Biodiversity referendum in Lower Saxony
It's a crazy time right now. It feels like the world is holding its breath, and no matter what media you use, all you hear is Corona, Corona, Corona. And we're certainly facing a huge problem! But: We mustn't forget that before Corona, there were other issues that needed our attention – and that won't simply cease to exist now. Climate protection, for example, or species extinction. Before Corona turned our lives upside down, something big was happening here: the Lower Saxony Biodiversity Referendum , which we absolutely want to tell you about today. Because despite Corona, the following still applies: Protect diversity, save the future!
Who is behind the referendum?
At its core, the Lower Saxony Biodiversity Referendum is driven by people who care about diversity and want to do something to combat species extinction. Over 100 alliance partners have now joined forces under this mission, including many nature conservation associations, environmental protection organizations, clubs, political parties, and other organizations. We're also involved, of course. You can find out who else is involved here . 
What is a referendum?
A referendum is needed to make a specific issue, such as species extinction, the subject of parliamentary debate. This requires the legally stipulated minimum number of signatures from eligible voters.
What is the goal of the biodiversity referendum?
The Biodiversity Referendum aims to preserve what remains. The remaining species-rich meadows and pastures are to be preserved and the breeding grounds of lapwings and black-tailed godwits are to be protected. Roadside verges, verges, riparian strips, and hedges are absolutely worthy of protection as refuges – not just for beetles, bees, and dragonflies. Meadow birds that breed on grassland are also experiencing dramatic losses.
These examples show:
We urgently need a legal basis to protect biodiversity. Therefore, the draft law includes changes aimed at achieving the following: increasing diversity in the landscape, preserving species-rich meadows and pastures, reducing pesticides, increasing organic farming, and preserving near-natural forests.
A little tip: You can read all the demands in detail here . 
Lapwing - Nature Watcher - Jürgen Podgorski
The demands at a glance:
- More diversity in the landscape
- Fewer pesticides, more organic farming
- Species-rich meadows to preserve habitats
- More wilderness in near-natural forests
When does the referendum start in Lower Saxony?
Due to the current coronavirus crisis, the date for the referendum has been postponed for the time being. The initiators of the referendum reveal that they were also a bit lucky in their misfortune. Thankfully, they hadn't started the referendum yet and now they just have to be a little patient. Then, of course, in compliance with the necessary hygiene regulations, it should get underway soon!
Fire Salamander - Nature Watcher - Rainer Armbruster
Hans-Joachim Janßen from the Lower Saxony Biodiversity Referendum: "We take the distancing and hygiene rules very seriously! Since we cannot conduct a large-scale collection of signatures for the referendum in public spaces until further notice, we will begin the first phase – probably starting in early June – in the personal homes of the participating associations and organizations and of interested citizens, to whom we will send the necessary documents. Our goal with this first step is to collect the 25,000 signatures necessary to obtain official approval from the state government as quickly as possible."
Who is the referendum aimed at?
To every eligible voter in the state of Lower Saxony! Are you in? :-)
How long will the referendum last?
Step 1: Within six months of publication in the Lower Saxony Law and Ordinance Gazette, 25,000 signatures must be collected. Once this quorum is reached, an application for approval is submitted. This can take six to eight weeks.
Step 2: the collection of around 610,000 signatures (=10% of eligible voters in Lower Saxony) over a period of 6 months.
When is a referendum “successful”?
The referendum will be successful if around 10% of Lower Saxony's eligible voters, i.e. around 610,000 people, sign their names in support of species protection.
Incidentally, an initial success was already achieved before the referendum even began: the decision by the Lower Saxony state government to allocate an additional €120 million from budget surpluses for species conservation measures in Lower Saxony. "It shows that our referendum, supported by a broad social alliance of more than 115 organizations, associations, companies, and political parties, has already made a difference before the official launch," said initiator Hans-Joachim Janßen about this success. Read more in the current press release .You want to be there?
There are many ways you can get involved. First, you can gather information. The best way to do this is directly on the artenvielfalt-niedersachsen.jetzt website. Then, of course, it's extremely important that you sign the petition as soon as it starts, thus helping to achieve its goal. You can get involved yourself in various action groups , and of course, you can also donate to support the project. We hope we've convinced you, because the biodiversity petition is very important to us, too!
