Resistance to river relocation: Emmer project in danger!

Resistance to river relocation: Emmer project in danger!

In the idyllic region between Amelgatzen and Hämelschenburg, there is resistance to the planned relocation of the Emmer river. The ambitious project, which could have long-term impacts both ecologically and economically, is met with concerns from the public. As dewezet.de reports, the course of the river is to be expanded from the previous 900 to 1500 meters to guide the Emmer safely through the valley.

While the responsible authorities are supporting renaturation and planning the implementation of the far-reaching project for 2026 and 2027, critics are raising concerns. They argue that the environmental benefits of the project have not been sufficiently proven and are calling for an immediate halt to the plans. These opponents emphasize that the nature conservation status assessment is incorrect and that the river relocation may be illegal with regard to the regulation on the Emmerthal nature reserve. A garden architect commissioned by the critics also noted high maintenance costs and uncertainties regarding the desired habitat types.

Ecological importance of emmer

The Emmer has established itself as a valuable ecosystem, the course of which provides habitat for numerous endangered species. According to nlwkn Niedersachsen, the Emmer begins in the Eggegebirge in North Rhine-Westphalia and flows to the Weser near Emmerthal. It is surrounded by natural grove and woodruff beech forests and is home to various protected plants and animals, including the great crested newt and the common fountain moss.

The diversity of habitats extends across moist tall herbaceous meadows, poor lowland hay meadows and floodplain forests, whose alder, ash and willow fulfill specific ecological functions. The planned river relocation could permanently disrupt sensitive ecosystems and endanger natural habitats, which is alarming critics.

Political debates and next steps

There does not seem to be agreement among political decision-makers. Heinz Brockmann from the CDU has already submitted an application to discuss the issue at the Amelgatzen local council meeting and to bring in an independent expert. Such an approach could lead to a more detailed examination of the plans and possibly reveal existing planning errors that have been made in previous measures on Emmer Island.

The discussion about the Emmer and its planned river relocation shows how sensitive the nature around us is and what challenges it means to balance economic needs and ecological responsibility. While the state government sees compliance with the EU Water Framework Directive by 2027 as a priority, it remains to be seen how the disputes over the million-dollar project will develop.