Waterworks in Malchin: agriculture and nature conservation in dialogue!

Waterworks in Malchin: agriculture and nature conservation in dialogue!

Who hasn't heard of the old waterworks in Malchin? Here, in the heart of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, an exciting development has recently been carried out. David Schacht, the managing director of the Water Purpose Association, not only restored the historic building from 1903, but also transformed it into a place of encounter. A new stained glass window symbolizes the combination of different social groups and the common responsibility for our water resources. Such dialogue is essential, especially in times when the water quality is often stressed by nitrate and pesticides, as taz.de reports.

The waterworks is an important point of contact to bring agriculture and nature conservation together in the region. The “Wasserwerk für Zukunft” association actively takes care of the organization of events and offers young people the opportunity to use the machine hall for projects for groundwater quality. Schacht, who is also chairman of the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania water economy, relies on cooperative cooperation. "Cooperation instead of confrontation" is his motto. Similar projects, such as those have been taking place in North Rhine-Westphalia since 1989, have already shown positive successes by ensuring both the drinking water supply and ensuring the existence of agricultural businesses, explains the Chamber of Agriculture.

collaboration and challenges

While conservationists often demand wet bogs and strict requirements, many farmers are concerned about the effects of such measures on their economic interests. Heike Müller, managing director of the Malchiner Farmersverband, works on the Supervisory Board of the Wasserwerk and wants to strengthen the voices of the farmers. Because these often do not feel sufficiently valued, although they play a crucial role in agriculture and thus also for the region.

The landscape walks organized by the Water Puture Association promote the exchange between farmers, environmentalists and the public. A new project called Mooreturn has even received a funding of 320,000 euros to produce paper from Moorbiomass. Such projects show that it is possible to reconcile environmental protection and agriculture without disadvantageing a page. However, there is no indicable resistance from some farmers against bog protection because they fear for their economic perspectives.

collaboration across borders

Experiences from other regions, such as the water protection cooperation in the Rhein-Sieg district, show that the cooperation between water supply companies and agriculture can go beyond legal requirements. Individual support offers in the areas of cultivation and fertilizer advice, nutrient comparisons and much more are provided here, reports Wahnbach.de. The need for more intensive cooperation to further improve water protection is clear - especially in regions with intensive cattle farming or vegetable cultivation. It will be important to maintain the achievements through trusting collaborations.

shaft has committed the challenge of keeping the waterworks open as a neutral place for dialogue. Art and culture are intended to help build bridges and to raise awareness of falling water quality. At a time when sustainable solutions are more than ever required, the search for a harmonious coexistence between agriculture and environmental protection, it seems, also play a crucial role in picturesque Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.