Germany's Wilderness Expansion Goals Show Promise, Study Finds

A new report highlights Germany's potential to exceed its 2% wilderness area target, despite falling short of earlier goals.

Germany has converted only 0.62% of its land into large wilderness areas, far below the 2% target set for 2020 under the National Biodiversity Strategy.
Experts believe the 2% goal is achievable by 2030, with planned projects expected to increase wilderness areas to 0.73% in the coming years.
A study suggests an additional 1.67% of Germany's land could be designated as wilderness, potentially surpassing the original target.
Regions like Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Brandenburg are nearing the 2% goal, while densely populated areas like North Rhine-Westphalia also show potential for wilderness expansion.
Wilderness areas, vital for biodiversity and climate resilience, are supported by a majority of Germans who desire more natural spaces near their homes.