Fostering an Ecosystem of Interactions: A Multidimensional Perspective of the European Green Belt in Germany

The European Green Belt is a strip of protected land spanning 12.500 kilometers through Europe, along the line of what used to be the Iron Curtain, which separated Western and Eastern European ideologies. Today, 24 countries border this line and actively participate in the protection of biodiversity which started in 1989. Once an idea from within Germany because of its inner-German border, today the European Green Belt is an extraordinary conservation project that does not only focus on singular nature protection but combines culture, history and the idea of international connection within institutions like museums, art projects, conservation areas and educational programs. Where this border once was a symbol for ideological divides, tragedy and death, it is now a representation of reclaiming space for life in general and biodiversity in particular to a greater extent than anywhere else. This thesis provides a qualitative view of connections between the ecological, the historical and the international side of the European Green Belt in Germany. The analysis features qualitative interviews with 18 participants: locals, tourists, nature conservationists, and those working with the European Green Belt. The thesis examines participants’ interactions not only with each other, but also in relation to heritage and the land, as well as their personal connections to the European Green Belt. This multidimensional perspective brings together three dimensions: the historical, the natural, and the international dimension. In exploring heritage and cultural landscapes, and more specifically consider these concepts from the perspective of different stakeholders, this thesis adds to the literature in expanding the investigation of cultural and natural heritage at the European Green Belt in Germany. The study explores three types of multidimensional interactions: personal interactions, interactions with others, and interactions with nature. By exploring the perspectives of stakeholders, this study highlights personal connections to the space of the European Green Belt. Interactions at the European Green Belt can be multidimensional if they ensure a variety of opportunities to participate are offered. While some institutions have managed to become multidimensional, others still only focus on one dimension. Creating a multidimensional space in every region and in every institution can reach more people and encourage them to participate in protecting this natural, cultural and international project.