Polarized Responses to EU's Lowered Wolf Protection in Lower Saxony
Reduced protections for wolves elicit responses in Lower Saxony - Wolves given lesser protection: responses in Lower Saxony's population
The European Parliament's decision to lessen wolf protection regulations has stirred up some heated discussions in Lower Saxony. With farmers often facing clashes with the carnivorous beasts, the EU Parliament's intention is to make it less complex to control wolf populations.
The German Nature Conservation Association (Nabu) in Lower Saxony views this decision as a regressive step for species protection. Conversely, Environment Minister Christian Meyer, a Green politician, applauded the resolution, stating, "At long last, we in Lower Saxony have demanded a reality-based adjustment to the protection status due to the escalating wolf populations."
The EU Parliament voted in favor of downgrading the wolf's status from "strictly protected" to "protected" in a swift proceeding across the border in Strasbourg. The new protection tier still requires adoption from EU member states, though the approval is anticipated. The coalition agreement of the federal government suggests straightaway implementing the decision in German law.
The adjustment, according to Minister Meyer, has been overdue. While defending the wolf as a shielded creature, he emphasizes that legally secure, EU-compliant removals of problem wolves in troubled regions with numerous livestock damages will be more feasible moving forward.
Environmentalists' Aversion
Critics, like Nabu leader Frederik Eggers, argue that there's no scientific foundation for the decision. Eggers asserts that "non-selective shootings won't lessen the number of livestock losses." Instead, he stresses the need for comprehensive, location-appropriate herd protection to provide effective safeguards against wolf attacks. Nabu encourages the state government to prioritize herd protection in light of the EU-level decision.
Support for the decision has also come from the SPD and CDU factions in the state parliament. Agricultural policy spokeswoman for the SPD, Karin Logemann, stated, "This resolution is positive news, as it will ease the process of removing wolves necessary to protect grazing animals and the population as a whole." Marco Mohrmann, CDU's agricultural policy spokesman, added, "This is a great day for livestock farmers and rural communities in Lower Saxony!"
Tally of Wolves in Lower Saxony
The question of wolves in Lower Saxony has been a subject of debate for several years, with passionate advocates on both sides. Wolves are often unsafe for grazing livestock, making them the primary cause of conflict. Recent hunter reports list 56 wolf packs, 4 wolf pairs, and 3 solitary wolves in Lower Saxony, with 38 packs registered in 2021. Wolves tend to target sheep.
Minister Meyer has previously expressed that maintaining at least 44 packs in Lower Saxony is desirable. He clarified that intervention should only be initiated when wolves, despite protective measures, cause heightened damage to livestock.
- The decision by the European Parliament to lower wolf protection regulations in Lower Saxony has sparked intense debate among conservationists and policy-makers, with the German Nature Conservation Association (Nabu) viewing it as a detrimental step for species protection.
- Conversely, Environment Minister Christian Meyer, a Green politician, has supported the decision, arguing that it is overdue and will allow for legally secure, EU-compliant removals of problem wolves in regions with numerous livestock damages.
- Critics, including Nabu leader Frederik Eggers, argue against the decision, contending that it lacks a scientific basis and promoting comprehensive, location-appropriate herd protection as a more effective solution.
- Despite dissenting voices, political support for the decision has come from the SPD and CDU factions in the state parliament, with agricultural policy spokeswoman Karin Logemann praising the resolution and Marco Mohrmann expressing excitement for livestock farmers and rural communities in Lower Saxony.
- The tally of wolves in Lower Saxony reveals a significant presence, with 56 wolf packs, 4 wolf pairs, and 3 solitary wolves currently residing there, a increase from 38 packs in 2021, causing concerns for livestock farmers and leading to the calls for intervention.
