Three opposition parties in Denmark are urging the government to strengthen its commitment to nature protection ahead of negotiations for a new nature and biodiversity law. The Social Liberal Party, the Socialist People’s Party, and the Conservative People’s Party are calling for more stringent measures to ensure genuine conservation efforts.

A key demand is that the government’s goal of protecting at least 20% of Denmark’s land area by 2030 should be legally binding. The parties also seek a revised definition of what qualifies as protected nature, arguing that current standards are too lax.

They contend that counting areas like golf courses as protected nature undermines the credibility of conservation efforts. The opposition parties want to see a clearer and more robust definition implemented.

Furthermore, the parties are advocating for half of the 20% protected area to be designated as strictly protected nature. This designation would exclude activities such as forestry, agriculture, and hunting, ensuring continuous natural areas.

Environment Minister Magnus Heunicke acknowledged the concerns raised by the opposition, stating that areas like parking spaces and petrol stations should not be defined as nature. He indicated a willingness to discuss a revised definition as part of the upcoming biodiversity law negotiations.