Scientific animal protection directive's consultation also sought by the Commission.
In the picturesque landscapes of Lower Saxony, a new chapter in the region's natural history is unfolding. The return of the beaver, once extirpated in the year 1856, is being hailed as an "enrichment for the waters" by Environment Minister Christian Meyer.
The beaver's resurgence is not without its challenges, however. As these industrious creatures create new habitats and promote water retention and the renaturation of waters, they can also cause potential problems such as flooding of flood protection facilities, agricultural areas, and roads due to damming.
To address these issues, Minister Meyer has presented a guide for beaver management. This comprehensive guide includes training for those involved in beaver management and a central contact point for affected people. Regular checks are planned to better support farmers financially, with the aim of achieving the best possible balance between species protection and land use interests.
The Lower Saxony Farmers' Association, however, has expressed concerns about the compensation process, stating that it is too slow and complicated. They are expecting a report from the ministry, documenting damages caused by beavers, in order to receive necessary hardship payments.
Anna Kura, chairwoman of the Green faction in the Lower Saxony state parliament, proposes solutions such as drains on dams, land exchange, and relocations in individual cases. She emphasizes the need for proactive and regionally adapted measures that balance beaver protection with conflict prevention.
The Lower Saxony beaver management guideline differs from usual regulations in other regions. It focuses on a more flexible and adaptive approach, rather than a uniform one. This approach is seen as crucial in maintaining the ecological resilience of the landscape as the beaver continues to spread throughout Lower Saxony, including along the Elbe, Ems, and Leine, as well as the Aller and Oker in the Drömling.
In a few cases, beaver activities have even led to undermining of roads in Lower Saxony. A sensational find was made in the Harz region: a beaver had been lying on an attic floor for years, a testament to the unexpected ways in which these creatures can impact human lives.
As the beaver's presence in Lower Saxony continues to grow, so too does the potential for both challenges and opportunities. The region's residents and authorities are navigating this new reality with a focus on finding solutions that protect both the environment and the local communities.
On a lighter note, for those seeking a different kind of excitement, there are opportunities to win big in the LOTTO 6aus49 and Eurojackpot draws. In the LOTTO 6aus49, there are 4 million euros available in the jackpot, and four betting fields can be purchased for 1 euro for the next draw. In the Eurojackpot, there are 52 million euros available, with tickets with two betting fields available for 1 euro.
In this ever-evolving landscape, one thing remains constant: the beauty and complexity of nature, and the human endeavour to coexist with it harmoniously.
