Environmental and Climate Protection in Hagen: Fish Ladders, Wild Boars, and De-Sealing

Environmental and Climate Protection in Hagen: Fish Ladders, Wild Boars, and De-Sealing

In April 2026, the city of Hagen was actively addressing a variety of environmental and climate protection topics. From the renaturation of waterways to managing the wild boar population and promoting de-sealing measures, the political and administrative decisions reflect a clear focus on sustainable urban development and ecological responsibility.

Fish Ladders on the Volme: Renovation and Climate Protection

A central project in focus in April 2026 was the renovation of the fish ladder on the Volme near the Priorei hydroelectric power plant (WKA). Following the severe damage of the old fish ladder in 2021 due to a flood, a new construction was approved to enable fish to ascend the river again. The goal is to restore the waterway's connectivity, which aligns with the European Water Framework Directive (WRRL).

This measure is not only ecologically significant but also contributes to climate protection. By improving connectivity, the Volme's ecosystem can be strengthened, leading to better climate resilience in the long term. Additionally, the fish ladder will be equipped with safety measures such as debris deflectors to optimize its operation.

The approval process was accompanied by the Nature Conservation Advisory Board, which granted the planning permit under §68 of the Water Management Act (WHG). The IGW – Ingenieurgesellschaft für Wasserkraftanlagen mbH – was involved in the planning and ensured that the technical requirements of the DWA-M 509 standards were met.

The Wild Boar Population: A Challenge in the City

Another topic discussed in April was the development of the wild boar population in Hagen. The number of sightings and damage caused by wild boars has increased significantly, particularly in the districts of Helfe/Boele/Kabel and Haspe-Kipper. Mild winters, abundant food sources, and high reproduction rates contribute to the animals increasingly encroaching on urban areas.

The police documented a total of 916 incidents involving wild boars from January 2025 to March 2026. Although the exact population is not precisely known, within the hunting community it is assumed that the population is too high. The city has therefore called for concrete measures to reduce the wild boar population. The hunting authority and authorized hunting areas have already been tasked with culling, but long-term solutions are still under discussion.

Participation in the "Abpflastern" De-Sealing Competition

Another project taken up in April 2026 was Hagen's participation in the nationwide "Abpflastern" de-sealing competition. The goal of the competition is to de-seal urban areas and design them in a nature-friendly way. By reducing sealing, the natural infiltration of rainwater is promoted, which contributes to climate adaptation and reduces urban heat effects.

The city of Hagen has decided to actively engage the public and inform citizens about its participation in the competition. Low-threshold advisory services and information events are intended to help overcome technical and legal hurdles. The disposal of de-sealed material is carried out in cooperation with local partners. Although participation in the competition was rejected in a proposal, the city remains actively involved.

Species Protection Water Bodies: Investment in the Future

In addition, measures for the optimization and securing of species protection water bodies were decided. The project includes the renaturation of ponds in the areas of "Wasserschloss Werdringen," "Hexenteich," and "Ruhraue Syburg." The project is financed 90% by funds from the European Regional Development Fund (EFRE) and 10% by municipal replacement funds. The goal is to secure and optimize habitats for species dependent on standing water. These measures also contribute to improving water quality through the reduction of sediments.

Outlook: Sustainability as a Central Pillar of City Policy

The decisions and projects of April 2026 show that Hagen is actively committed to sustainable and climate-friendly urban development. Whether through the renovation of fish ladders, the management of the wild boar population, or the promotion of de-sealing measures, the city is implementing a variety of measures that are both ecologically and socially acceptable.

The challenges facing Hagen are complex. Nevertheless, there is a clear effort to develop long-term solutions that not only meet today's requirements but also provide future generations with a livable and sustainable space.