IFB Germany Plants Trees for Clean Drinking Water

Every Tree Matters

As part of the initiative ‘Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein plant drinking water’, IFB Germany has made a valuable contribution to protecting drinking water resources. Seventeen colleagues planted a total of 270 trees during the event: each one produces around 200 litres of drinking water per year. The plantings increase both the quantity and quality of our groundwater. Such measures are particularly important at a time when groundwater is being depleted and contaminated by pollutants such as nitrates: 70% of Germany's drinking water comes from groundwater, which is indispensable for humans and nature.

More Than Just Water: The Ecological Impact of Planting

The initiative by Klimapatenschaft GmbH, Trinkwasserwald e.V. and the Klövensteen forest district not only contributes to drinking water protection, but also promotes the sustainable development of our forests:

• Conversion of monoculture coniferous forests into species-rich mixed deciduous forests

• Promotion of biodiversity and species diversity

• Return to original forest structure

• Strengthening resistance to pests and storm damage

• Preserving places of retreat and recreation for people and animals

Experience and Knowledge Transfer for All Participants

In addition to the planting itself, the focus was also on the experience: participants received instruction in planting techniques, were accompanied by planting assistants and were able to learn more in the supporting programme and the forest school for young and old. Together with our colleagues, numerous other companies from the region took part in the initiative.

Through our participation, our team demonstrates that sustainability, environmental protection and team building can go hand in hand. Planting drinking water means actively doing something for the future – for people, animals and our environment.