In 2022, DER MITTELSTANDSVERBUND and the Brandenburg Wilderness Foundation launched the “SMEs and Peatlands” initiative, seeking partners to support the project – and found their largest sponsor in Düsseldorf. Since then, ElectronicPartner has been committed to the long-term restoration of drained peatlands through rewetting, aiming to secure these natural carbon sinks and raise public awareness about the importance of preserving, restoring, and expanding peatlands and natural landscapes. The group has pledged a total of €600,000 over ten years. Around 100 hectares are being gradually renatured, creating a lasting positive impact on our climate. Although peatlands cover just three percent of the Earth’s land surface, they store roughly twice as much carbon as all the world’s forests combined.
Drought highlights the challenges
Extended dry periods, such as this spring, not only hinder rewetting efforts but also increase the risk of forest and peatland fires. These conditions underscore the urgency of advancing climate, biodiversity, and peatland protection. Thanks to ElectronicPartner’s additional funding, firebreaks have been created to help contain potential fires, better protecting the emerging peatland and surrounding forests as habitats for rare flora and fauna. Drainage ditches have also been cleared to enable future water management.
Visible impact of the initiative
Rangers are observing more wildlife, including wild boars, whose natural digging contributes to rewetting and landscape transformation. After more than 200 years, wildcats have returned to the area, and sightings of the strictly protected sand lizard, along with the first blooms of broom and robinia, point to increasing biodiversity. Alongside these ecological successes, there is another reason to celebrate: the Brandenburg Wilderness Foundation marks its 25th anniversary. “Without the financial support of our partners, our work wouldn’t be possible. Long-term commitments like ElectronicPartner’s give us vital planning security,” says Isabel Gabei, responsible for communications and public relations at the foundation. Since its founding on 16 May 2000, the foundation has secured 15,150 hectares and transformed them into true wilderness areas – with over 43 kilometres of hiking trails, numerous guided tours, and environmental education programmes. And nature is responding – with new life.
“Responsibility Makes a Difference – and Climate Protection Is a Team Effort. That’s why it was important for us to inform our members about the project from the start and raise awareness within the industry,” says Friedrich Sobol, ElectronicPartner board member. “As a result, we’ve gained support from AEG, De’Longhi, hama, Jura, LG, Panasonic, and Samsung.” Looking ahead, Sobol is clear: “In light of growing challenges from climate change, increasing wildfire risks, and alarming biodiversity loss, the need for action is greater than ever – and so is our determination to support effective solutions together.”
