Führung durch Kritische Zonen

The event will be held in German. For individuals and families, registration required – limited number of participants!

The Upper Rhine wetlands near Karlsruhe - a critical zone? Together with the Nature Conservation Centre Karlsruhe-Rappenwört and in the context of the World Wetlands Day, we will dive into the »Critical Zone« and take a closer look at it during a walk.

Natural floodplains have become very rare in Germany. River straightening, embankments, barrages and other development measures have drastically reduced the floodplain areas and considerably restricted the functions of the floodplains. Alluvial zones are not only indispensable for flood protection. They also filter the water, contribute to the drinking water supply and bind the climate-relevant CO2. Furthermore, a large number of rare animal and plant species live in the floodplains; and the floodplains also form an important recreational area for people, especially here, on the densely populated Upper Rhine. The unique and Europe-wide endangered floodplain forests can only exist here. As an element that connects people across borders, they are indispensable for the biotope network. The great importance of the Upper Rhine floodplains is also confirmed by their designation as a German-French UNESCO Ramsar area.

Discover this special habitat on the occasion of the annual World Wetlands Day on 2 February during a walk on Rappenwört Island and learn more about the origins, uniqueness and endangerment of our Rhine floodplains. In an exchange of ideas with the exhibition »Critical Zones. Observatories for Earthly Politics« we will practice observing closely.

The event will also take place in case of rain. Please bring weatherproof clothing and closed shoes.