Nature conservation activities

In addition to our compensation obligations, we conduct voluntary projects for the conservation of biodiversity in Germany:

• With the Bergwaldprojekt e.V. association and through numerous donations, including from passengers in the BahnBonus program and DB on-board catering, from 2009 to the end of 2024, we have in total planted about 548,000 trees No. 26 and thus restored 220 ha near-natural forest area.
• The multi-year research project BALIN No. 61 is investigating the effects of various lighting installations and light sources at stations on insects. The purpose of this is to derive recommendations for action and adjust our regulations. As part of the study, six stations were converted to insect-friendly lighting and the effects of this on insect fauna were examined. The sample analyses and evaluation, which continued in 2024, are expected to be completed in mid-2025.
• To quickly and reliably record protected species during construction projects, we train our species detection dogs No. 162 in the species mapping competence center in collaboration with universities and colleges. Since 2021, ten dogs have already received certification. Five more dogs were in training at the end of 2024. Prior to the start of construction, the species detection dogs are used to inspect the construction site (so-called species mapping). In winter, for example, they can reliably determine the location of lizard roosts even at sub-zero temperatures. In 2024, the species detection dogs were used in 46 projects.
• For more than 20 years, Destination Nature No. 37 has been bringing people out into nature by train. The cooperation between BUND, NABU, VCD and DB Group is committed to ensuring that biosphere reserves, nature reserves and national parks throughout Germany, Austria and ­Switzerland can be visited sustainably and without a car.