Environmentalists defend themselves against planned gas bores in front of Borkum

Berlin (ots)

The importance of the environmental movement in Lower Saxony

The decision of the state government of Lower Saxony to release the destruction of protected reefs from Borkum for fossil gas bores has not only legal, but also social and environmental policy effects on the region. The interference with nature could endanger one of the last places of retreat for species -rich sea creatures.

Who are the actors and what is at stake?

The Dutch Group of One-Dya is at the center of the disputes, whose gas bores are considered necessary for the region's energy supply. However, the German Environmental Aid (DUH), the BUND Lower Saxony and the Citizens' Initiative Clean Air Ostfriesland consider this as a serious interference in the fragile ecology of the North Sea.

Constantin Zerger from the DUH expresses a decision: "The threat of one-dyas with damages that has now come to light is clear proof that profit goes before environmental protection." The organizations announce not only to take legal steps against permission, but also to give them weight to ecological awareness in the population.

legal steps and public mobilization

The Lower Saxony State Operation for Water Management, Coastal and Nature Conservation (NLWKN) has undergone a controversial approval process in order to allow the construction of the required infrastructure. The resistance of the environmental activists is unbroken and they want to put pressure on the government by mobilizing the public. Above all, awareness of the dangers of fossil fuels should be sharpened.

The reactions of the local community

Bernd Meyerer from the Citizens' Initiative Clean Air East Frisia makes it clear: “This is not just about nature, but also about the quality of life of the people on the islands. Our community is in danger, and we will do everything in our power to hear the voices of citizens.”

In contrast, Susanne Gerstner from the federal government emphasizes that the motivation behind these holes is not based on an actual need, but on the profit maximization of the gas company. The debated gas production is considered superfluous considering the existing renewable energy sources.

protection of the North Sea and its biodiversity

Why is this dispute so important? Protecting the protected reefs is not just an environmentally political question, but a necessity for the survival of many endangered species such as the gray seal and the pork whale. In the context of climate change and species death, the decision to rely on fossil resources is considered dangerous for the entire ecosystem

conclusion and outlook

The current developments related to the approval of gas bores in front of Borkum are exemplary for the struggle between short-term economic interests and long-term environmental and climate protection. The organizations are now relying on an increased legal approach and the mobilization of the community to compete against this decision.