St. Peter-Ording is threatened with extinction: the beach is disappearing dramatically!

St. Peter-Ording is threatened with extinction: the beach is disappearing dramatically!

There are currently several worrying developments in Schleswig-Holstein that affect both the everyday lives of citizens and conservation efforts. One of the most alarming news is the progressive decline of the beach at St. Peter-Ording, which was revealed by a comprehensive study carried out by the research association “Sand Coast St. Peter Ording” with the participation of the University of Kiel, the TU Braunschweig and the WWF. Experts warn that the wide beach is becoming narrower by up to 8 meters every year - a process that is significantly accelerated by wind, waves and especially sea level rise during storm surges. Although the tourism board gives the all-clear by remaining optimistic that the beach will not disappear completely, clear recommendations for additional coastal protection measures are essential to preserve the popular destination. The pressure on nature is clearly noticeable and the need for effective solutions continues to emerge, especially given the tourism importance of this region.

In addition to the challenges in coastal protection, there are also health developments to report. In the 43rd calendar week, the number of Covid-19 infections in Schleswig-Holstein rose from 185 to 239, while 6,771 new cases were recorded across Germany, which represents a slight increase compared to the previous week. The Ministry of Health particularly recommends a flu vaccination for all citizens, while the corona vaccination is still only indicated for certain risk groups such as those over 60 and people with previous illnesses. According to the latest data, 80.70 percent of the population in Schleswig-Holstein have already received at least one vaccination. Corona activity is still below the previous year's level, but the ongoing infection rate shows that the virus is still present and dangerous.

Avian influenza and weather conditions

Another worrying situation concerns avian influenza in North Frisia. In two farms, around 180 fattening geese have already been killed, while 160 animals have died. In order to prevent further spread, a stable requirement has been in effect for farms with more than 500 animals since mid-October, which has now been extended to all poultry farms in coastal areas. The impact on agriculture is significant and affects not only livestock farmers, but also consumers who rely on healthy, locally sourced food.

The weather in Schleswig-Holstein remains changeable, characterized by clouds and isolated showers. The temperatures range between 11 degrees in Dörnick and 13 degrees on the North Frisian Islands. Stormy gusts are to be expected, especially in the mountains, which will make the traffic situation even more difficult. This is linked to the indication that with the end of the autumn holidays, more people are pushing back indoors, which could further influence the situation with regard to the risk of infection.

A sociable exchange via social media

On a social level, platforms like Facebook are becoming increasingly important for staying in touch with friends and acquaintances. Users can not only discover interactive content, but also use powerful tools to connect and share. The main focus is on personal contact and interaction, be it through private messages or through sharing interesting experiences recorded via stories. The possibilities are diverse and offer space for creative expression. Not only can you make contacts, but you can also explore different interests and hobbies in more detail. The community functions promote mutual support and information exchange among users.

The situation in Schleswig-Holstein is characterized by a mixture of worrying developments in the areas of the environment, health and agriculture, while at the same time social media is flourishing as a platform for exchange and creativity. Whether the challenges can be overcome remains to be seen, but efforts to protect the region and its citizens will certainly be paramount.