Protest against forest drainage: Citizens defend themselves for the Spree!

Protest against forest drainage: Citizens defend themselves for the Spree!

In Brandenburg it is bubbling, because the plans for a huge industrial area raise questions that move many citizens. The beach of Berkenbrück on the Brandenburg Spree, a popular destination for river guckers and water rats, could soon be replaced by a 430 hectare forest. Instead, a larger industrial area is to be built there than the Tesla "Gigafactory" in Grünheide, as reports the taz . The Fürstenwalde city council and the municipal council of Lankahl have already decided to make changes to the land use plan, which further fueled the concerns of the citizens.

On Wednesday evening, a citizens' initiative was formed that would like to defend itself against these far -reaching plans. Heike Christoph vom Nabu Scharmützelsee expressed significant concerns about drinking water supply in the next ten years. The forest, which is currently secured as a "forest", represents an important ecosystem for the region. The NABU has highlighted its importance for water storage and filtering rainwater for the Spree. Because such an area is not only an ecosystem, but also a lifeline for local flora and fauna.

development plans and land use planning

As part of the current plans, the subject of land use plan comes into play. This regulates a variety of uses for areas and is therefore crucial for the future of the region. Questions such as "Where are you used to?" or "Where are any infrastructures?" are treated. It is an administrative instrument that is weighed up by the chosen bodies, which ensures that private and public issues are weighed against each other.

On the website of the city of Fürstenwalde/Spree, the final development plans and the effective land use plan can be viewed online. Cards and aerial photo bases can help to get an overview of the planned projects, and every citizen can find out about the current plans at any time. The city's geoportal offers a visual representation and is a useful resource to understand the development of the plans concerns and resistance

The concerns about the forest, which is described as a "structured forest with a lot of rejuvenation", are not unfounded. Only a small bank strip on the Spree has been designated as a "nature reserve Spetetal" since 2021, and experts point to the need to protect the forest urgently. With the planned development for the development of a large-scale commercial and industrial pension location (GIV) in Fürstenwalde Ost, not only could the biodiversity of the region be at risk, but also the water balance of the Spree.

In a joint call, Greens and Nabu ask the city of Fürstenwalde to publish a confidential feasibility study that takes the concerns of the citizens seriously. In recent years, the lack of large commercial space in Brandenburg has increased significantly. The location in Fürstenwalde Ost is called the "crown juwel" for investors, with only around 22 hectares for commercial and industrial settlements currently available. This indicates that the plans cannot be implemented without conflicts and resistance.