Banque de Luxembourg Commits to Supporting Biodiversity and Local Freshwater Reserves

The project at the Moulin de Kalborn, managed by the Fondation Hëllef fir d’Natur, focuses on the breeding of freshwater mussels. These mussels play the role of an umbrella species: they feed by filtering water, thereby helping to purify the stream over short distances. Undigested particles settle to the bottom, providing food for various aquatic insects and crustaceans. The anchoring of adult mussels and the movement of juveniles continually reshape the gravel bed, creating a favorable environment for spawning fish, which in turn attract natural predators and contribute to a balanced food chain.

A healthy mussel population is therefore a strong indicator of a thriving ecosystem, high-quality drinkable water without additional treatment, and the restoration of habitats, flora, and fauna.

Tonika Hirdman, Managing Director of the Fondation de Luxembourg, explains:

“Banque de Luxembourg has long been a committed partner in the field of philanthropy. Its involvement with the Fondation for Climate, under our aegis, reaffirms that businesses are key actors in the climate transition. Our mission is to provide them with a simple way to take action and amplify their impact on a local level.”

This initiative is fully aligned with the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) and contributes to the sustainable management of local ecosystems. It has been reviewed by scientific experts assembled by the Fondation de Luxembourg within the framework of its newly launched Fondation for Climate (2024).

By signing this agreement, the Banque de Luxembourg and the Fondation de Luxembourg commit, alongside local experts, to protecting biodiversity and supporting a sustainable transition.

From left to right: Tonika Hirdman, Managing Director, Fondation de Luxembourg; Pierre Ahlborn, Managing Director, Banque de Luxembourg

The Fondation de Luxembourg, an independent center for philanthropy expertise and advisory, launched earlier this year the Fondation for Climate under its aegis. Dedicated to fighting climate change and preserving biodiversity, the Fondation for Climate supports corporate donors wishing to fund local projects with tangible impact in these fields. Each project is reviewed by a scientific expert committee to ensure it aligns with key environmental challenges and meaningfully contributes, within its scope, to Luxembourg's ecological transition goals.

“We aim to embody our values through bold, intentional actions with measurable impact. Every day, we mobilize our teams, resources, and ecosystem to multiply the positive outcomes of our work. The purpose of our institution only makes sense if we do everything in our power to preserve the opportunities of future generations,”
declares Pierre Ahlborn.

Certified B Corp since 2023, the Banque de Luxembourg seeks to play an active role in supporting the sustainable development of its community and country, following the principle of “giving back.” It leverages its resources and expertise to positively impact its environment and continue progressing in its commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability.

* B Corp is an internationally recognized label awarded to companies that integrate social, societal, and environmental goals into their business models through a continuous improvement process focused on generating positive impact (www.bcorporation.net).