Bavarian residents want more nature protection, survey reveals

Residents in Bavaria overwhelmingly support the EU Nature Restoration Law, according to a new survey. Eighty-three percent of respondents to the representative study backed the law, with 72 percent calling for stronger political commitment to its implementation.

Dr. Norbert Schäffer, chairman of the LBV (Landesbund für Vogel- und Naturschutz in Bayern), stated that the findings represent a clear mandate from the public to politicians. "People are demanding the protection and restoration of nature," Schäffer said. He emphasized that while the Bavarian government has set ambitious goals in the past, such as for peatland restoration, these objectives must be pursued with greater intensity moving forward.

The survey also revealed that 97 percent of Bavarians consider nature vital for their quality of life in the region. However, a significant majority perceive a need for action to protect nature, with over 84 percent deeming measures for long-term conservation or restoration important.

Schäffer noted that Bavaria has been a leader in nature conservation since 2019, particularly following the "Save the Bees" referendum. He cautioned, however, that species extinction is far from halted, and nature conservation is currently under pressure, with potential cuts to funding and legislation. This, he argued, does not align with public sentiment.

The EU Nature Restoration Law is considered a significant milestone for conservation, offering a chance to protect habitats and endangered species across Europe. The survey demonstrates broad support for the law throughout Bavaria, across all districts and age groups.

The survey was conducted in September 2025 and involved over 5,000 participants. The study was commissioned by NABU, LBV's federal partner.