Greening the Iron Curtain: writing stories about Europe’s unique zone of life

How do you condense a unique European project into a book – especially one which embraces 24 countries, extends a mighty 12,500 kilometres and incorporates a dazzling range of landscapes, ecosystems, communities and activities?

 

Inspired by a family trip to the Czech-Austrian border, an English journalist is currently researching and writing a book about the European Green Belt. Susie Lunt lived and worked in Central Europe for many years, has family and friends there and has written books, magazine stories and newspaper articles about its rich and varied geography, culture and history. 

However, until recently she had never encountered the European Green Belt and the Initiative - a large network of people and organisations - which works to protect it. It was when she visited Podyji National Park in rural South Moravia that she was struck by the beauty and the history of the area. Susie said: “We were lucky enough to be guided through part of the National Park by a wonderful member of the team there. “One warm and drizzly August day, she shared its history, landscape and wildlife with us – from its tree snakes, thick woodland and wildflower meadows to its chequered past and the impact of politics and division on this fragile but vitally important area.”

Soon after this, Susie contacted the European Green Belt Initiative, asking for their support for a book of stories from up and down Europe’s longest green network. Susie’s idea has now come to life and her book carries the working title “Greening the Iron Curtain: stories from Europe’s unique zone of life”.

“I want this to be personal, accessible and engaging,” she said. “This is an opportunity to highlight the European Green Belt’s landscapes, wildlife, history and initiatives, both large and small. To do this, I aim to share the experiences, memories and goals of people who live and work here. Above all, this is a story of hope after division and restoration after neglect – as well as of people’s ambitions for the future.” Susie said: “I am very grateful to work in partnership with the European Green Belt team, as well as for the wonderful conversations I have already had with people who are deeply committed to this extraordinary pan-European initiative.”

 

Since June 2026, Susie has been visiting areas of the European Green Belt and interviewing people who would like to share their experiences, insights and stories – as well as details of their projects, large and small. If you would like to talk with Susie, or would like her to find out more about your project, please contact her at: susie_lunt(at)yahoo.com (Please include your name, institution and contact details, as well as any background information you think will be helpful.)

 

For more information, please contact jessica.bitsch@euronatur.org