Baltic Sea National Park: "Open-ended discussion" - but positions are already being filled

When it comes to the much-discussed Baltic Sea National Park, the Schleswig-Holstein Ministry of the Environment likes to talk about an "open-ended process" in which the arguments of all interest groups are to be heard and weighed up at the end. Against this backdrop, it is at least perplexing that the ministry is apparently already talking about Job advertisements the eager search for new personnel in connection with the national park. The state government must therefore accept the accusation of wanting to create facts behind the scenes and using the consultation process as a fig leaf to keep the massive opposition at bay.

At least that is the view of the Association of German Watersport Schools (VDWS), for which Thomas Weinhardt sits at the table during the workshops: In a letter to Environment Minister Goldschmidt, which is available to our sister magazine surf, the VDWS writes: "We are irritated because up to now you and your ministry have taken the position that this is an open-ended consultation process. In fact, the discussion no longer seems to be about the 'IF' but only about the 'HOW'. If this is the case, the workshops and consultations are token events and obsolete. You have always described a roadmap with the consultations currently taking place, a decision in the state government in December 2023 and a vote in the state parliament in spring 2024. A job advertisement, albeit part-time with an application deadline of 27 August 2023, is incomprehensible."

In this respect, the mistrust of water sports schools and water sports enthusiasts regarding the plans for the Baltic Sea National Park does not seem unfounded, especially as the latest amendments, such as the new navigation ordinance for the Wadden Sea with the ban on wingsurfing ( HERE you can find the report), clearly show that you have to reckon with unannounced negative surprises in an existing national park.

So is the national park already a done deal and another fight against the plans pointless? Not at all, because: A political majority in parliament is needed to push the project through. Although the establishment of a national park is anchored in the coalition agreement of the black-green state government, it is currently doubtful whether a majority will be found against the backdrop of the massive protests - the plans have also been repeatedly criticised by the ruling CDU and the opposition parties.

Another rally and other protest actions against the Baltic Sea National Park in Geltinger Bucht are planned for next Saturday. Here you can find more information

Background information on the Baltic Sea National Park:

• The plans for a Baltic Sea National Park
• Baltic Sea National Park: Clear words at the water sports workshop
• Baltic Sea National Park legally inadmissible according to expert opinion
• Baltic Sea National Park: "No reason to ban sailing in general!" - YACHT interview with Tobias Goldschmidt
• Baltic Sea National Park: Loud protest at the rally in Fehmarnsund