The EUROPARC Federation celebrates the opening of its new office in Regensburg
Around 30 guests from Regensburg and from across Europe, EUROPARC's section representatives, met on Thursday evening at 6pm to celebrate the official opening of the new EUROPARC office in Regensburg. Regensburgs deputy Mayor Mr Wolbergs, Dr. Hahn from the Environment Department and EUROPARC Director Carol Ritchie greeted the participants.
The evening started with an amusing but sincere speech from Mr Wolbergs. The mayor welcomed the EUROPARC Federation to Regensburg. He talked about the internationality of Regensburg and said that EUROPARC with its 440 members from 36 countries would fit in well. With Regensburg being a World Heritage Site, he said "we in Regensburg know a lot about protected areas because there are so many small heritage sites within the inner city that we have to look after".
Dr. Hahn informed the audience about the interesting environmental projects that the town is currently developing concerning the themes nature protection and climate change. Regensburg is home to a large number of bird and bat species and they also have a lot of protected trees.
Carol Ritchie told the guests a bit more about the work of the Federation. She thanked the deputy Mayor and Dr. Hahn for coming with a small present from EUROPARC, a copy of the book ‚Living Parks: 100 Years of National Parks in Europe‘.
Afterwards there was a chance for the guests to talk amongst themselves, to find out more from EUROPARC employees including the sections, who were in Regensburg for their section meeting, and to enjoy the tasty food and drinks provided by the restaurant 'The Fürstliche Brauhaus'.
The deputy Mayor Mr Wolbergs offered the support of the city to EUROPARC. Commenting on a remark from Carol Ritchie, he said "I was aware that Regensburg is the heart of Bayern but am particularly pleased that it is now the heart of Europe with EUROPARC here'. 'Before I came' he continued 'I knew very little about the organisation, now I know a lot more and will certainly pop by to learn even more in the near future".
Carol Ritchie said "The Federation is very happy and proud to be at home in Regensburg and looks forward to a long cooperation with the city"
The EUROPARC Federation moved to offices of Thurn and Taxis in Regensburg a few weeks ago from the Bavarian Forest. It was founded in 1975 and is the umbrella organisation for European protected areas.
A few members of the local press attended and articles on the event were printed in the Donau Post and the Mittelbayerische Zeitung. These can be found in German below.
