The German Nature Conservation League (NABU) is strongly advocating for the implementation of a draft law put forward by Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD), arguing that it will significantly improve the protection of natural areas.
NABU President Jörg-Andreas Krüger told the “Rheinische Post” that the draft bill is a crucial development because it is the first time nature has been officially recognized as part of our collective infrastructure. According to Krüger, Germany requires not only roads, bridges, and rail lines, but also intact forests, swamps, river floodplains, and other vital landscapes. These areas provide essential functions, such as storing water, cooling the surroundings, and defending people and businesses against the effects of heat, drought, and flooding.
The proposed legislation aims to place conservation areas, core zones of biosphere reserves, and certain wetlands under the highest level of public interest, offering enhanced protection against construction projects. However, the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) views this development as potentially jeopardizing planned infrastructure projects.
Krüger countered this view by stating that nature conservation and economic development are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary. He emphasized that a robust economy depends on healthy nature and stable ecological foundations. Crucially, he noted that reliable water supply, resilient soils, and protection from extreme weather events are vital location factors, particularly for businesses in rural regions. He called for a shift away from politically pitting nature against infrastructure, asserting that Germany needs both: modern technical infrastructure and a powerful natural infrastructure, which together secure prosperity, competitiveness, and quality of life.
Despite the enthusiasm of NABU, Verena Graichen, managing director at the German Federation for Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND), felt that the draft is insufficient. She told the newspaper that there is a lack of “real progress” necessary to establish a balance between nature and infrastructure. While the BUND supports the principle of the draft-noting that nature is already uniquely protected under the Basic Law-they find the current design of the Natural Infrastructure Act (NatInfG) disappointing and believe it urgently needs revision.
According to reports, as late as Tuesday afternoon, it remained unclear whether the controversial draft law, proposed by the Environment Minister, could be approved by the cabinet.
