Hagen is Investing in Nature-Conservation-Oriented Climate Protection Measures

Environmental and Climate Protection in Focus: Hagen Combines Climate with Nature Conservation

In February 2026, environmental and climate protection were at the top of the agenda in Hagen – not only in the context of climate change, but also with regard to the protection of local biodiversity. The city is pursuing an integrated approach, in which climate protection is not considered in isolation, but is closely linked with nature conservation, forestry, and sustainable urban development.

Nature Conservation and Biodiversity: Compensation Measures Instead of Merely Interventions

A central topic was the construction of the central forestry yard "Im Deerth 3b", which sparked significant criticism. Although the project violates landscape planning provisions, an exception permit was applied for. To mitigate the negative effects, compensatory reforestation was planned, including oak-hornbeam forests on 1,785 m² and 402 m² at former industrial sites.

In addition, local species such as hedgehogs, hazel dormice, bats, and blindworms were brought into focus. The city implemented preventive measures such as nest boxes, bird collision prevention on glass facades, and habitat protection through construction fencing and trunk and crown protection.

The discussion showed that Hagen is ready to compensate ecological losses caused by planned interventions through concrete protection measures – a stance enshrined in the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG), but often controversial in practice.

Tree Care and Protection: A Delicate Balance Between Safety and Conservation

The Tree Care Ordinance and the Tree Protection Ordinance were also central. Hagen has approximately 26,000 mapped tree circles, and the maintenance of these areas is a key component of the city's climate and environmental strategy. At the same time, the tree stock is regularly checked for traffic safety, which in some cases leads to felling.

A particularly controversial case concerned the felling of the natural monument hill elm (N-9), which had to be removed due to traffic safety concerns. According to the ordinance, a replacement planting was required, which remained controversial: For old trees, a 1:1 equivalent is often not possible, and the ecological function is difficult to replicate.

In addition, measures against ash dieback and fungal damage, which lead to dying trees, were discussed. The city sees a need for action to sustainably preserve the urban tree stock – a challenge that is also gaining in importance in the context of climate change adaptation.

E-Mobility and Heat Planning: Hagen is Moving Toward Climate Neutrality

In addition to traditional environmental issues such as trees and species protection, Hagen also highlighted newer climate protection measures. A central project is the Municipal Heat Plan (KWP), which aims to enable a decarbonized heating supply by 2045.

The city plans to expand the district heating network and is evaluating the use of hydrogen. The existing Waste Incineration Plant Hagen (MVA) remains a central supplier of district heating – and will remain future-proof until 2045.

In addition, a charging infrastructure concept for electric vehicles is being developed by 2035, building on funding from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. With a target of 15 million electric vehicles in Germany by 2030, Hagen is pursuing a sustainable mobility transition that is also designed to be barrier-free.

Conclusion: Hagen as a Model City for Integrated Climate Protection Policy

February 2026 has shown that Hagen not only relies on traditional climate protection measures, but also acts innovatively and proactively. The combination of species protection, tree care, heat planning, and e-mobility makes Hagen a model city for integrated climate protection policy.

In the future, it will depend on whether the proposed measures such as compensation areas, replacement plantings, and climate adaptations are consistently implemented. Only in this way can Hagen achieve its long-term climate protection goals – and at the same time ensure the protection of local biodiversity.