COMMUNICATIVE SUPPORT OF THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE FOR THE CONTINUATION OF AN EXISTING DRINKING WATER ABSTRACTION LAW IN THE NORDHEIDE REGION
An application procedure for the continuation of an existing drinking water abstraction right in the region Nordheide has been on-going for 14 years without a resolution. Resistance from citizens' initiatives and environmental associations comes up against politicians that follow public moods too quickly. Factual arguments hardly get through any more. A constantly changing case law in the area of nature conservation law and personnel changes in the authorities make the process even more difficult. The main aim of our mandate from HAMBURG WASSER was to make the debate more objective, to speed up the procedure through cooperation between all parties involved and to get permission granted before the end of 2018.
Measures that have been implemented for this purpose:
Identification and analysis of the different interests of all parties involved through a comprehensive stakeholder analysis
Development of a comprehensive strategy for achieving the objectives, special circumstance: water abstraction in a nature reserve
Publication of all facts (Natura 2000/FFH/NSG regime, soil science, geology, hydrogeology, landscape conservation measures, etc.) in all types of media: Online with own websites, social media and print
Continuous transparent information to all parties involved
Establishment of extensive information and discussion channels to all political levels within and outside the official channels (content also coordinated with specialist lawyers in nature conservation law)
Continuous background discussions with all parties involved to find a compromise
Moderation of discussion forums with participating associations
Development of complex CSR measures in the area of voluntary activities in nature conservation.
This made it possible to ensure that the permit is currently being prepared. The process is expected to be completed by 2018.