Controversial EU Wolf Protection Downgrade Stirs Up Lower Saxony
Diverging Responses to Relaxed Wolf Protection Measures in Lower Saxony - Decreased wolf safeguards sparks controversy in Lower Saxony
Lower Saxony is in a whirl with the European Parliament's move to degrade the wolf's protection status, stirring up heated debates. If implemented, shooting wolves might become less of an uphill battle. The NABU in Lower Saxony views the change as a setback for wildlife preservation, but Environment Minister Christian Meyer feels differently. "Time has come for some reality in Lower Saxony. The wolf population keeps expanding, and this decision is a step in the right direction," Meyer said.
A majority of MEPs, voting in a speedy procedure in Strasbourg, supported the status change from "strictly protected" to merely "protected." Although the measure needs a green light from the EU member states, they're pretty likely to adopt it. The coalition agreement of the new federal government dictates immediate implementation of the decision in German law.
Meyer expressed relief over the upcoming change in the so-called FFH Directive. However, the Green politician emphasized that wolves are still protected animals, and indiscriminate shootings aren't acceptable. "Declaring a favorable conservation status for wolves and including them in the FFH Directive will provide more chances for removing problematic wolves in regions with significant livestock damages. But we must ensure that future removals are lawful, EU-compliant, and more convenient," Meyer pointed out.
Environmentalists Slam the Decision
Environmentalists, though, contest the lack of a factual basis for the decision, terming it as a fully political move that goes against scientific advice from experts. "Non-random wolf killings won't decrease livestock kills. Only comprehensive, regionally specific herd protection can provide genuine protection," said Frederik Eggers, NABU lead for wildlife and environmental protection. The NABU urged the state government to continue focusing on herd protection despite the EU-level decision.
The SPD and CDU factions in the state parliament backed the decision. The SPD's agricultural policy spokeswoman, Karin Logemann, praised the resolution, stating that it would make shooting wolves easier when it's crucial for safeguarding the livestock and the population. The CDU's agricultural policy spokesman, Marco Mohrmann, concurred: "This decision is good news for livestock farmers, their animals, and rural areas overall!"
Wolf Population and Management in Lower Saxony
The wolf debate has been long-lasting in Lower Saxony, with both sides expressing strong views. Wolves are particularly troublesome for the livestock farming community due to frequent livestock attacks.
According to the Lower Saxony Hunters Association, 56 wolf packs, 4 wolf pairs, and 3 lone wolves call Lower Saxony home permanently. In 2021, 38 packs remained. Wolves continue to pose a threat to sheep farms.
Meyer recently noted that maintaining at least 44 packs in Lower Saxony was appropriate. "We don't want the wolf population to dwindle below 44 packs. However, intervention should only take place where wolves, despite protective measures, are inflicting severe damage on livestock," Meyer told the "New Osnabrück Newspaper."
- Lower Saxony
- EU
- Wolves
- Christian Meyer
- Protection Status
- EU Parliament
- Strasbourg
- German Nature Conservation Association
- Hanover
- Coalition Agreement
- SPD
- Federal Government
- CDU
- Lower Saxony finds itself at the heart of a contentious issue with the European Parliament's decision to downgrade the wolf's protection status, causingfracious debates in the region.
- The change in the wolf's status from "strictly protected" to "protected" was supported by a majority of MEPs in a swift procedure in Strasbourg, which, if adopted by EU member states, could make shooting wolves less of a challenge.
- Environment Minister Christian Meyer, on the other hand, welcomes this possible change, stating that the decision is a step towards reality in Lower Saxony where the wolf population is continually expanding.
- The German Nature Conservation Association (NABU) in Lower Saxony, however, sees the decision as a setback for wildlife preservation and urges the state government to persist in herd protection.
- The SPD and CDU faction in the state parliament back the decision, asserting that it would make shooting wolves easier when necessary for livestock protection and the welfare of rural areas.
