Protest against deforestation: Gießen stands up for the forest!

Protest against deforestation: Gießen stands up for the forest!

Especially now, when the topic of sustainability is on everyone's lips, a recent resolution by the city council in Giessen is causing a stir. Around 30 people protested at the town hall against the planned deforestation of four hectares of forest to make room for the expansion of the Bieber+Marburg company. The demonstrators held up posters with slogans such as “Stop tree felling in Gießen” and were supported by some parliamentary group representatives during the meeting. As the Giessen General Reportedly, there were protests both in the meeting room and in front of the building during the meeting in the town hall.

The decision, which was supported by a majority of a coalition of the Greens, SPD, Giessen Left, FDP, Free Voters, CDU and AfD, provides for the construction of a 100 meter wide and 22 meter long hall. Some voices, such as Michel Zörb from the Greens, express concerns about the legal requirements and the need for a statutory resolution in the development plan process. On the other hand, supporters, such as Klaus Peter Möller from the CDU, emphasize the importance of Bieber+Marburg as an employer and trade tax payer for the city.

Ecology versus economy

Planned clearing for the expansion is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2027, and the impact on the city's climate goals is a heavily criticized issue. Critics such as Martina Lennartz and Johannes Rippl warn of the negative effects, while Michael Borke from the SPD points out that deforestation will not accelerate climate change. Environmental assessments and compensatory measures are planned, which will include, among other things, reforestation in Büdingen and a new habitat for the smooth snake.

City councilor Gerda Weigel-Greilich sees the expansion as an opportunity to create up to 80 new jobs and speaks of responsible land-use planning. Bieber+Marburg has been based in Giessen for 60 years and already employs around 220 people. Even if the alternative locations were examined, they were ecologically and economically less attractive, as stated in the Giessener Anzeiger is to be read.

The debate about urban development

The entire process raises questions about urban development. The BMZ has emphasized in its strategies for sustainable urban development that all urban actors - from civil society to politics to business - should be included. The aim is to use the development potential of cities for global climate and environmental protection. The approval for the expansion of the Bieber+Marburg company could contradict these claims, as biodiversity and sustainability in the area are endangered by deforestation.

Ultimately, the question remains whether the decision by the majority of the city council serves as a first step in a sustainable direction or whether it seriously endangers the city's climate goals. The dialogue between supporters and critics will certainly remain exciting in the coming months and shows how important it is to reconcile environmental and economic concerns.