The environmental situation in Brandenburg, Germany, is reaching a critical point as the latest Forest Condition Report reveals unprecedented damage to local flora. Presented on 31 January 2025 by the Brandenburg State Forestry Office, the report shows that 64% of beech trees and 75% of oak trees are suffering significant damage, a drastic increase compared to previous years.
Environmental Minister Hanka Mittelstädt described the findings as 'dramatic,' citing record levels of damage due to prolonged environmental stressors, including droughts from 2018 to 2020 and late frosts in April 2023. The report highlights that only 5% of beech and 3% of oak trees remain undamaged, a concerning decline that threatens the region's biodiversity and ecological balance.
In response to the alarming state of the forests, the Nature Conservation Union (NABU) is advocating for a modernized hunting law to reduce wildlife density, which they argue is hindering natural forest regeneration. The NABU's chairman, Björn Ellner, emphasized that allowing smaller landowners to manage wildlife populations is crucial for the health of the forests.
Additionally, the report notes a significant increase in damage to pine trees, with the proportion of affected trees rising from 9% to 17%. The environmental ministry attributes this to a combination of factors, including increased wildlife herbivory, which has stunted the growth of young trees essential for climate resilience.
Experts are calling for immediate action to safeguard Brandenburg's forests. Ulrike Hagemann, head of the State Competence Center for Forestry, lamented the influence of hunting interests on forest management, urging that the survival of the forest must take precedence over individual hobbies. NABU has also raised concerns about land use changes that threaten the ecological integrity of these vital natural resources.