Rejection of National Park in Kleve Sparks New Conservation Strategies

The recent citizen referendum in the Kleve district saw a 52.7% majority vote against designating the Reichswald as a national park. This decision marks the end of the black-green state government's project in North Rhine-Westphalia, as other regions have also rejected similar proposals. The Environment Ministry respects the regional will and will not pursue the national park idea against it.

Over 265,000 voters were involved in the decision, reflecting a significant public sentiment. The rejection aligns with other regions like Siegen-Wittgenstein, Ebbegebirge, Arnsberger Wald, Hürtgenwald, and Eggegebirge, which also dismissed the national park idea. Opposition from political parties like CDU and FDP, alongside land and forest owners, contributed to the decision.

In response, Environment Minister Oliver Krischer aims to explore alternative conservation strategies. These include the renaturation of moors and the expansion of protected areas, as seen in the National Park Eifel. Although the national park plan failed, efforts to protect biodiversity and the climate through other means will continue. This shift highlights a commitment to conservation despite the setback.