The biosphere reserve Middle Elbe is home to the Elbe people and namesake of our project Nawa & Bubo in Mittelelbien. The important floodplain areas along the river Elbe form a unique eco-system and at the same time, as natural abundance areas, they also ensure the safety of the people living along the Elbe. This ecological flood protection is also an acknowledgment of the need to grant the Elbe its natural, expanded habitat that rivers should enjoy due to their meandering activity.
Alluvial forests are therefore characterized by the flow characteristics of the rivers. Tree species such as the ash, black elm, black and silver stalk poplar or the pedunculate oak map the floodplain forests on domestic rivers such as the Elbe.
But the wetlands along with the floodplains also create habitats for rare, endangered species such as the beaver or the otter. The abundant areas make up the nutrient-rich floodplain soils. The growing meadow vegetation forms the basis for many animal species and ensures biodiversity along the rivers. Brood-birds such as the nightingale find suitable nesting sites and sufficient food, species-rich insects such as butterflies and wild bees find their nectar in blooming wild plants.
Many frogs also find ideal living conditions and with them also the storks and sea eagles. The natural appearance of alluvial forests is also the inspiration for many stories, legends and fairy tales. The water mermaids of the Elbe queen can freely unfold in this human-untouched habitat. But when man discovers and sells them, the floodplains are threatened in their existence.
With the natural fairy tale Die Elbekönigin, the children of the 6th grade from the Hegel Gymnasium Magdeburg, the YOUNG VOICES for SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, are campaigning for more environmental awareness and, in particular, to the protection of the Elbe ecosystem and the endangered species such as the beaver or the Otter. For more information on the environmental program Nawa & Bubo powered by Explority click here.