The large-scale nature conservation project Wispertaunus is coordinated by the Frankfurt Zoological Society (ZGF). The goal is to work with forest owners to create a network of natural forests covering a total of 2,800 hectares. Existing natural forests will be expanded by an additional 1,000 hectares. This will benefit not only rare species such as the wildcat, Bechstein’s bat, and the hazel dormouse—it will also strengthen the forest’s ecological resilience. This is part of a large-scale nature conservation project funded by the BfN.
The current planning phase (2023–2026) serves as preparation: Together with interested forest owners, the forestry administration, and other stakeholders, it will be determined which areas are suitable, how they can be secured in the long term, and what specific measures can be taken. The goal is a sustainable, joint implementation strategy that can begin in Phase 2 starting in 2027.
IfLS Beratung und Projekte GmbH is supporting the project in this phase with facilitation, participatory formats, and an accompanying conflict analysis. The task is to facilitate a transparent dialogue and bring together different perspectives within the planning area.
Project Overview:
• Project: Wispertaunus Large-Scale Nature Conservation Project (Planning Phase 2023–2026)
• Objective: Development of a 2,800-hectare natural forest network
• Planning area: 7,677 hectares
• Project management: Frankfurt Zoological Society
• Funding: “chance.natur – Federal Funding for Nature Conservation” (BMUV/BfN) and the State of Hesse
• Scope of work (public participation and facilitation): IfLS Beratung und Projekte GmbH
