CDU demands: Lower Saxony must finally clarify wolf management!

CDU demands: Lower Saxony must finally clarify wolf management!

The debate about wolves is simmering in Lower Saxony: The CDU is calling on all federal states, especially Lower Saxony, to finally report the favorable conservation status of the wolf to the EU Commission. This is the only way to resolve the ongoing dispute over the animal's protection status. Wolf management in Germany is undergoing a paradigm shift, which is supported by the latest scientific findings and regular FFH reports. “The wolf population is already sufficiently large, well-connected and capable of surviving in the long term,” is the clear position of Silvia Breher, MP, and Dr. Marco Mohrmann, MdL. The following applies to them: Political assessments must be based on a legally sound basis, as required by the Habitats Directive. This defines clear minimum requirements that must be met and does not provide for any over-extension of requirements that contradicts EU law.

In this context, the ruling of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on the Habitats Directive underlines that the shooting of wolves should be viewed as an absolute exception. Before such measures can be taken, all protective measures, such as fences or protection dogs, must be exhausted. The ECJ has also made it clear that economic damage and high costs for herd protection do not constitute legitimate reasons for shooting, a point that sharply criticizes Lower Saxony's Environment Minister Christian Meyer's current wolf policy. The need for financial support for livestock owners is essential to optimize herd protection.

Political responsibility and downgrading of protection status

But that wasn't all: A possible downgrading of the wolf in the Bern Convention is also being discussed across the political ranks. At the table in Brussels are changes that could affect not only the wolf, but also other protected species. The dispute over the requirements of the Habitats Directive is fueled by the review of the legal criteria for exceptional permits. The ECJ requires a strict examination before an extraction is carried out.

The discussion about wolves has been going on for years, and it remains unclear whether those in favor of shooting them will accept the ECJ ruling. Meanwhile, NABU makes it clear that herd protection measures represent the central challenge in wolf management. The wolf's diet is over 95 percent wild, and wolves do not learn to stay away from pastures through hunting. Rather, complex solutions are required to overcome a conflict of objectives between large predators and grazing animals.

Demands for sustainable solutions

Guy Meyer, Lower Saxony's Environment Minister, is called upon to act and ensure the necessary herd protection. In addition, Prime Minister Stephan Lies must take responsibility and create clear guidelines for legally compliant wolf management. The CDU in Lower Saxony is calling for sustainable population regulation and emphasizes that a nationwide return of wolves is not a legal obligation, but a political decision.

One thought remains: The major challenges in wolf management require not only a political expression of will, but also a clear strategy that harmonizes the needs of owners and nature. The voices for legally secure, responsible regulation and a focus on herd protection are becoming louder. Lower Saxony is at a turning point, and this feels like more than just a political debate - it's about the good reputation of the wolf in our nature.

The upcoming decisions could have far-reaching consequences and a deep influence on the future coexistence of humans and animals in Lower Saxony as well as on the entire EU species protection policy.

For more information: cdu-niedersachsen.de | tierschutzniedersachsen.de | nabu.de.