The Michael Succow Foundation
Founded by emeritus professor PHD Michael Succow, winner of the 1999 Right Livelihood Award (Alternative Nobel Prize), the Succow Foundation has been active in nature and climate protection for over 20 years. A key focus of the foundation’s work is moorland protection, due to its high climatic relevance both internationally and on the National Natural Heritage Sites entrusted to the foundation.
The rehydration of the Höpfenbruch (former moor)
Drainage measures aimed at intensive grassland use have resulted in severe degradation of the seven-hectare Höpfenbruch moor basin near Templin in northern Brandenburg, causing emissions of an estimated 140 tonnes of CO2 annually due to continuously low water levels. It is hoped that a dam and ditch closures will stop the drainage of the moor and raise the water levels sustainably. When rehydrated, the peat body stores the carbon instead of emitting it as CO2.
Why HUMAN supports this project
Moors provide five important ecosystem services:
- Habitat for many specialised species (biodiversity protection)
- Important long-term carbon storage (in the form of peat)
- Storage and filtering of the water level (e. g., flood protection)
- Cooling effect on local and regional climate
- Space for recreation and outdoor activities
Field: Nature conservation
Project: Ecological moorland rehydration
Country: Germany
Funding period: 2021-2023
