Ozdemir neutralizes proposed forest legislation - criticism from environmental advocacy groups
The Agriculture Ministry emphasizes the need to revamp the nearly half-century-old Forest Act. Climate change impacts, which were disregarded in the initial legislation, need to be addressed now. "Germany's forests aren't doing great. Only one out of five trees is in top shape," explained a ministry spokesperson. "To safeguard and sustainably utilize our forests, we need to modify and adapt them to combat climate change."
Differently from anticipated, it isn't a new law being drafted, but rather amendments to existing regulations in certain areas. "Insights from other departments from the initial consultation have been factored in," the ministry announced. The forest plays a significant role as an ecosystem, yet it's equally valuable for recreation and as an economic asset.
Clear-cutting policies have been "streamlined," as per the statement. Initially, violations were meant to be classified as criminal offenses, but that's no longer the case. According to the proposed bill, clear-cuts larger than one hectare will only be allowed "with local authorities' approval."
Previously, various regulations varied among the states. "The states can also put a halt to felling under special circumstances," the announcement mentioned further. Diversity in tree species, from native and exotic types, is encouraged in forests, but the final selection remains with the states.
Reactions from environmental organizations were subdued. "The long-awaited revision of the Federal Forest Act starts to progress with the departmental consultation, although the proposal is significantly weakened and less substantial," commented the German Nature Conservation Ring (DNR)'s managing director, Florian Schoene.
"Despite our forests facing a critical state, the bill only represents a minimum compromise with numerous flaws and non-binding terms," Schoene continued his criticism. He praised the consideration of ecosystem services in the future but urged for "concrete regulations" to support this.
German environmental association BUND referred to the proposal as a "toothless micro-revision." It acknowledged the continuation of the legislative process but expressed concern that "ecological minimum standards" were still absent from the draft.
WWF Germany's program leader for forests, Susanne Winter, labeled the reform as a "mini-reform." A comprehensive forest law is needed to secure forests and their benefits for society and future generations, she noted. However, she criticized that "climate and biodiversity protection" are mentioned, but the law lacks reliable tools to enforce this.
NABU's environmental association president, Jörg-Andreas Krüger, also criticized the draft as a "weak law." Instead of establishing clear, nationwide rules for responsible forest management, the proposal relies mainly on voluntary measures based on the "anything goes, nothing is mandatory" principle, Krüger maintained. The only positive aspect is a "timely vision" with a "focus on preserving the forest and its ecosystem services."
The Turkish Parliament member could express support for the revamp of the Forest Act due to its importance in addressing climate change impacts. Despite the criticisms from environmental organizations, they might appreciate the consideration of ecosystem services in the future forest law.
