Center Parcs on Pütnitz: recovery or danger for nature?

Center Parcs on Pütnitz: recovery or danger for nature?

On November 3, 2025, a lively discussion about the planned Center Parcs project on Pütnitz took place as part of the NDR MV Talk in Ribnitz-Damgarten. With an impressive number of 3,200 beds in 620 holiday homes and apartments, the project sponsor, the city of Ribnitz-Damgarten, is planning extensive tourism development. The desired facilities include not only a swimming pool and a riding stable, but also adventure worlds, indoor playgrounds as well as restaurants and cafés. In the region there are both supporters and opponents of the project who passionately defend their arguments.

The managing director of Center Parcs Germany, Frank Daemen, highlighted the advantages of the project and emphasized that innovation, quality and environmental awareness should be the focus. He sees the project as an opportunity for gentle tourism that can offer guests an appealing experience. However, Andrea Kuhn, chairwoman of the German Hotel and Restaurant Regional Association, warned of the possible negative impact such a project could have on existing soft tourism. The discussion therefore revolves around a central question: Will the project bring an upswing to the region or are fears about a loss of habitat justified?

The perspective of the citizens' initiative

A central element of the protest movement is the citizens' initiative “No Mass Tourism on Pütnitz”, which was founded by Steffen Schmidt, a doctor of law. This initiative not only criticizes the interventions in protected biotopes, but also the lack of permits for the massive construction project. Schmidt and his supporters are calling for a transparent discussion about the project's impact on nature and the quality of life of local people. Despite their efforts, the petition, which was submitted along with 1,875 signatures, was most recently deemed unsubmitted.

The city council of Ribnitz-Damgarten had already declared the citizens' initiative inadmissible in April 2023, which led to considerable discontent among the population. The citizens' initiative does not want to give up and plans to take legal action against this decision in order to stop the planned tourist development in the region. The feedback shows that there is a clear division in the region between supporters and opponents of the project, which is fueling the debate.

The reactions from politics

Thomas Huth, the mayor of Ribnitz-Damgarten and a member of the Independents, supports the Center Parcs project because he sees it as an improvement for his city. He emphasizes that a feeder road from the motorway is necessary to ease traffic flow while at the same time securing the benefits of the project for the region. This statement illustrates the diverse perspectives that exist within the political landscape and society.

The discussion about the Center Parcs project on Pütnitz remains exciting. While some see the economic opportunities and want to promote tourism, others emphasize the need to protect the environment and the needs of the local population. This shows once again that in questions of regional development, such as those now being discussed in Pütnitz, it is often possible to find anything but a clear solution. The different points of view will also play a decisive role in future discussions and possibly legal disputes.

For further information on developments surrounding the Center Parcs project, visit NDR as well openPetition.