Environment Minister Walker visits Bund-Naturschutzzentrum in Möggingen

Environment Minister Walker visits Bund-Naturschutzzentrum in Möggingen

On August 11, 2025, the State Environment Minister Thekla Walker visited the BUND-NATURSCHUSTION in Möggingen, an important location for environmental education and nature conservation. During her visit, the minister was led by the Mindelsee exhibition, in which exhibits and information about the flora and fauna of the nature reserve are presented. Among the federal representatives present was Ralf Stolz, the general manager of the BUND Baden-Württemberg, who highlighted the importance of the main office in Möggingen and emphasized the relevance of the Mindelsee nature reserve. Walker described the nature conservation center as the “nucleus” of environmental education and emphasized the importance of such places for society. Verena Medinger and Manuel Fiebrich, also from the federal government, explained the structure and purpose of the exhibition and its objective as a place for environmental education and social encounters.

A remarkable point of the presentation was the rediscovery of a dragonfly species that was considered extinct at the Mindelsee. Fiebrich also presented a large map of the Mindelsee and information on various animal and plant species that occur in the region. This type of environmental education is particularly crucial to raise awareness of nature conservation issues. The invasive Quagga shell was a central topic that Walker appealed during the visit. She informed about the need to keep wet clothing away from Lake Constance after water sports in order to avoid transmission of the shell.

The threat from the Quagga mussel

The Quagga mussel was found for the first time in the Zuger and Alpnachersee and is now spreading rapidly, with the Lake Lucerne. Current reports show that the mussel was found in at least nine lakes in Switzerland, including the Geneva Lake, Lake Constance, Neuchâtel Lake Lake and the Murtensee. The shell can cause considerable damage to the ecosystems of the affected lakes and lead to high cleaning costs because it leads to constipation in water withdrawal systems.

In order to protect not infested lakes, some cantons have already taken measures. A reporting and cleaning obligation for ships will be introduced in Central Switzerland from August. Shipper must make a message in front of the grassper in central Switzerland and demonstrate cleaning by specialists. Philip Baruffa, overall project manager of this initiative, emphasizes the need to create uniform regulations nationwide. In view of the potential effects of the Quagga shell, the security of the bathing in affected waters and the local ecosystems must be addressed urgently.

In summary, it can be stated that the work of the BUND nature conservation center in Möggingen and the problem of the Quagga mussel in Lake Constance and other waters, there is an urgent need for action in environmental policy. Events in Möggingen are an impressive example of the challenges and opportunities that nature conservation offers, as well as the need for society to actively work on solutions.