Issued on: 01.07.2026
Press Release 70/2026
Recognizing commitment to nature conservation – nominations for the Paul Haffner Nature Conservation Medal can still be submitted until July 31
For the seventh time, the Ministry of the Environment will award the Paul-Haffner-Nature Conservation Medal this autumn to individuals who are committed to the preservation and care of Saarland's nature and landscape. The ministry is therefore accepting nominations for persons and groups who have been or are currently particularly engaged in this field until July 31st. The award is named after Dr. h.c. Paul Haffner (1905 to 2001), a renowned expert in floristics and vegetation science in Saarland.
“The many volunteers who selflessly advocate for nature conservation serve as role models in our society. Many tasks in this area could not be accomplished without this voluntary commitment. We want to appreciate and honor that,” says Environment Minister Petra Berg.
The Paul Haffner Nature Conservation Medal of the Saarland state government is awarded once a year. Nominations can be made by recognized nature conservation organizations, the state government, the districts, the Saarbrücken regional association, Saarland cities and municipalities, as well as any individual. These must have their residence in Saarland, Rhineland-Palatinate, a district bordering Saarland, a district-free city located in such a district or bordering Saarland, Luxembourg, or the Moselle department in France. The nominations should include a description of the person and their activities and fit on one A4 page. To encourage young people’s interest in nature conservation, nominations from young nature conservationists are also welcome. A jury will then review the proposals and select the individuals to be honored.
Proposals can be submitted to the Ministry of the Environment: Office of the Paul Haffner Nature Conservation Medal, Keplerstraße 18 in 66117 Saarbrücken, E-mail:
paulhaffnermedaille@umwelt.saarland.de
