EnvJustice

Introduction

The Chorin Schorfheide biosphere reserve lies in the federal state of Brandenburg, in the Barnim district, around 45 minutes from the German capital Berlin (Figure 1). This reserve, founded in 1990, with its 129,161 hectares (ha) of lakes, swamps, forests and fields, is one of the largest protected areas in Germany. Biodiversity is high distinct species such as storks, cranes and field hares, find refuge here. However, in the middle of the reserve farmers are shifting land use towards corn cultivation for biogas production. While the area of corn fields has increased, that of uncultivated land and meadows has dramatically declined.

Click here for the factsheet (3 pages): FS_028_corn cultivation