Nature conservation and protection of biodiversity

AFFORESTATION (EAST CURVE)

In the course of the line remodelling in 2002, various wooded areas had to make way for the shortening of the line. To this end, forest and meadow areas were reforested at various locations in the Hockenheim district. Around 50,000 trees and shrubs were planted by 2018 alone.

PROTECTIVE MEASURES TO CONSERVE SPECIES

On the south-eastern outskirts of Hockenheim there is an area with a traditional and nationally significant occurrence of the crested lark (Galerida cristata). The species is considered “threatened with extinction” in Baden-Württemberg (category 1 of the Red List). The area is used as a car park and camping area for events. Targeted measures initiated and financed by Hockenheim-Ring GmbH, such as the upgrading of the habitat and the localisation and securing of breeding sites, actively protect the population of the crested lark and promote its reproduction. Since 2022, the population of breeding pairs has increased many times over.

Furthermore, protection zones for lizards were set up during the construction of the Porsche Experience Centre in 2018.

SUPPORT PLANT-FOR-THE-PLANET

Plant-for-the-Planet is a children’s and youth initiative in which schoolchildren campaign for global climate justice. In 2019 Hockenheim-Ring GmbH made a commitment that included a donation cheque for 10,000 euros to the Hockenheim Plant-for-the-Planet Group. Among other things, the financial contribution ensured the organisation of an academy to train new ambassadors for climate justice. During the one-day event, around 80 children aged between 9 and 12 learnt what the climate crisis means and developed their own actions and projects for a fair future in groups.