The online petition against surfing bans in the Baltic Sea National Park was one of the first campaigns to draw attention to the dangers and pool the interests of water sports enthusiasts. Among other things, it gave rise to the strategy meeting in Kiel. Initiator Björn Brüggemann has now ended the petition, but the resistance continues: all efforts are now being channelled into the "Free Baltic Sea Schleswig-Holstein" initiative, which was also present at the surf festival on Fehmarn.
"Thanks to your more than 26,000 signatures, the needs of water sports enthusiasts have reached the state parliament," writes Björn Brüggemann. "From a petition, I founded a voluntary movement that has developed further and now has to reject a Baltic Sea National Park." According to Björn, only this guideline will make it possible to safeguard the surf spots for future generations and enable coastal residents to participate in alternative environmental protection concepts.
Among other things, the "Free Baltic Sea Schleswig-Holstein" initiative has produced an information flyer and is distributing it widely in the Baltic Sea region ( Click here to download ), a sticker and other means of attracting attention.
Björn appeals to all surfers: "We as a community now need all of you to make our campaign big and generate so much pressure that the politicians feel the storm of resistance. It's not the petition, but what comes out of it that can secure our watersports areas. So don't sit back, because now is the time to really get going. It would be great if we could keep you informed about the next steps in the future and if you could send us your comments. Email address for a newsletter deposited."
In addition to the initiative, there is also the page nationalpark-ostsee.de where the latest news on the topic is collected.
The ministry's workshops with representatives of the affected groups and professions are starting these days. It starts today with agriculture and water management, with water sports on the agenda for 11 July. All information about the workshops, participants and the programme can be found here
