Environment Minister Magnus Heunicke has unveiled the plan to improve the water environment in 20 Danish fjords by 2027. Among the fjords at the top of the list are Randers Fjord, Vejle Fjord, and Faaborg Fjord. The plan includes land acquisition, forest planting, withdrawal of lowland fields, and establishment of wetlands around the fjords. The goal is to bring the fjords into good ecological condition within the next three years.
The plan is part of the green three-party agreement, which was reached in June. According to Heunicke, the condition of Danish fjords is alarming with widespread oxygen depletion and dead fish and plants. He emphasizes that 95 percent of Denmark’s water areas are in poor condition and that it requires a massive effort to reverse the trend.
“It’s a collapse in many places with widespread oxygen depletion and life that has completely disappeared,” says Heunicke.
Although the goal is to achieve significant improvements by 2027, Heunicke acknowledges that the results may only be fully visible in the long term. Concrete steps will be taken this year with the acquisition of large land areas around the fjords to reduce the intensive agricultural production contributing to nitrogen emissions.
The financing of the effort comes from a land fund of 40 billion Danish kroner, established with the green three-party agreement. The goal of bringing the fjords into good ecological condition by 2027 is also a requirement from the EU’s Water Framework Directive.
Professor Jørgen E. Olesen from the Department of Agroecology at Aarhus University is skeptical of the timeline. He believes it is unrealistic to expect such rapid improvements in the aquatic environment.
“Governments and politicians are elected for the short term. So they have to appear as if they are action-oriented. This does not fit well with the long-term efforts that are necessary,” says Olesen, pointing out that it may take a decade or longer to achieve the desired results.
He also emphasizes that oxygen depletion is a global problem seen in many large water areas worldwide. However, he acknowledges that the Danish methods to improve the water environment are sensible.
On the other hand, Magnus Heunicke is optimistic and believes that both the political will and financial resources are present to implement the plan. He stresses that the Danish Parliament must support to ensure the necessary powers and appropriations.
“Of course, it costs money when it’s land that is owned. But it requires the Danish Parliament’s support. There need to be appropriations,” concludes Heunicke.