Location:  In Germany it extends from the Baltic sea (Travemünde) to Bavaria.  During the Cold War it developed along the wall between the two German states. It has a length of 1393 km and is anything from 50 m to 200 m wide. www.greenbelteurope.eu, www.europeangreenbelt.org

Objective: managing and preserve an ecological corridor that resulted from political division; and raise awareness about ecological connectivity

Problems: After reunification nature in this area was no more „protected“ and could have been returned to use for e.g. agriculture, industry and transport

Solutions: First nature conservation project of reunited Germany. Public appeal to buy Green Share Certificates to acquire Green belt land. Donors become symbolic shareholders

Results: 28% already protected; 38% proposed SCI or SPA

Critical factors of success: involving the public e.g. by offering them the opportunity of becoming symbolic shareholders by buying shares. Green tourism a major economic benefit in this belt

Key learning points: stressing the economic benefits through public private partnerships

Actors: German state, BUND (Friends of the Earth Germany) and local stakeholders

Communication: shareholder contribution not only invested in land purchase but also in communication, polictical lobbying and awareness raising

Financing: German state, BUND and others