Preserving a paradise Environmental protection for Rügen and the Baltic Sea

The responsible use of resources and acting sustainably is of prior importance to us. This is visible through many small details in the Natural Oasis Gustow, such as the use of natural building materials, the climbing plants on the hall and the roof greening of our Shore Houses. These are not the only examples of our general approach – we also generate large parts of the power for our heating system through solar energy. Furthermore, we want to emphasize the correct conduct in this particularly sensitive natural habitat.

What's important here for us: cooperation instead of conflict

The Greifswalder Bodden and Strelasund are European bird protection and FFH areas and therefore part of the EU Natura 2000 network of protected areas in two respects. Sea eagles, cranes, large goose swarms, sea ducks and many species of waders live here or find themselves overwintering or resting in this area of the Baltic Sea. At the same time, their habitat is also a popular fishing and aquatic sports area. Can that work out? Yes, if environmentalists, fishermen, sailors, canoeists, surfers and motorboat drivers make an effort together.

Protection of the Bodden on the Baltic Sea on 750 square kilometres

On the initiative of the WWF, intensive talks were held between aquatic sports and fishing communities in the region, as well as with the relevant authorities who have voluntarily found an agreement on the use of this area. With this, sailors, anglers, canoeists, oarsmen, the Ministry of the Environment of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and the WWF have agreed on the adherence of commonly established guidelines to protect the water in its total area of 750 square kilometres. Taboo zones and restrictions on water sportsmen and fishing boats, including speed limits on the water and minimum distances to ecologically sensitive zones protect for instance, birds of passage from Scandinavia and Eastern Europe in their feeding grounds and rest areas.

Information about the Bodden

Here you can find out more about the agreement and at the same time explore interesting facts about the region.

Information about FFH area Greifswalder Bodden