Environment Minister jumps into the Inselsee: Focus on water protection!

Environment Minister jumps into the Inselsee: Focus on water protection!

On July 13, 2025, a very special day is celebrated in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: the "European River Bathing Day". Since 2005 this day has been all about water protection and is intended to help put rivers, lakes and coastal waters into good condition. For example, the Environment Minister Till Backhaus (SPD) brave courageously into the Inselsee together with Güstrow Mayor Sascha Zimmermann (FDP) in order to draw attention to the importance of water protection and to point out the success in the region.

The background of this action is remarkable: Currently only 4% of the rivers and 21% of the lakes in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania achieve the good ecological state, which shows those responsible a clear need for action. In this context, the EU Water Framework Directive (WRRL) is a central instrument that not only looks at the water quality, but also the occurrence of plants, fishing and other organisms in the waters. The Inselsee and the Güstrower Nebel are considered positive examples of successful water protection, thanks to the renaturation, which has almost completely restored the hiking for water creatures.

challenges and progress

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania can look at an impressive list of waters: over 40,000 kilometers of rivers, including more than 8,500 kilometers that are subject to the EU, and over 2,200 lakes larger than a hectare. In order to achieve the required condition, around 80 million euros from EU and state funds have already been invested in improving the waters. For the landscape projects that are to be completed by 2027, even measures to improve the structure of a further 4,000 kilometers of rivers are planned.

But the challenges should not be underestimated. According to a report from the water framework guideline, the condition of the waters is regularly checked and evaluated using numerous loads. The associated management plans and measures programs are updated every six years and are intended to ensure sustainable improvement. Federal Environment Agency refers to the essence of the WRRL as an important political instrument in water protection in Germany and Europe. Each management period has its own focus areas and runs until 2027, as well as the measures that will now be carried out in the next few years.

A call to action

The European River Baden Day is not only an occasion to celebrate, but also a call to everyone, to think about the condition of our waters. It becomes clear that not only politics is required, but also everyone can actively work for the protection of their surroundings. Be it by avoiding pollution, participation in local projects or through awareness of the importance of an intact nature - every small step counts.

Information on the implementation of the water framework guideline in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania can also be found in the vivid materials that are offered on the website wrrl-mv.de There you can also learn more about topics such as moor protection and the challenges in dealing with water stress and drought that are becoming increasingly important in northeastern Germany.

in this sense: we tackle it and ensure that our waters also shine for future generations in a nice state!