Project: BayWa r.e. Spitalhöfe (Pfaffenweiler) solar park
Location: Pfaffenweiler, Germany
Cost: 25 000 EUR
Objectives: Developed biodiversity enhancing measures in collaboration with local nature conservation organisations, experts, and authorities.
Measures undertaken: Created native flower islands. Installed nesting boxes. Developed grassland for sheep grazing. Preserved fruit trees. Planted hedges and individual trees as site screening. Established a wildlife corridor through the centre of the solar field. Created habitats for reptiles and small mammals.
Results: The project sets an example of how farming and the renewable energy sector can work together by using smart policy-solutions and achieve increasing
land-use efficiency, biodiversity, climate change adaptation, and mitigation. The design measures were supported by a local environmental NGO. The site’s farmland became family-owned.
Challenges:
- Conflict of land-use interests with agricultural stakeholders;
- Creating a positive understanding of the biodiversity concept across all parties;
- Persuading political stakeholders to engage; and
- In a poly-crisis environment, interdisciplinary policies would be needed.
Success factors:
- Involve all relevant stakeholders before the decision-making process; and
- Identify and enable strong local support groups to act in favour of the project
Images copyright: BayWa r.e.
