The loss of species cannot be stopped or even reversed within three years. Aid programs for the curlew and other endangered animal species show that it takes much more staying power. Therefore, it is of course also a bit presumptuous when the ÖDP, the Greens, the State Association for Bird Protection (LBV) and the Gregor-Louisoder-Umweltstiftung (GLUS) on the third anniversary of their referendum “Biodiversity – Save the Bees” success or failure of the state government take stock of the implementation of their initiative. Especially since the Corona crisis has also imposed tasks on Bavarian politics that many other things have to take a back seat to.
But it is not possible without such annual balance sheets, especially in the case of the state government. Because the pattern according to which Prime Minister and CSU leader Markus Söder governs is all too well known: if a topic is in the headlines, Söder takes the lead in the movement. This is what burned the photo into memory in the hot summer of 2019. At that time, Söder hugged a tree in the Munich Hofgarten to put the drama of the climate crisis in the picture. But when it comes to political conclusions, Söder keeps stumbling, as the state government’s failure to date with its new climate protection law shows. It is therefore right and important that the initiators of the referendum take stock of how their demands are being met.
In the years immediately after the referendum, such balance sheets are even particularly important. Because this is the time when the course for his success or failure is set. Such a new nature conservation law with lofty goals is quickly written. But if it is to be fruitful, it must be backed up with programs and money. And also fast. Otherwise the best law will not have its effect. The tug-of-war over better protection for the meadow orchards in Bavaria has made it clear that the ÖDP, Greens, LBV and GLUS must be persistent with Söder if their referendum is to be a success not only with the voters, but also for nature in Bavaria.