Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) approved the EU renaturation law on Monday. Although they mainly criticize the ÖVP and FPÖ for this, environmental NGOs support them. Greenpeace said it has “taken full environmental responsibility.”
“This is great news for our nature, countless endangered species and our future,” Greenpeace spokeswoman Ursula Bittner said in a broadcast. The ÖVP, on the other hand, would ‘prevent nature conservation at all costs and against the will of the people in Austria’. According to a survey by the market institute (1000 online interviews), 82 percent of the population is in favor of the controversial EU renaturation law.
WWF: “Gewessler saved the law”
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) uses the same approach. “With her yes, Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler, together with many other states, made a qualified majority possible and thus saved the law. This deserves the highest recognition and respect,” said program manager Hanna Simons.
The environmental protection organization Global 2000 also welcomed Gewessler’s approval on Monday. More than 80 percent of European habitats are currently in poor condition. “Restoring nature is not just about animals and plants. Fundamental processes such as healthy soil, climate, water and nutrient cycles depend on biological diversity (…),” says environmental engineer Helmut Burtscher-Schaden.
Alpine Club speaks of “top victory”
The Austrian Alpine Association (ÖAV), which was once close to the ÖVP, responded with a joke: “The renaturation law is also a top victory for the nature reserves in the Alps,” President Wolfgang Schnabl said in a broadcast. The decision at EU level was ‘responsible’.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
