Epiphany swimming in the YBBS: activists fight against power plant!

Epiphany swimming in the YBBS: activists fight against power plant!

Amstetten, Österreich - On the Epiphany, January 6, 2025, around 400 spectators gathered in Amstetten, while 35 brave icebading ends of the “Pro Ybbs” citizens' initiative immersed themselves in the icy water temperatures of only about 3.5 degrees of the YBBS. This traditional event not only marks the beginning of the bathing season, but is also a solid protest against the controversial planned EVN power plant "High Bridge". In recent years, the citizens' initiative has emphasized the protection of the valuable natural spaces and the preservation of biodiversity. "It is important to preserve the last hotspots of diversity and biodiversity," said the initiators Jonathan Hochstöger and Gerald Mevec. The Ybbs River was recognized in 1998 as a "river sanctuary" and has been part of the EU protection area Natura 2000 since 2011, which ensures the preservation of rare habitats, such as Today.at reported.

protest with a clear goal

The citizens' initiative sharply criticizes the plans for the power plant, since residents and environmental organizations such as the Greens and the WWF have been fighting against the EVN construction projects for more than a decade. They demand a withdrawal of the permits and point out that a large number of around 32 domestic fish species at the lower reaches between Amstetten and Kemmelbach has already disappeared. Almost all of the remaining species are listed on the red lists and are therefore acutely threatened or endangered by extinction. According to the reasoning of the EVN, which a fish staircase promises to the better hike of the fish species, the environmentalists have not yet been able to agree, such as Kurier reported. "The limitless growth on a limited planet cannot work," emphasize Hochstöger and Mevec in their message.

The event itself was described as a successful mix of fun and activism. The scene on the banks of the Ybbs was characterized by the enthusiasm of the participants, who plunged into the water despite the frosty temperatures in order to set an example to preserve their environment. The Pro-YBS initiative sees intact habitats as crucial for the future of our civilization-and the commitment of citizens clearly shows how important they protect their nature.