailer REWE Group, and the Lake Constance Foundation. The aim is to develop and implement a holistic sustainability concept for fruit growing in the area – from ecological, economic, and social aspects.
As part of this project, a monitoring system with a focus on wild bees has been implemented in conjunction with the orchard farmers. This is helping to identify the causes of poor pollination performance and to find solutions. In addition, the orchard farmers are changing their practice to reduce the negative impacts on the pollinators and, at the same time, increase the yield. The results of these projects are positive and provide an ideal basis for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly orchard.