protecting the environment – preserving biodiversity · protect our environment, is that we must...

Spectrum Environment 4 | 2007

Protecting the Environment –Preserving BiodiversityFraport activities for the preservation of the natural diversity of flora and fauna

2Fraport Biodiversity Strategy

1 Fraport Environmental Management Principles on Biodiversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2 Foreword: Why we are involved in the protection of natural biodiversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

3 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3.1 What does biodiversity mean? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43.2 Guidelines of the Biological Diversity Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

4 Habitat Frankfurt Airport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

4.1 Principles of Biodiversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64.2 Development of Environmental Protection in Terms of Biodiversity at Frankfurt Airport . . . . . . . . . 6

5 Fraport AG Biodiversity Funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

6 An Overview of Projects funded by Fraport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

6.1 Reforestation and Enhancement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86.1.1 Natural Conservation Area Hohenaue – Alluvial Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86.1.2 Reforestation of Hofgut Schönau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86.1.3 Upgrading of existing forests: utilization abandonment of the Mörfelden wooded area . . . . . . . . 9

6.2 Resettlement of faunistically valuable species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96.2.1 Resettlement of sand lizards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96.2.2 Relocation of stag beetles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

6.3 Frankfurt Region – Promotion of sustainability and landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106.3.1 Rhine-Main Regional Park – Sponsoring of Environmental Protection Concepts

in the Surrounding Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106.3.2 Unique Flora in the Taunus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116.3.3 Variety of species in the River Meadows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126.3.4 Orchard meadows in the Maintal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126.3.5 Old wooded areas in Kinzigtal by Hanau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136.3.6 Alluvial forests in the Kinzigtal by Hanau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

6.4 Registration and monitoring of species diversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146.4.1 Monitoring system for the detection of biodiversity – honey bees at Frankfurt Airport . . . . . . . . . . 156.4.2 Ecological building inspection and monitoring by example of the A380 maintenance hangar . . . 15

7 Biodiversity – Perspectives for Fraport Environmental Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Content


Near natural areas and their immanent biodiversityare maintained and promoted, with constraints ofthe general operating conditions in mind. Adverseeffects are kept as low as possible. An at least con-

Our business activities are compatible with the conservation of the natural biodiversity.

genial adjustment or an equivalent alternative ismade in case of extensive disturbances, whose func-tional preservation we assure in the long term.

1 Fraport Environmental Management Principles on Biodiversity

One would normally associate environmental aspectssuch as aircraft noise, air cleanliness, or resource con-servation as part of an airport’s environmentalmanagement. Fraport’s environmental managementexceeds the classic scope of duties and has, in themeantime, set itself the goal to maintain natural bio-diversity at Frankfurt Airport.

We are convinced, however, that Fraport must in thiscase – just as it has in noise abatement and air cleanli-ness – take over environmental responsibility that goesbeyond the legal guidelines. Our company acknow-ledges the goals of a lasting economic activity, and acore element of our sustainability strategy is effectiveenvironmental protection. The preservation of biodiver-sity is a future task that, according to many experts,plays a similarly significant role as climate protection.

What is it all about? Biodiversity is defined as a biolo-gically varied biologic community, giving its ecosystema high degree of stability due to the diversity of species,

especially in the case of outside changes that affect theecosystem. The consequence for us, in order to lastinglyprotect our environment, is that we must preserve thenatural diversity of species.

Hence, Fraport has decided to support projects outside ofthe airport premises that preserve the biological diversityin the region of Frankfurt/Rhine-Main and Hesse usingthe Environment Fund. Our presented “Fraport Biodiver-sity Strategy“ illustrates our principles on this importanttopic and documents diversity projects that we arrangeor fund, both at the airport and in the region.

Dr. Peter Marx Vice President of Environmental Management (VAU) Fraport AG

2 Foreword: Why we are involved in the protection of naturalbiodiversity

Biodiversity is perceived as the variety of life formson Earth, the result of hundreds of millions years ofevolutionary history. Science differentiates betweenfour aspects of diversity that influence one anotherand should be considered each with a closer exami-nation:

– Genetic diversity – Variety of species – Ecosystem diversity (i.e. variety of habitats)– Functional biodiversity (i.e. variety of biological

interactions)

“Biological Diversity“, or biodiversity, became abuzzword in the 1980’s in both scientific and po-litical discussions. Special merits were not onlyawarded to scientists such as R.E. Wilson-Hackens-hamer and E.O. Wilson but also to the Americanpresident Jimmy Carter.

Biodiversity is imperative for the stability of eco-systems. Biotic communities with a greater variety of species are more resistant towards outsideinfluences due to their multifaceted back coupling.

On the contrary, the reduction or eradication of species, which can happen as a result of environ-mental contamination or area encapsulation, leadsto an impoverishment of flora and fauna and, in theworst case, to a complete collapse of the affectedecosystem. A highly developed biodiversity must beregarded as a vital prerequisite for the adaptation of species to changing environmental conditions,also amongst themselves.


3 Introduction

3.1 What does biodiversity mean?

The term “biodiversity“ has gained increasing im-portance, also in a political context. Its historicalorigin is the Convention on Biological Diversity,adopted in 1992 at the United Nations Conferenceon Environment and Development (UNCED) in Riode Janeiro. At this conference, three goals were setwhen dealing with biological diversity:

– Its protection and maintenance– The sustainable use of its components – The fair distribution of the resulting advantages

from the genetic resources

Meanwhile, 179 countries and the European Unionhave joined the treaty. In the year 2000, the UnitedNations introduced an “International Day for Bio-logical Diversity,“ scheduled on the day on whichthe convention had been adopted (May 22nd).

3.2 Guidelines of the Biological Diversity Convention


Frankfurt Airport covers an area of approximately 19 km2 and is home to a notable, vast variety of ani-mal and plant species.

In the last years, Frankfurt Airport was evaluatedregarding its biotope quality. The SenckenbergResearch Institute completed an inventory mappingof the airport as well as of neighboring measuringareas outside of the airport site.

The airport premises are, as expected, strongly in-fluenced by human use. The low and very low-gradeareas dominate with over 60 percent. Substantialportions thereof are the sealed runways, taxiways,aprons, parking areas, and airport operational facili-ties.

The middle grade areas comprise approximately athird of the airport biotope complex. This is primari-ly a matter of grassland assets in the vicinity of taxi-ways and runways. The green areas between therunways represent the largest agriculturally unusedarea in the Rhine-Main region and amount to ap-proximately 500 hectares. It offers a habitat to manyplant and animal species that are elsewhere partiallyconsidered endangered.

From the perspective of nature preservation, veryhigh-grade areas have developed in the outskirtareas of runway 18 (west). The areas on which awide range of extensive grasslands, neglected grass-lands, sandy dry grasslands and heather (Calluna

vulgaris) are located, comprise only a small portionof the biotope complex with approximately four per-cent. However, area-wise it is the largest connectedheath, drying, and neglected grassland area in theFrankfurt/Rhine-Main region. Over the past years,these areas evolved into a retreat area for flora andfauna, including species that are endangered andlisted on the Red List.

There are approximately 300 plant species that canbe found on the airport premises in total. As anexample, vascular plants, which only grow in acidproducing and low nutrient soils, were mapped. Furthermore, the evaluated areas within the airportpremises also accommodate a greater number ofuncultivated garden plants, which presumably comefrom nearby parks. Seven percent of the total num-ber of identified species are considered endangered,in decline, or protected by law.

Not only the flora distinguishes itself with its remar-kable variety of species but also the fauna. One canfind a variety of amphibians and bird species such asthe northern wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe), theAfrican stonechat (Saxicola torquata), or the winchat(Saxicola rubetra). Rare species such as natterjacktoads (Bufo calamita), agile frogs (Rana dalmatina),and praying mantids (Mantis religiosa) appear in thespring and summer months by now.

Fraport AG owns approximately 300 hectares offorest surrounding the airport. These wooded areasare cultivated according to the legal flight clearanceguidelines regarding the runways and at the sametime apply the principles of sustainable forestry.Since they possess high biotope quality, these areasare largely designated as Natura-2000-areas.

4 Habitat Frankfurt Airport

species diversity in the region. As a result, Fraportgoes beyond the legal guidelines whenever possiblefor example by reforesting more wood than pre-scribed by law.

Environmental Acceptability Studies for LargerConstruction ProjectsIn the forefront of planned construction projects for the addition of capacity, environmental accept-ability studies are prepared within the framework of plan approval procedures; thus the direct andindirect impacts of projects are picked up at an earlystage and are then evaluated and presented in areport. By using the same procedures, the possibleenvironmental effects of the planned constructionof Terminal 3 and the northwest runway can bejudged and assessed. The gained results flow intothe decision making process on the implementationof the respective measures.

The impact of the project on man, landscape, water,air, climate, soil as well as on flora and fauna is re-searched within the scope of these studies. Eveninteractions between specific environmental facetsplay a role. Separate expert opinions are compiledconcerning the European legal specifications onnature and species conservation. All relevant find-ings from the surveys are then incorporated into theprecise planning process.

Experience shows that one can combine a techno-logically developed and economically successful air-port operation with the conservation of natural bio-diversity. Fraport’s Environmental Management hasset itself the goal to maintain and actively guide bio-diversity on airport premises in a way that corre-sponding ecosystems are preserved, despite opera-tional activities. The best solution in this context is tokeep the impact of airport operations on the diver-sity of species as low as possible. Wherever unavoid-able, significant disturbances due to operationalactivities occur, they are compensated or substitutedfor in a manner which is at least equal in its biologi-cal value. Whenever possible, it is aspired to furtherimprove the quality with the implementation ofsuch measures. The planning and execution of pro-jects for the protection and conservation of naturalbiodiversity are designed so that the continuousfunctional integrity is warranted.

During the planning of construction projects at theairport, all parties involved should carry out theseplans with utmost consideration of the plant andanimal world, so that minimal adverse effects arise.

Since it is often not feasible to create mitigationmeasure areas within the airport premises, the focusis placed on creating new sustainable habitats in thedirect vicinity of the airport in order to maintain the

4.1 Principles of Biodiversity

management was gradually established. The envi-ronmental managers of Fraport attach great impor-tance to the protection and conservation of biodi-versity at the airport and its surroundings.Inspections done by the Senckenberg ResearchInstitute in the years 2000 to 2004 confirm the suc-cess of these activities. In 1999, Frankfurt Airportunderwent the first stringent environmental auditregulated by the European “Eco-Management andAudit Scheme“ (EMAS). Additionally, the environ-mental management is certified under the ISO14001 since 2002.

Environmental management at Frankfurt Airport isreviewed annually by government accredited audi-tors. The EMAS validation requires verifiable evalua-

Fraport orientates itself strictly on the legal guide-lines when it comes to the evaluation of environ-mental impacts on flora and fauna in their naturalhabitats on the airport premises. Amongst others,the Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conserva-tion of natural habitats and of the wild fauna andflora site (Habitas Directive), European Birds Direc-tive, Federal Nature Conservation Act (BnatSchG)and Hessian Nature Conservation Act (HENatG)count towards these guidelines.

Environmental protection has a long history atFrankfurt Airport. Already in the year 1972, the com-pany preceding Fraport declared environmentalprotection to be a major part of the company policy.In the following decades, an efficient environmental

4.2 Development of Environmental Protection in Termsof Biodiversity at Frankfurt Airport



ronmental program. Major goals – aside from thelegal conformity of all environmental protectionmeasures that are implemented and followed byEnvironmental Management in strategic businessand service units – are the continuous quantitativeimprovements of environmental efforts, the transpa-rency as well as the willingness to communicaterefer to public relations and activities that gobeyond legal guidelines.

tions of the essential environmental impacts, theavailability of a functioning environmental manage-ment system and an environmental statement in theform of a publication accessible to the public. EMASand ISO 14001 have high standards for Fraport’sEnvironmental Management. This means, Fraportmust formulate and document its operational en-vironmental policies and, in this context, the trackedenvironmental objectives and measures in an envi-

Fraport is actively involved in the conservation ofbiodiversity not only on the airport premises, butalso in the Frankfurt/Rhine-Main region and in thefederal state of Hesse.

An Environmental Fund was created to effectivelycontribute to the preservation of nature and envi-ronment and therewith especially biodiversity. Sinceits establishment in 1997, over 500 projects havebeen financed with over 22.5 million euros (stand2008) in the fields of nature conservation, environ-mental protection (including biodiversity), environ-mental education and eco research. These fundsdemonstrate a voluntary effort on behalf of thecompany. Therefore, selected projects supportinglasting biodiversity in the region, that are normallydependend upon sparingly distributed governmentaid money, can be financially assisted. Alone for theyears 2009 and 2010, subsidies in the amount ofapproximately four million euros are planned.

Preferably high percentage of near-natural greenspaces and minimized encapsulation during theexecution of construction projectsIn line with the airport extension, measures are alsobeing taken to promote a lasting biodiversity. Thatmeans that operational interferences in habitats areto be kept at a minimum level. The goal is to allowa large portion of near-natural green spaces to re-main, for example, during the execution of con-

struction projects and to keep the area encapsula-tion as low as possible. For Fraport, it is of particularconcern to establish compensation areas as an ade-quate alternative for encroachments in the environ-ment and nature to maintain natural resources inthe airport vicinity and in the Frankfurt/Rhine-Mainregion.

In order to lastingly support the ecological variety,one must solidly and knowledgeably establishmitigation measures. Based on this, Fraport hasdecided to go beyond the legal specifications andplace professional considerations in the foreground.

In terms of the planned airport expansion, areaswere bought and reforested in advance. It is a pri-mary objective to recreate valuable forest stands,like the alluvial forest along the Rhine.

Often, agriculturally used areas were transformedinto forests again within the compensatory mea-sures. By these means of renaturation, fauna andflora noticeably improved in the affected areas. Thisalso benefits the whole region.

Today, Fraport is amongst the few companies world-wide that has long lasting and extensive experiencein the development of high-quality biotope com-plexes and can show the best results at the sametime.

5 Fraport AG Biodiversity Funding


The following pages detail a few selected projectsthat protect and promote biodiversity. On the onehand, this includes measures that Fraport under-goes and underwent during construction projects at

the airport. The second part describes the projectsin the Rhine-Main region and in Hesse that receivefinancial aid from the Fraport Environmental Fund.

Within the framework of airport expansion and lar-ger construction projects, such as the constructionof the A380 maintenance hangar, Fraport is carryingout mitigation and improvement measures else-where. It is of particular interest to create and de-velop long-term, near-natural biotopes worthy ofprotection. Forests are either taken out of cultivationor monotonous fields are turned into near-natural forested locations. The improved areas can be usedfor local recreation wherever compatible.

6.1.1 Natural Conser-vation Area Hohenaue –Alluvial Forest

The Natural Conserva-tion Area Hohenaue,located in the ruraldistrict of Groß-Gerau, isan area previously usedfor intense agriculturalpurposes, which wasplanned and executed asa legal nature and forestprotection compensa-tion measure especiallyfor the CargoCity South.

Purchased by Fraport in 1991, this area encompassesapproximately 100 hectares of land and is locatednear Trebur at a backwater of the Rhine River.

The terrain was reforested to allow new woodlandarea to emerge. The goal of the reforestation was tocreate an interconnected, near-natural wooded areathat could also be used for recreational purposes bythe public in the surrounding area. Groves of hardand soft woods, native to water meadows, wereplanted on the terrain. Additionally, a scenic trailwas designated, which is regularly cultivated; infor-mation boards were put up so that visitors caninform themselves about the natural history featuresas well as the variety of flora and fauna in this area.Based on the outstanding development, Hohenauewas declared a nature conservation area in 1998.

Result Testing of Compensation, Contingency andMitigation MeasuresTen years after the reforestation, Fraport commis-sioned the University of Gießen to conduct a func-tional control. The irrefutable result was that thereforestation and extensification measures hadexplicitly improved the flora and fauna of the sur-rounding region. The experience gained from theplanning and execution of the initiative at Hohen-aue is being incorporated into the upcoming furtherdevelopment of the alluvial forest in the regions ofLangenau/Nonnenau, Kornsand-Nord, and Rocken-wörth/Rauchenau. The planning of near-naturalwoods, the design of skirts of the wood, the acqui-sition of suitable seeds for trees and shrubs, as well as the layout of glades and wetland biotope are placed in the center.

6.1.2 Reforestation of Hofgut Schönau

Fraport is reforesting 21 hectares of land within therealm of the project “Hofgut Schönau“ in the districtof Rüsselsheim to compensate for the loss of landdue to the construction of the A380 maintenancehangar. Before the first tree was felled in September2005 on the hangar premises, the compensatoryplanting had already been started.

Over 130,000 trees and 10,000 shrubs were plantedat Hofgut Schönau in Rüsselsheim in order to createa new site for a mixed deciduous forest, dominatedby oak trees, on agricultural cropland. The conceptcontains upstream grasslands, optical paths andshrub hedges, and existing kindlings were inte-grated into the planning. A pond was installed inspring 2006 in order to improve the habitat quality

6 An Overview of Projects funded by Fraport

6.1 Reforestation and Enhancement


by providing a spawning ground for dragonflies andamphibians.

The selection of plantings ranges from the commonoak (Quercus perdunculata) to the beech (Fagus),cherry (Prunus), sycamore maple (Acer pseudopla-tanus) and the common walnut (Juglans regia). All ofthe seedlings originated from seeds from the regionand were cultivated in a local tree nursery.

6.1.3 Upgrading of existing forests: utilizationabandonment of the Mörfelden wooded area

Within the addition of the plan approval for the con-struction of the A380 maintenance hangar, thewooded area “Mönchbruch of Mörfelden“ was de-signated as a mitigation area. The goal in this casewas to improve the state of the existing forest stand.

The forest contains a high number of oaks and par-tially mixed forest – among others European Horn-beam (Carpinus betulus), pines (Pinus), and SilverBirch (Betula pendula). With accordance to theHabitats Directive and the here stated preservationobjectives, the amount of Common Oak old growthand dead wood is a quality characteristic of the fa-vorable peculiarity of the type of habitat. Therefore,the measures areas are cultivated so that a multi-layered age distribution – a result of time staggereddevelopment – is maintained to preserve old anddead wood, preferably oaks. This means that theseexist as long as possible and existing old trees arekept free of disturbing and incapacitating trees.

In view of the faunistic sustainability and biodiver-sity, the revaluation measure also proves itself to besuitable. The woodland serves as a habitat for spe-cies worthy of protection, such as the Bechstein’sbat (Myotis bechsteinii), which prefers a structurally-rich deciduous forest with adequate quarters. Thearea is monitored to assure the effectiveness of themeasures. Furthermore, Fraport AG has mountedbat-nesting boxes in suitable places with little dead-wood.

Stag beetles, for example, also have a suitable habi-tat due to the existence of uprooted stumps. More-over, Bechstein’s bats find good food sources andenough living quarters in the structurally-rich de-ciduous forest.

6.2 Resettlement of faunistically valuable species

If encroachments or disturbances threaten exist-ing biodiversity in the course of the constructionprojects, mitigative and preventative measureswill be taken, such as the resettlement of pro-tected species.

Fraport not only engages itself in connection withsupporting lasting biodiversity, but also pays partic-ular attention to the execution of special measuresthat serve to protect species worthy of conservation.An example of such a measure is the relocation ofsmall animals.

6.2.1 Resettlement of sand lizards

Even though they appear quite often in the Rhine-Main region, the Sand Lizard (Lacerta agilis) is a spe-cies that is to be stringently protected according tothe Ordinance for the amendment of the FederalOrdinance on the Conservation of Species and the

Habitats Directive. In the area of the fuel depot(“POL yard“), in the former US-Air Base that is to bedismantled, a main source of this lizard species wasdetected, since it feels particularly comfortable onthe sunny, dry and earth covered tank mounds. Inagreement with the lower nature conservationauthority, the lizards were caught and transferred to

the treeless, shifting sand dune area, west of the Air-portring (Okrifteler Straße) in the extension of thesouthern runway.

Ongoing monitoring of this resettlement will con-tinue at least until 2013. Every spring, when weatherconditions are suitable, three area-wide inspectionsof the compensatory location are made, wherenumber, age and locality of the lizards are docu-mented.

6.2.2 Relocation of stag beetles

As a special species conservation measure, tree rootscontaining stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) larvae wererelocated in August and September of 2005 beforethe construction of the A380 maintenance hangarstarted. In the course of the construction project,approximately 20 hectares of forest in the southend of the airport were to be uprooted. This forestsheltered numerous sources of the stag beetle spe-cies Lucanus cervus. The stag beetle species favorsa moderate climate in combination with a sandy,dry land and a high proportion of oak trees. Worthmentioning is that this species is to be stringentlyprotected according to the Ordinance for theamendment of the Federal Ordinance on the Con-servation of Species and the adaption of furtherlegal provisions and the Habitats Directive.

The new locations can be found no more than onekilometer away from the area of intrusion and theyrespectively offer optimal soil requirements. Stumpswere chosen that exhibit a high likelihood to becolonized by stag beetles. The majority of stumps

It is one of Fraport’s principles to not limit the com-pany’s environmental protection to the airport pre-mises. That is why one is aspired to support projectswithin the surrounding region of Frankfurt that areinteresting from an environmental protection pointof view; these projects deal with the existing speciesor areas that are in danger or require lasting supportmeasures. Fundamentally, it is Fraport’s goal tomaintain the diversity of the Frankfurt/Rhine-Mainregion with regard to the attractive nature andlandscape experiences and, whenever possible, tosupport its further development. The followingexamples demonstrate how the guidelines are prac-tically implemented.

6.3.1 Rhine-Main Regional Park – Sponsoring ofEnvironmental Protection Concepts in theSurrounding Area

The most extensive environmental project that Fra-port sponsors is the Rhine-Main Regional Park, initi-ated in 1994. This project follows the philosophy ofnot only passively protecting and conserving exi-sting open spaces, but instead to actively developand duly feature them. An infrastructure for expe-riencing nature is encouraged for this purpose.

Since the initiation of the development, 70 km ofroutes were laid out and over 100 individual pro-

was covered with trunk wood to prevent them frombeing churned up by wild boars.

In addition, ten tree stumps were fenced in andcovered with nets to control the success results.Many stag beetles were found in the moths of Mayand June 2006, which proves the effectiveness of theresettlement measure.

6.3 Frankfurt Region – Promotion of sustainability and landscape



jects, costing approximately 30 million euros, wereset into action. This was financed by donations ofassociations from communities, federal and EUfunds, as well as from sponsorship money, particu-larly from the Fraport AG.

Overall, the regional park is a multifaceted reflectionof the natural and cultural diversity of the region.One of the first projects to be conceived was a bikepath that goes around the regional park. In addi-tion, a bike path and hiking trail enclose the city ofOffenbach. A weather park on the Buchhügel canalso be found there, which allows visitors to getinformation about weather formation, recordingand forecasting.

The Flörsheim watchtower is part of the regionalpark, as are an orchard route, a rose garden, a play-ground for children, several observation towers and

many other things. Alongside the promotion of bio-diversity, the regional park contributes to giving theRhine-Main area a “natural“ identity, to increase therecreational value and to boost the attractiveness asa living and working area.

6.3.2 Unique Flora in the Taunus

The Taunus, a German low mountain range and partof the Rhenish Slate Mountains, extends throughthe state of Hesse north of the cities Frankfurt andWiesbaden. The Taunus is an area characterized byits touristic infrastructure displayed in the very envi-ronmentally friendly landscape. Hiking trails withrefuges, nature trails, and cross-country ski-tracksshape the scenic picture in winter. In the summer,sunbathing areas, spring tapping and observationtowers are used for recreation. Additionally, watertreading pools, barbecue areas and youth campingsites allow for active contact with the nature. It is ofutmost concern to Fraport AG to conserve this natu-ral scenery and its unique flora. That is why it wasdecided to make a current survey of the plant com-munities. For this reason, the Fraport EnvironmentFund has funded the mapping of vascular plant flora

in the Taunus. Favorably reviewed were Orchids,types of fens and species with specific indicatorvalues, for example fascinating cold and low tempe-rature indicators with regard to the current globalwarming. The goal is the development and laterrelease of updated distribution maps of the plants.

The Faculty of Botany at the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Frankfurt has been workingtogether with the Taunus Botanical Working Groupsince 1997 concerning the execution of the plan tocomprehensively document the scenic changes inrespect of the Taunus flora.

The data needed for this documentation is taken sothat it is analyzable for the different requirements ofnature conservation, environmental monitoring andlandscaping. In addition to a detailed census of thespecies population in the spatially defined habitats

and grids, permanent landscape ecological obser-vation areas were established for biomonitoring.The data gained allows statements about the lands-cape changes over a longer period and can be usedin the preparation of operation proposals for thenature conservational landscape preservation.

The mapping takes place in four sections, the firstone being the area that encompasses the centralTaunus region. The southern and the near-ridge northern Taunus region belong to the second sec-tion. The presentation of these mapping results is conducted on grid maps, which make the pro-cessing using a geographic information system possible. A precise survey of the sources of floristicremarkable species, such as species on the HessianRed List, is made.

More than 450 species were verified in the grids. Inaddition, many endangered species from the RedList could be identified. Additionally, atlantic-sub-mediterranean species were detected such as thestinking hellebore (Helleborus foetidus) or the wallbarley (Hordeum murinum).The latter is encounterednear human settlements.

land were allocated for the renaturation projects, ofwhich a large portion had been used for intenseagronomic purposes before. An essential part of theproject was the process of renaturating the “Strom-talwiesen“, the evaluation of agricultural land useoptions that conform with nature protection, as wella the protection and development of the remaining,endangered “Stromtalwiesen“ sites that are of inter-national importance.

The transference of areal grass cuttings was used inthe project. The growth of existing stocks of alluvialand molinia meadows in the vicinity of the projectarea served as a donor for the grass cuttings. Theareal grass cutting measures were carried out bylocal farmers, who partially took over the utilizationlater. A trusting cooperation arose with the farmersduring the project, which will as users guarantee thelong-term preservation of this species-rich greenspace. The measures were recorded in detail andpinpointed in a geographic information system as abasis for scientific monitoring by the University ofGießen. The results from the project are consistentlypositive. Within three to four years, over 100 plantspecies could develop from the grass cuttings, in-cluding the endangered species previously foundon the Red List such as the blue iris (Iris spuria), themeadow violet (Viola pumila), and the spear-leavedskullcap (Scutellaria hastifolia).

Within three years, these project areas have demon-strated a remarkable species and individual-richfauna. From a faunistical point of view, the “Strom-talwiesen“ represent very species-rich habitats. Within this time period, over 600 animal speciescould be identified at these sites – including groundbeetles (Carabidae), bugs, grasshoppers, butterfliesand zygaenidae. Even rare and endangered animalspecies from the Red List such as the bug speciesStrongilocoris and the Fisher’s estuarine moth (Gor-tyna borelii) were found.

6.3.4 Orchard meadows in the Maintal

The maintenance and tendance of specific habitatsin the region are of special importance regarding itspromotion with the aid of the Fraport Environmen-tal Fund. Included in this is the largest Hessianorchard meadow complex near Bergen-Enkheimand Maintal.

Orchard meadow is a traditional cultivation methodfor commercial fruits that is characterized by is high-stemmed fruit trees of different ages and species.These meadows, established in the immediate vi-cinity of settlements, were historically used for thedirect food provision of the local population. Theyare used commercially in many ways: on the onehand for fruit production and on the other hand as

6.3.3 Variety of species in the River Meadows

Fraport supports the “Stromtalwiesen“ project inthe community Riedstadt by Leeheim, which bor-ders the largest Hessian nature conservation areaKühkopf-Knoblauchsaue. “Stromtalwiesen“ are alluvial meadows of river valleys.

As explained in Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive,the “Stromtalwiesen“ is a type of biotope for whichGermany carries special responsibility with regardto its protection and preservation.The in placeencountered wet grasslands belong to the mostendangered plant communities in Central Europe asa result of dehydration measures, grassland changeand intensive agricultural usage. An extremely

unstable water balance is typical for the meadowgrassland community sites. Due to snowmelts, thespring months bring floods lasting for severalweeks, whereas the dry and hot summers dry outthe land, leaving the vegetation in extremely dryconditions due to the lack of ground water. There-fore, the existing species must be tolerant towardsboth dry and wet conditions.

The main interest in the project was to recreate therare “Stromtalwiesen“ as well as to resettle quality-determining key species. The execution of thesemeasures was carried out in collaboration with theRiedstadt community, the University of Gießen, thefederal state of Hesse, the Federal Nature Conser-vation Agency and with the most important spon-sor, the Fraport AG. Based on the little success ofprevious efforts for the renaturation of the species-rich “Stromtalwiesen“ as well as exceptionally highnational and international professional nature con-servation importance of this FFH habitat type, atesting and development plan of the federal officefor environmental protection was conducted in thecommunity of Riedstadt in the area of the HessianUpper Rhine west of Darmstadt from October 2000until March 2005. A total of 47.7 hectares of suitable


hay meadows for the production of hay or grazingland for livestock. In some cases, these meadows areused for beekeeping or for fruit and vegetable gar-dens.

Orchard meadows are one of the most endangeredbiotopes in Central Europe. If one examines the bio-diversity, orchard meadows accommodate typicalold varieties of fruit species that have, over the years,become regional. These meadows are also species-rich in terms of fauna. Many Central European birdspecies are drawn to the orchard meadows asbreeding grounds due to the available hollows anddeadwood. Furthermore, insects – such as honey-bees, which play an important role in the pollina-tion of the fruit trees – can excellently settle here.Spiders can also often be found because of the favo-rable microclimate. In addition, amphibians andreptiles, such as the European tree frog (Hyla arbo-rea) and slow worms (Anguis fragilis), can find a suit-able habitat.

It is of special importance to the Fraport Environ-mental Fund to support the maintenance of orchardmeadows in the region, given the biological qualityand the culturally historical value.

6.3.5 Old wooded areas in Kinzigtal by Hanau

Old wooded areas are a key factor in the mainte-nance of the biological diversity in forests. They arecomprised of old tree stands, for which the utiliza-tion was renounced until the beginning of thedecomposition phase. Therewith, the black wood-pecker (Dryocopus martius) and the succeeding hollow nesting birds, as well as other old and dead-

wood inhabitants will be supported. This area is animportant component of nature conservation in theforests of Hesse and an important element for theregional biodiversity.

Today, 958 old wooded areas are found in the Hes-sian forest area with a total area of 1,708 hectares.Altogether, the old wooded areas take up 0.21% ofthe total Hessian wooded area. Merely 2.5% of theappropriate beech tree stands are declared to be oldwood areas.

Given that the old wood areas have a unique bio-diversity, their protection is of utmost importancefor the Fraport Environmental Fund. In the course ofa Hesse-wide survey of the existing old wood areas,relevant forest areas were examined with respect tocondition, species spectrum, dead wood and treehollows. The results showed that the old woodedarea exhibits a habitat quality that cannot be foundin cultivated forests in such a high local concentra-tion. The existing stand of old wood areas shouldthus be preserved without exception as long as thecrucial habitat qualities (e.g. old and dead woodtree hollows) exist. Forestal operations in old woodareas should remain out of bounds, also in the caseof overbalanced trees in an event of storm.

6.3.6 Alluvial forests in the Kinzigtal by Hanau

A further priority for the Fraport EnvironmentalFund is the preservation of the Hessian alluvialforests, since their landscape and their nature is ofhigh importance.

Alluvial forests grow along rivers and streams thatare been flooded in periodic intervals. Near-naturalriverside forests and wetland forest communities are characterized by their structural diversity. Its features include a high percentage of old and deadwoods, different compositions of tree species, unique local conditions and a wide range of species.With regard to the species diversity, alluvial forestbiotopes feature the largest array of birds in CentralEurope.

Alluvial forests currently comprise only 0.3% of thetotal forested area in Hesse. Forests that are located


Regular ecological audits to determine the statusquo and its changesThe Frankfurt Airport premises represent a suitablehabitat for a considerable number of animal andplant species because the favorable conditions makea positive development in the respective popula-tions possible. In collaboration with scientific insti-tutions, Fraport has an on-site monitoring process toobserve the specific species of flora and fauna. At

this point, one must differentiate between twoapproaches:

– Continual monitorings over many years at the air-port, and

– Special monitorings made within the scope of newplans which also verify possible interferences withbiodiversity.

within the flood plain of streams are referred to asstreamside forests. They often contain black alder(Alnus glutinosa) and European ash (Fraxinus excel-sior), as well as an herb layer and they are most likelyto be found on the valley floors of forested lowmountain ranges. Wetland forest communities thatare similar to alluvial forests are also found at siteswith groundwater near to the surface.

Alluvial forests are one of the most endangeredforest biotopes in Germany. Especially the drainagemeasures and the lowering of groundwater (e.g. forthe production of drinking water) contribute to thissituation. Alluvial forests are also often subject topressure from settlement and have to give way tothe construction of newbuildings and industries.

Fraport represents a reli-able partner for theMain-Kinzig researchgroup from the HessianSociety for Ornithologyand Nature Conserva-tion (HGON) by fi-nancing the forest con-servation for many yearsusing the Fraport Envi-ronmental Funds. Themain goal was to lasting-ly and enduringly pro-tect and preserve thealluvial forests, therebymaking an important contribution to flood control.Until now, no concrete data existed on the stream-side forests. Due to Fraport’s financial support,HGON had the possibility to document the mostimportant Hessian streamside forests.

The long-term concern of this project is to relinquishthe Hessian near-natural wetland forests without

anthropogenic influence. Forestal, over-influencedalluvial and streamside forests should be convertedinto near-natural forests and will undergo a dynamicprotection of natural processes in the future. Flowingwaters with vegetation along the stream and near-natural water segments make important contribu-tions to the preservation of plant and animal species;they act as integration elements in agriculturallyinfluenced water meadows and settlement areas.The streamside meadows and their streamsideforests have special structures that offer many adapted animal species a suitable habitat.

Intact streamside meadows have a major significancefor bird species such as the white throated dipper

(Cinclus cinclus), the greywigtail (Motacilla cine-rea), or the commonkingfisher (Alcedo atthis).The streamside meadow,a semi-aquatic biotope, isa habitat for countlessinsects such as the beau-tiful demoiselle (Calop-teryx virgo) or the largemarsh grasshopper (Stethophyma grossum).The shallow waters rich invegetation and the waterbanks are the ideal habi-tat for aquatic inverte-brates. The streamsidemeadow is one of the

most important semi-aquatic habitat for amphibianssuch as the natterjack toad (Bufo calamita), the yel-low-bellied toad (Bombina variegata) and the firesalamander (Salamandra salamandra). Moreover, fallen trees as well as old and dead woods provide anunique habitat for fungi, mosses and lichens, beetlesand ants.


6.4 Registration and monitoring of species diversity


A continual observation to regularly control the avi-fauna is carried out within the frame of the bird strike management. A further example is the use ofhoney bees to detect environmental encroachmentson airport premises.

When new construction projects, such as hangarsare planned, special monitorings are carried outduring as well as after the execution the construc-tion of the project.

6.4.1 Monitoring system for the detection of bio-diversity – honey bees at Frankfurt Airport

Since spring 2006, eight honey bee colonies fromthe Institute for Apiology of the Polytechnic Societyin Frankfurt were settled on the airport premises.Eight honey bee colonies were set up in the Nieder-ursel and in the northern Taunus region as a sourceof reference.

In general, honey bees are very sensitive to pol-lutants, unfavorable conditions and disturbances intheir environment. That is why they are a suitableindicator for encroachments in their environment.

The developments in the bee colonies are preciselytracked. In the year 2006, approximately 100 eggsfrom the queen bee were mapped and observed

until they developed into a mature bee pupa. Thebee colonies at Frankfurt Airport are developing as successfully as the bees in Niederursel and in thenorthern Taunus region; their well-being is con-firmed by their rich and qualitatively high-gradehoney harvests, with an average of 19.9 kg per colony. The results of an examintion from the Insti-tute for Apiology in Celle show that the criteria forthe honey provision were fulfilled and that thehoney meets the high demands of the GermanBeekeeper’s Association.

The honey shows an above average pollen spectrumand a high enzyme activity, which suggests a highnatural finish. This does not only speak for the posi-tive development of the bee colonies but also for thefriendly conditions on the Fraport premises.

6.4.2 Ecological building inspection and monitoringby example of the A380 maintenance hangar

Ecological Building MonitoringAccording to the Federal Nature Conservation Act,Fraport is obligated to avoid avertable encroach-ments on nature and landscape and to compensatefor inevitable encroachments. The following mea-sures were taken during the construction of theA380 maintenance hangar:

– Reptiles (sand lizards) were caught and resettled. – Suitable old wood was cut out and placed outside

of the construction area in the suitably sunny oakforest for the stag beetles.

– Additionally, formicaries were moved.

The transference of formicaries is not stipulated bythe Federal Nature Conservation Act and the cor-responding collateral clauses. However, it seemedsensible in terms of species conservation. The com-pensatory sites are located near sunny areas close toconifers; already shortly after the resettlement, livelyactivities in the formicary could be observed, deem-ing this measure a success.

Additionally, Fraport AG, in the interest of bat pre-servation, voluntarily checked all appropriate treehollows to allow the potentially available bats a safeescape.

Before the erection of a fence, the construction premises were checked for hoofed animals. Not untilconstruction had already started, a doe with fawnswas noticed. After that, a large section of fence wasleft open to allow the animals to exit, which theyfinally did.

Small random findings are also not being disre-garded during large construction projects. Duringthe clearing of the land, the striking larva from agoat moth (Cossus cossus) was found and taken outof the construction site.

Measures were also taken with regard to the floristicspecies diversity. Several purebred wild Europeanpear trees (Pyrus pyraster) were relocated. Numer-ous oak trees, which Fraport intends to keep, are stillstanding in the cleared areas.

Monitoring of the A380 HangarAn encroachment of the environment in the vicinitydue to the construction of the A380 hangar cannotbe excluded. Hence, monitorings are being carriedout in the Habitats Directive area “Mark- und Gund-wald“ and in the bird sanctuary “Mönchbruch“ andin forests at communities of “Mörfelden, Walldorfas well as Groß Gerau“. The goal of the evaluation isto make forecasts of the summation of the possibleimpacts as well as to efficiently implement obliga-tions of the official approval.

The following efforts for the basic data compilationwill be made during the monitoring of the HabitatsDirective area “Mark- und Gundwald“ according tothe guidelines from the Hessian Service Centre forAgriculture, Horticulture and Nature Conservation(HDLGN):

– The acquisition of birds is carried out according tothe standard procedures for the logging of bree-ding birds in Germany. These procedures suggesta territorial mapping of the value-determinantspecies for the formulation of the monitoring. Itthereby deals with the species in Annex I of the EUBirds Directive as well as other species, such as theones on the Red List. The compilation of the spe-cies enables a precise declaration of the qualitativevalue of the habitat structures and the quantitativechanges in the symbiotic community. The moni-toring of the avifauna is planned through the year2016.

– In addition, the monitoring of bats will take place.By this, the long-term preservation of the Bech-stein’s Bat population in the “Mark- und Gund-wald“ will be supported, despite the interferen-ces. Data based on population and habitat will becollected for the monitoring. Additionally, theanimals will be marked so that the individualnursery roosts and changes in the activity area ofthe colonies can be determined.

– Stag beetles were collected in the cleared areas forthe A380 maintenance hangar. The collection andestimation of the population are placed in theforeground. Additionally, the examinations com-prise the inspections of the transferred tree stumpsand of the areas surrounding the cleared area topossibly judge the side effects – especially theadverse effects of light – on the adjacent forestedareas. As the previously mentioned monitoring,this documentation will be carried out up to theyear 2016.

– Great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) will bedocumented by means of observation and fyketraps within the scope of the monitoring. Thecompilation and documentation will be carriedout in three year intervals.

These results will be put together every two yearsin a cumulative report. Based on this foundation,a documentation is developed that includes anassessment and respectively potential changes andrecommendations, as long as the measure appearsnecessary.


Imprint

Publisher: Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services WorldwideEnvironmental Management (VAU)60547 Frankfurt am MainGermany

Responsible for contents: Peter Marx, Vice President of Environmental Management (VAU)Concept und Editor-in-Chief: Lothar Hanke (VAU)Text: Nicole Brettschneider, Lothar Hanke (VAU)English translation: Alexis Görtler, Viktoria Koch (VAU)Design: Albrecht Leidecker, Corporate Communications (UKM-IK)Photography: Fraport AG, Nicole Brettschneider (VAU); Jürgen Ebert (FBA-RF); Rainer Gomolluch (UKM-PA 1); Andreas Meinhardt, Stefan Rebscher, Sabine Eder (UKM-IK)

Date 2007, updated February 2009


Our goal is to maintain sustainable economic activi-ties. Hence our corporate actions equally supporteconomic, social, and ecological criteria.

Our special involvement is to lastingly preserve theenvironment and with it its biodiversity.

With the future plans to expand the airport, we aimto go beyond the legal guidelines in terms of cor-porate activity and quality of life in the region. The

conservation of biodiversity represents a key factorand will be extensively and systematically funded.We are aware that a lasting biodiversity strategycannot end at airport premises and that a long-termplanning strategy is needed.

We will continue to be involved in the preservationof the environment and flora and fauna in theregion; supported by the positive results from bothaccomplished and current projects.

7 Biodiversity– Perspectives for Fraport Environmental Management

protecting the environment – preserving biodiversity · protect our environment, is that we must...

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