Shift - Green party advocates for Baltic Sea focus - Conference in Gueterow underscores priorities - Green Party Shifts Focus to Baltic Sea: Güstrow Party Congress Highlights Baltic Sea Priorities
Green Party Advocates Comprehensive Measures for Baltic Sea Protection at Güstrow Conference
The Green Party in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (MV) has underscored the need for urgent action to safeguard the Baltic Sea, setting the theme at their state delegates' conference in Güstrow. The central motion, titled "Baltic Sea in Transition: Saving Habitats, Securing Peace," will be discussed and voted upon by approximately 100 delegates.
MV Greens' leader Ole Krüger explained that the Baltic Sea serves as a barometer for current threats and challenges, with issues such as excessive nutrient influxes, rising sea levels, and heightened storm surge risks due to climate change. Offshore wind farms are essential for mitigating climate change but may impact wildlife, another concern being addressed.
The more significant challenge of securing peace in the Baltic Sea region is being complicated by an aging shadow fleet and sabotage attacks on subsea cables. In light of these concerns, the Green Party calls for effective water protection measures to counteract human-induced climate change and proactively manage its consequences.
Krügerstates that some areas have received recognition from the red-red state government for the urgency of the situation. Coastal protection investments, for instance, are an indication of the government's commitment. However, Krüger believes expanded natural flooding areas and more aggressive action to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus inputs from agriculture are necessary.
Denying accusations that the party promotes excessive environmental regulations, Krüger emphasized the importance of coastal fishing and sustainable agriculture. MV, being a coastal state, holds a unique responsibility to address both climate change and adaptation measures.
The Green Party returned to the MV parliament in 2021, having received 6.3% of the votes, and still aims to reclaim a seat in the 2021 state election, requiring at least 5% of the vote.
Transboundary cooperation is a growing focus in the Baltic Sea region, with initiatives like the UN Ocean Conference 2025 emphasizing the significance of regional cooperation for marine protection. Though not specific to MV, such collaboration reflects a broader effort to tackle environmental challenges across the region.
Previous initiatives in neighboring Schleswig-Holstein have included the proposal for a "Baltic Sea National Park," which faced opposition and was replaced by the Baltic Sea Protection Action Plan (APOS). The APOS aims to protect 12.5% of Schleswig-Holstein's Baltic Sea area and aligns with EU obligations to designate protected areas. While not directly related to MV, this plan highlights the ongoing drive for marine protection in the region.
- The Green Party in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (MV) advocates for expanded natural flooding areas and more aggressive action to reduce nutrient and phosphorus inputs from agriculture, aiming to counteract human-induced climate change, specifically in the context of vocational training for sustainable agriculture.
- In the discussion of the Baltic Sea in Transition: Saving Habitats, Securing Peace, the Green Party in MV emphasizes the importance of coastal fishing and sustainable agriculture, while also acknowledging the need for effective water protection measures that align with EU obligations to designate protected areas, such as the Baltic Sea Protection Action Plan (APOS).
- Recognizing the Baltic Sea as a barometer for current threats and challenges, the Green Party in MV recognizes the significance of climate science and environmental science, as well as the role of political action in addressing climate-change and promoting general-news coverage on environmental issues in the Baltic Sea region.
