Project for better water quality in Lusatia
2.7 million euros for near-natural rivers: A new project is testing how the condition of rivers and streams in the lignite mining region can be improved.
News zu #Environment
Environmental association against motorboats on other Leipzig lakes
The environmental association Ökolöwe warns against motorboats on other lakes in Leipzig. What the environmentalists fear and what the state directorate of Saxony thinks.
Mulch films made of cellulose to protect soils from microplastics
Every year, thousands of tons of plastic film are left behind in Europe's fields, polluting the soil with microplastics. Together with European partners, the Fraunhofer FEP in Dresden is developing an innovative solution: mulch films made of cellulose that decompose themselves after harvesting. Particularly clever: special structures channel water directly to the plants and are intended to quadruple water use.
Particulate matter makes the air thick in Saxony
High concentrations of particulate matter are causing problems in Saxony: The limit values are currently being exceeded in many cities. Will rain and snow soon ease the situation?
Environmental agency doubts suitability of many nuclear waste sites
Several regions in Saxony are considered particularly suitable sites for nuclear waste according to the Federal Company for Final Disposal. The State Environment Agency has now published a statement on this.
Surplus potatoes arrive at the food banks
After a good harvest, an agricultural business from Frohburg is left with around 4,000 tons of potatoes. The food banks in Saxony benefit from this.
Judgment: penalty payment against Poland for Turow opencast mine applies
Poland and the EU Commission are in dispute over millions withheld. The highest court of the European Union has now ruled on the matter.
Drought despite rain: water balance not balanced
Many people will remember the summer of 2025 as rather rainy. But over the year as a whole, it was too dry in Saxony. The Free State lacks the classic "country rain".
Surplus potatoes are distributed
After a good harvest, an agricultural business from Frohburg was left with around 4,000 tons of potatoes. The crops are now being distributed.
Potato flood in Berlin - 22 tons for the food bank
Buffer or soup? Many Berliners will be asking themselves this question more often now. Tons of potatoes have arrived from a rescue operation in Saxony and need to be distributed and processed.
4,000 tons of potatoes left behind - food banks benefit
A farm from Frohburg was left with around 4,000 tons of potatoes. Part of the harvest is now to go to food banks in Saxony and Thuringia.
Forest campaign: more trees for climate and species protection
More forest for Saxony: Why the state government and the Forest Foundation are focusing on reforestation and which regions are particularly in focus.
Report: Saxony CDU wants to ban solar installations in forests
Saxony's CDU wants to prevent forests from being cleared for solar power plants nationwide. According to media reports, a corresponding motion is planned for the CDU party conference.
Perpetual chemicals in Dresden's waters locally limited
Substances that are considered harmful to health have been discovered in several bodies of water. The contamination is considered to be localized. It remains unclear where the chemicals come from.
Lithium mining: audit sees opportunities and potential for conflict
From smartphones to electric cars, lithium is in high demand as a material for batteries. In the future, it could also be mined in the Ore Mountains. Such a mine promises new jobs, but also raises concerns.
Initiative plans to distribute around 4,000 tons of potatoes
4,000 tons of potatoes are currently stored at a farm near Leipzig. The "Berliner Morgenpost" newspaper and the search engine Ecosia now want to have them distributed free of charge in Berlin.
Clearing for Nochten opencast mine has begun
The owner fought against the deforestation of her woodland right up to the end. But she was unsuccessful in court.
Green League: Forest may be cleared for Nochten open-cast mine
A forest near Rohne is to make way for the Nochten open-cast mine. The excavators could be rolling as early as the beginning of January. What happens now?
State dam administration feels the effects of climate change
The state dam administration continues to invest in flood protection. Climate change is becoming a challenge for the future.
165,000 trees and shrubs planted in Saxon Switzerland
The forest in Saxon Switzerland should be diverse and stable despite climate change: Foresters have planted a total of 165,000 trees and shrubs for this purpose in 2025.
OVG allows expropriation: coal mining in Nochten continues
Why the court rates the public interest in electricity supply higher than climate protection - and why coal mining can continue in eastern Saxony.
New hiking trail towards Bohemian Switzerland already accessible
A new hiking trail is to connect Bohemian Switzerland and Saxon Switzerland. The route is due to be inaugurated in spring - but it can already be tested now.
EU funds for Saxony's farmers just in time for Christmas
This year's EU direct payments will soon end up in the accounts of around 7,000 farms. However, they could be cut in future. Saxony's Minister of Agriculture considers this to be a fatal signal.
Where Saxony stands with the hydrogen network - and what 2026 will bring
Where companies invest and jobs are created in the future also depends on the expansion of the hydrogen network. In Saxony, the expansion of the grid is making progress - 2026 is considered a key year.
Saxony extends rules for overnight stays in the national park
Less disturbance for peregrine falcons and co.: the ban on overnight stays in the national park during the breeding season will continue to apply in future. Saxony's environment minister sees this as a benefit for nature.
Panter warns against watering down the combustion engine phase-out
Billions are already being invested in the electric revolution - but new EU plans could cause confusion. What Economics Minister Panter is now demanding for Saxony's car manufacturers.
Saxon cabinet approves Lusatia project
Lusatia is to become a European role model for green industry. The Saxon Minister of Economic Affairs speaks of a "historic opportunity".
Chemicals of concern detected in Dresden's waters
Substances that are considered harmful to health have been discovered in several bodies of water. The state capital has taken initial measures and is now looking for the cause.
Lusatia wants to be a pioneer as a climate-friendly model region
Fast approvals and a pioneering spirit: Lusatia wants to become a role model for green industry in Europe. Alongside a spirit of optimism, there are also critical voices.
Bark beetle on the retreat? Situation in Saxony relaxed in 2025
If things go well for the bark beetle, one female can give rise to 100,000 beetles in three generations. However, 2025 was not a good year for the pest in Saxony.
Biogas industry in the East regains hope
Wind and sun are setting records, but alternatives are needed when there is a lull. Why biogas is now in demand as a wild card in the electricity mix - and where new billions are flowing.
16.24 million euros for Saxony's disadvantaged farmers
Difficult site conditions are a burden for many farms in Saxony. New subsidies are intended to secure their management and enable measures for more biodiversity.
Forest owner fights expropriation in constitutional court
A forest owner in eastern Saxony wants to take his case to the Federal Constitutional Court. He is fighting against the expropriation of his land for opencast lignite mining.
Former minister calls for stricter rules after 95 environmental accidents
Slurry and liquid manure end up in Saxony's waters, but there are no consequences. Why former Environment Minister Günther is now pushing for tougher penalties and stricter controls.
Electric cars in Saxony: what buyers need to know
New premiums from 2026 should make e-cars more attractive for more households in Saxony. However, uncertainties regarding electricity prices and charging infrastructure remain an issue.
Beaver families allowed to stay in Upper Lusatia
A pond owner was annoyed by the damage and wanted to get rid of the animals. Permission to relocate the animals had been granted. However, the administrative court found that the requirements for this had not been met.
Problem bear: More and more raccoons in Saxony too
Almost 27,000 raccoons were shot in Saxony in the current hunting year. The animals are spreading rapidly - with consequences for the local wildlife.
Leag builds huge battery storage facility at Boxberg site
Leag is building a huge electricity storage facility in Boxberg, Saxony, together with a Chinese energy storage provider and Siemens Energy. The facility is intended to compensate for fluctuations in renewable energies.
EU Commission allows billions for Leag coal phase-out
The German government may compensate the energy company Leag for its coal phase-out with a billion-euro sum. The EU Commission does not consider the funding of up to 1.75 billion euros to be a breach of EU state aid rules, as the authority announced in Brussels.Copyright 2025, dpa (www.dpa.de). All ..
More salmon return - population remains endangered
After decades, more salmon are returning to Saxony. But the return remains fragile: construction work, heat and low water levels are making life difficult for the fish.
At least 1,636 wolves live in Germany
The wolf population in Germany is stagnating at a fairly high level. Most of the animals live in Lower Saxony and Brandenburg.
Second copper beech in Pillnitz Palace Park has to be felled
After a tree survey, it is clear that the second old copper beech tree in Pillnitz Castle Park will also be felled. What this means for visitors and the park.
Is the moose coming back to Germany?
Moose are repeatedly spotted in eastern Germany. But are they here to stay? What experts say about the return and habitat of the animals that once lived all over Germany.
Parts of Saxony remain in the race for nuclear waste repository
According to the Federal Company for Final Disposal, several regions in Saxony are considered particularly suitable sites for nuclear waste - how will the selection process continue?
Wolfs hotline in Saxony switches to answering machine at night
The wolf hotline in Saxony will only be available to a limited extent at night in future. However, direct contact will still be possible in urgent cases.
Saxony: 240 dead wolves found in 25 years
Traffic, poaching, territorial warfare: 240 dead wolves have been found in Saxony in 25 years. Most of them died in road traffic.
Steinmeier at the Environmental Award: Don't neglect the climate
The award, presented by the Federal President, is one of the most highly endowed environmental prizes. This year, an innovative galvanizing process and research into the climate system are being honoured.
German Environmental Award is presented in Chemnitz
The award, presented by the Federal President, is one of the most highly endowed environmental prizes. This year, an innovative galvanizing process and research into the climate system are being honoured.
Sachsenforst: Trainees harvest around 1,400 kilograms of acorns
The work of the forestry trainees at Sachsenforst has paid off: 1,400 kilograms of acorns will soon be used to grow new trees in Saxon Switzerland.
How to save the partridge? Experts meet on species extinction
Is there still enough habitat for animals like the lapwing or the partridge in Saxony? Species extinction is also taking place in this country. That's why expertise is needed.
Chemnitz celebrates apples with more than 1,000 new trees
The Capital of Culture celebrates the apple: even more tree plantings, a varied program of events and a contribution to biodiversity characterize the "Harvest" planting festival.
Bird of the Year: Grey partridge on the brink of extinction in Saxony
The partridge is the bird of the year 2026, but in Saxony it is difficult to find the animals outdoors. This is because they only live here in isolated numbers.
Mushroom season in Saxony is slow
Mushroom lovers have to be patient in Saxony: The yield is meagre, but experts are hoping for late fall. Meanwhile, a mushroom from North America is causing a stir.
Remediation of contaminated site makes way for Handwerkerhof in Dresden
Brownfield sites leave their mark. The soil there is often contaminated with pollutants. In Dresden, a new start is planned for one such site.
EU millions for field hamsters in Saxony
More hamsters on arable land in Saxony: That is the aim of a new EU-funded project. This is how to get the rodent offspring to thrive.
Organic farming in Saxony is growing - share at ten percent
For the first time, Saxony's organically farmed areas exceed the ten percent mark. Some regions in particular are considered "hotspots". However, the demand for organic remains greater than the supply.
Satellite data shows: 900,000 hectares of forest lost
Drought, heat and pests are taking their toll on forests. Why mixed forests are considered more resilient and how new data should help with protection.
Forest loss higher than assumed according to satellites
More than 900,000 hectares of forest have been lost in Germany since 2017. Drought, storms and pests also affect popular hiking regions. Which regions are affected in Saxony?
Saxony promotes climate change model projects in municipalities
How can new parks and water areas save the urban climate? Municipalities have the chance to receive state funding - and citizens benefit directly from the model projects.
Fewer forests in Saxony - expansion target missed so far
Saxony's forests are set to play an even greater role in the future as a source of timber, a habitat for endangered animals and plants and a recreational area for people. But the area is shrinking.
Sachsenforst to focus on less stringent forest standards in future
Sachsenforst largely renounces FSC certification. Environmental associations and the Greens criticize: The decision is a step backwards for sustainable forest management.
Former railroad line transformed into green cycle promenade
Cycling into the center of Leipzig - without traffic lights and traffic. This is one of the visions of the "Parkbogen Ost" project. An important construction phase is now underway. But question marks remain.
50Hertz releases more than 40,000 environmental data on the south-east link
From birds to hamsters: the new data on the south-east link documents around 330 protected species along the planned power line.
Hiking trail to connect Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland
A new hiking trail is to connect the national parks in Germany and the Czech Republic from 2026. What can visitors expect on the route?
First swimmers expected at Lake Seelhausen soon
Vacationers could soon be relaxing where excavators once worked: The tourist use of Lake Seelhausen is taking shape - but not without hurdles.
Presentation plans for Wismut heritage are slimmed down
The legacy of the uranium mining company Wismut is to be reappraised and exhibited at two locations. This has been a long time coming. However, it is now clear that the plans need to be scaled back.
Balance sheet: Saxony's government receives red card for company cars
Who drives clean, who drives dirty? The new environmental balance sheet from Deutsche Umwelthilfe shows that Saxony's ministers are a mixed bag when it comes to CO2 emissions.
Lime treatment from the air for Saxon forests
The consequences of the acid rain at the end of the last century are still measurable in the forest soils in Saxony. Lime is now being spread again to improve the situation.
Focus on wild cats on World Cat Day
Reach out to the paw: The German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation calls for the protection of the European wildcat and shows how everyone can help.
Greens demand stop to Elbe expansion
The Elbe between nature conservation and shipping: for the Greens, it is clear where the path should lead in view of declining cargo handling. Towards more nature conservation and tourism as an economic factor.
Chemnitz bans water extraction from streams and rivers
Low water levels and persistent drought are an increasing threat to the flora and fauna in water bodies. Unfortunately, thunderstorms and sporadic rainfall have hardly brought any relief.
Wolf in Saxony - new territories and offspring confirmed
Wolf monitoring shows three completely new territories. In other parts of the state, known pairs of wolves have grown into a pack. Saxony's wolf region par excellence remains Upper Lusatia.
Greens: No more sacrificing forests for solar plants
Forest areas are to be used for the expansion of wind power and photovoltaic systems - a classic conflict of interest. Because nature is also being destroyed in the process.
BUND: Elbe increasingly unusable as a waterway
The Elbe is reaching historically low levels - and, according to environmentalists, is becoming increasingly unusable for freight transport. They are now calling for a radical rethink of waterway policy.
Tapinoma ant spreads in Saxony
The introduced ant species Tapinoma magnum is being discovered in more and more places in Germany. Until now, it was more common in the southwest. Now it is also appearing in Saxony.
Drought: Dresden issues water withdrawal ban
It has been too dry in Saxony for a long time. Streams and rivers have low water levels. That is why the city of Dresden is now responding.
Bark beetle situation in Saxony currently relaxed
In May and June, the experts observed an intensive swarming flight of the pests. However, there has been no major damage so far. What are the reasons?
Narrow-gauge railroads head for Brocken with steam locomotives again
Due to the high risk of forest fires, only diesel locomotives have been running on the Brocken recently. Now travelers can look forward to steam locomotives again.
American swamp crayfish detected in Leipzig
The invasive species transmits crayfish plague, which is fatal to native animals. The Natural History Museum warns of far-reaching consequences.
Tapinoma ant is spreading - how can it be recognized?
The introduced ant species Tapinoma magnum is being discovered in more and more places in Germany: until now, it was more common in the south-west. Now the first evidence has also been found in eastern Germany.
4.3 million euros for pond management in Saxony
The Free State of Saxony is supporting 88 pond farms with around 4.3 million euros. The funds are intended to counteract the increasing drought and enable sustainable pond maintenance.
Sachsenforst warns of high risk of forest fires at the weekend
Little rain, high temperatures and wind have dried out the soil in Saxony's forests. Special care is required when visiting.
Blue-green algae in the Quitzdorf reservoir - authority advises against swimming
Dangerous blue-green algae have been discovered in the Quitzdorf reservoir. Streaking and cloudy water indicate the presence of bacteria.
Greenpeace demands creditor protection for Leag restructuring
The environmental organization warns: The Leag split-up threatens to cost Saxony and Brandenburg billions. It is now calling for the two state governments to intervene.
Water turbidity in Pirk dam - authority advises against swimming
It is still unclear what is behind the oily or slimy trace. A suspicion of blue-green algae was not confirmed.
More and more Saxon rivers are heading for low water
Little rain and high temperatures in spring: many rivers in Saxony already have little water.
Stolbur plant disease also detected in Saxony
Sugar beet and potatoes in particular are at risk of crop losses. The southwest in particular has been affected so far, but the Free State is also preparing itself.
Air quality in Saxony deteriorated in 2024
Air quality in the country deteriorated last year. This was due to Saharan dust and unfavorable weather conditions in winter.
Six yellow cards for Saxony in the heat check
Too much concrete, too few trees: cities can become a sauna in summer. The "heat check" by Deutsche Umwelthilfe shows where it heats up the most - and where the least.
A new nature trail has been created at Lake Bockwitz
More than three decades ago, lignite was still being mined in the Borna-Ost/Bockwitz open-cast mine. Today, water buffalo, cattle and Boer goats graze there. An educational trail now provides information about grazing.
Dangerous oak processionary moth is being combated again
Walkers and cyclists beware: The hairs of the oak processionary moth can cause skin rashes. In many places, the pest is controlled with tiny threadworms.
Above-average levels of nitrate in Saxony's groundwater
In many regions of Germany, the groundwater is too heavily contaminated with nitrate. This also applies to Saxony - where the problems are particularly severe.
Kretschmer calls for Germany's climate targets to be adjusted
Germany wants to be climate-neutral by 2045 and not emit more greenhouse gases than can be stored again. According to Saxony's head of government, this is too early.
Research on insect species at the former inner-German border
Once the "death strip", today the former German-German border is considered a biotope. Insects are now to be recorded along the Green Belt - this should also help with an application.
One third of animal and plant species in Saxony under threat
The message for International Biodiversity Day sounds depressing. According to estimates, 150 species become extinct every day. Species extinction does not stop at Saxony either.
Studies on water storage in Lusatia planned
The phasing out of coal mining in Lusatia and climate change threaten to cause major changes to the water balance in the region. Stabilizing the hydrology is the task of several studies.
Saxon entrepreneurs plant trees in the Erzgebirge forest
Mountain meadows and trees in the Eastern Ore Mountains are endangered by climate change and recreationists. In addition to state investment in the necessary forest conversion, civic engagement also helps.
Agency renaturalizes areas and sells eco-points
A state agency in Saxony unseals old industrial ruins, renaturalizes streams or creates habitats for animals. Municipal or private developers can buy the eco-points gained in this way.
Von Breitenbuch: The days of extras are over
Saxony is forced to make savings. This applies to all departments. For the new Minister of the Environment and Agriculture, however, the glass is not half empty, but half full. He also sees the coming period as an opportunity.
190,000 trees planted in the Saxon Switzerland National Park
The national park is one of the most popular excursion and tourist regions in Bavaria. Over 9,000 hectares of flora and fauna are protected. Details of the work can be found in the new annual report.