Stormy debate about nature reserve South Seas: Citizens feel ignored!

Stormy debate about nature reserve South Seas: Citizens feel ignored!

Südsee, Obersulmetingen, Deutschland - On September 20, the first meeting of the Obersulmetinger local council took place, which caused a lot of excitement. The main topic was the upcoming designation of the "South Sea Kingenbühl" nature reserve in the Obersulmetingen district. Neither the local council nor representatives from agriculture, the local fishing association or nature and bird protection associations were previously informed, which led to displeasure. Many citizens felt ignored because the nature conservation project apparently should be promoted without their participation, although many of them have been working for the preservation of South Sea for years.

However, the situation became clearer during the meeting of the environmental committee the following Monday. Klaus Knoblich and Jürgen Jebram from the Tübingen regional council were invited to explain the current status of the procedure. It was made clear that you are still at the beginning of the process. This was relieved by those present, as concerns were expressed that they would be faced with accomplished facts.

habitat for numerous bird species

The regional council plans to designate the South Sea and its bank area as a nature reserve. "This artificially created lake has developed into a valuable habitat for many bird species since the end of gravel promotion," said Jebram. Around 96 bird species, including ducks and waders, find a breeding or rest area on the South Pacific. For example, gray geese were spotted in large numbers that benefit from the extensive food supply.

The 51 hectare area is characterized by a large water surface and two smaller waters on the northeastern bank. In the past two years, elaborate redesign has been made to create new gravel areas, which were mainly created by the grazing and mechanical use. This work cost the municipality around 174,000 euros.

ecological meaning of the artificial water

Despite its artificial creation, the South Pacific has a significant ecological meaning. Migratory birds use this place as a resting place on its way between the Danube Valley and Lake Constance. The country is interested in protecting such areas and providing funds, as Jebram stated.

The discussion about completed facts was also addressed by Knoblich: "We are at the very beginning of the expulsion of the nature reserve," he emphasized. In the future, various municipalities and public sponsors involved will be included in the discussion process to ensure that every voice is heard.

rules and restrictions in the nature reserve

The designation of the nature reserve brings numerous restrictions. So swimming, diving and driving with boats in the protected area are prohibited. Although many of these rules have been applied before, stricter regulations are introduced for fishing. Of the currently 20 fishing places, two are to be painted, and Fischer are no longer allowed to drive the southern part of the lake. "Fishing can be maintained almost unchanged," said Jebram.

New regulations also apply to agriculture, since the use of pesticides in the protected area is prohibited. Nevertheless, existing facilities such as the observation tower continue to keep their permits. Consists of residents and farmers regarding the future use of the area were taken seriously, and it was assured that adjustments to the protection regulation are possible.

The discussion also showed that many citizens did not know exactly that it was a draft. Martin Heinz, a city council in Obersulmetingen, expressed his concerns about the compatibility of the nature reserve with existing leisure activities without the conversation being finally decided. Jebram emphasized that bans only apply to the explicitly protected area.

Some politicians, including Fabian Deubler from the Free List, support nature conservation and spoke out for the fact that agricultural areas are not unnecessarily affected by the new regulation. Different points of view were heard at the meeting, the consensus that the protection of the South Sea was important to preserve regions like this for future generations.

The representatives of the regional council emphasized the importance of long -term voluntary commitment in the region and the positive use, which is guaranteed by Fischer and Hunter. You don't see a big problem with reasonable use that at the same time does not endanger the long -term protection of the area.

"A protected space for our nature is urgently necessary and we should strive to complete this draft," emphasized the SPD politician Martina Miller. The process for the final designation is now being launched, whereby the municipal and public sponsors are to be included in the dialogue first. When exactly the South Sea is officially declared a nature reserve remains uncertain, but the first steps are already taken - out of a total of five that are required for a final approval.

For more information, see the current reporting on www.schwaebische.de .