For a long time, nature managed to coexist with humankind. Until the mid-20th century, nature often even had the upper hand. “Humankind did not have the means to truly impose its will on nature,” recalls Patrick Losch, chairman of the board of the Hëllef fir d’Natur Foundation.
This balance has gradually been disrupted. Mechanisation, agricultural intensification and the exploitation of resources: human activities have profoundly transformed ecosystems. Where many species once coexisted, all that remains today are sometimes depleted habitats. Added to this pressure is now that of climate change. Droughts, heatwaves and extreme weather events are causing lasting damage to natural habitats, particularly forests, ‘more than 80% of which are now in poor health’.
Nature that protects us too
In this context, protecting nature is no longer merely an environmental issue, but a collective imperative. “We need nature and biodiversity to ensure a sustainable balance,” insists Patrick Losch.
Beyond its intrinsic value, nature also plays a protective role. Wetlands, living soils and meandering watercourses all help to store water and mitigate flooding. ‘Using nature to reduce flood risks’ is therefore emerging as an increasingly relevant approach in the face of more extreme weather events.
Taking action beyond mere words
The Foundation was established in 1982 to address these challenges. At a time when regulatory tools were still limited, its founders took a bold decision: to take direct action on the ground. “We didn’t just content ourselves with appealing to decision-makers. We wanted to become active participants,” explains Patrick Losch.
With this in mind, the foundation has been acquiring land for over forty years. It buys land of high ecological value to prevent its degradation and ensure its preservation.
Protection is no longer enough
Over time, however, the approach has gradually evolved. “We no longer talk solely about protection, but about support,” he emphasises. This is a crucial distinction. Today, the Foundation’s work is based on three pillars: protecting, restoring and preserving.
Simply protecting it is not enough. After a disturbance, an ecosystem may deteriorate on its own or fail to regain its original balance. It needs to be guided and supported.
Restoration has therefore become a key focus. It involves actively recreating the conditions necessary for ecological balance: replanting suitable tree species, reopening habitats and supporting natural regeneration. In forests, for example, this means introducing species that are more resilient to climate change. “We need to give native trees a helping hand,” emphasises Patrick Losch, particularly by diversifying the tree species.
Restoring sustainable ecosystems
Beyond one-off interventions, the Foundation has a broader ambition: to recreate fully functional ecosystems. “If you only have a few small pockets, that’s not enough,” he points out. The aim is therefore to expand areas of high ecological value to form coherent networks capable of sustainably supporting biodiversity. “Genuine nature reserves,” explains Patrick Losch.
There is no shortage of concrete examples. The Schlammwiss reed bed, now vital for migratory birds, would never have come into being without the strategic acquisition of plots of land in the valley floor. The restoration of certain rivers also makes it possible to avoid costly infrastructure projects. “A retention basin estimated to cost between 20 and 40 million euros can be replaced by natural restoration, at a fraction of the cost,” emphasises Patrick Losch. Sometimes, nature itself becomes an ally. The presence of beavers, which build dams, spontaneously recreates retention areas.
Restore life as well
The Foundation’s work is not limited to landscapes; it also focuses on the most vulnerable species. Breeding programmes have therefore been set up, notably for the freshwater pearl mussel, which is essential for the natural filtration of rivers. “Without intervention, it would have disappeared,” says Patrick Losch. The same applies to certain rare plants, such as arnica, the reintroduction of which has been made possible thanks to patient fieldwork.
A high-impact commitment
These initiatives come at a cost, particularly given the current tight property market. The Foundation therefore relies heavily on support from donors. This has a significant leverage effect: “For every euro donated, we can raise up to four more”, thanks to public and European co-funding.
In this context, businesses also have a key role to play. They can take concrete action at a local level and put their ESG commitments into practice through visible and measurable projects. “Here, everything can be verified on the ground,” emphasises Patrick Losch. Beyond their environmental impact, these initiatives also help to raise awareness among staff and reconnect them with the reality of the issues at stake.
Helping nature: a long-term challenge
Ultimately, the message is clear: it is no longer simply a matter of limiting the damage, but of restoring a sustainable balance. “Once disrupted, nature will take a very long time to regain its balance,” warns Patrick Losch.
“Helping nature is a profession,” he concludes. A conviction that now extends beyond the realm of the environment alone. For preserving nature also means preserving the very conditions that underpin our collective resilience.