Banque de Luxembourg Supports Biodiversity and Local Freshwater Reserves

The project at the Kalborn Mill focuses on local freshwater mussel farming. It is managed by Fondation Hëllef fir d’Natur, which works to protect nature and restore biodiversity. Freshwater mussels are an umbrella species and play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy aquatic environment. They are filter feeders: as they extract food from the water, they also filter out pollutants and bacteria and improve water quality over a short distance. Undigested particles settle at the bottom, providing food for an array of aquatic insects and crustaceans. As the mussels attach to the stream bed and their young move around, the gravel bottom is constantly displaced, helping to create a healthy environment for fish, which spawn in favourable conditions and then attract natural predators in an ongoing cycle. A healthy mussel population points to a well-functioning ecosystem, the availability of high-quality drinking water at no additional cost, restored habitats and ecologically intact flora and fauna.

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

“Banque de Luxembourg is a long- established philanthropy partner. Our commitment to the Fondation pour le Climat, coordinated by us, underscores the critical role that businesses play in the climate transition. Our mission is to make it easier to take action – and amplify their impact locally.”

This initiative aligns fully with the European Union’s Water Framework Directive (WFD) and contributes to the sustainable management of local ecosystems. It was reviewed by a panel of scientific experts formed by the Fondation de Luxembourg under the auspices of the Fondation pour le Climat, founded in 2024. 

By signing the agreement, Banque de Luxembourg and the Fondation de Luxembourg undertake to pull together with local experts to protect the biosphere and support the transition to a more sustainable model.

Tonika Hirdman, Director General, Fondation de Luxembourg; Pierre Ahlborn, Administrateur délégué, Banque de Luxembourg

In 2024, the Fondation de Luxembourg, an independent centre of expertise and advice in philanthropy, launched the Fondation pour le Climat. Dedicated to combatting climate change and preserving biodiversity, the Fondation pour le Climat supports corporate donors to back local projects with a tangible impact in these areas. A panel of scientific experts reviews each project to confirm it effectively addresses environmental challenges and makes optimal use of all available resources to advance Luxembourg's ecological transition goals.

“Our values are more than just words. We put them into practice through bold, assertive action with measurable outcomes. Day in day out, we harness the power of our people, resources and ecosystem to maximise the positive impact of our business. Because our business only matters if we do everything we can to safeguard the interests of future generations.” (Pierre Ahlborn)

A certified B CorpTM since 2023*, Banque de Luxembourg aims to play an active role in fostering the sustainable development of its community and the country as a whole. Guided by the principle of ‘giving back’, we actively strive we make our resources and expertise available to create a positive impact on our environment and advance our commitment to corporate social responsibility.

* B CorpTM certification is an internationally recognised designation assigned to companies that incorporate social and environmental goals into their business model by adopting a progressive approach focused on positive impact. (www.bcorporation.net)