Vogelsberg

The Vogelsberg region in Central Hesse, Germany as large volcano region is characterized by volcanic rocks that were erupted during the Tertiary period. The rural county is dominated by forests and grassland area and has the lowest population density of Hesse with 74 people per km² (108538 in total) (Hessisches Statistisches Landesamt 2013). Furthermore the Vogelsberg area is affected by demographic changes and high emigration rates (– 1028 inhabitants on the 31. December 2011 compared to 31. December 2010) to prospering regions such as Frankfurt leading to vacant houses and abundant agricultural land due to closing farms. One important source of income is tourism. The number of 489672 overnight stays in the year 2011 clearly demonstrates the socio-economic value of tourism (Hessisches Statistisches Landesamt 2013). Beside tourism the mountainous extensive used county is one of the largest natural drinking water pools of Germany and hence the main provider for the vital ecosystem service of drinking water provision for the Rhein-Main-area and Frankfurt.