Several days after starting their protest, the activists were allegedly approached by the Nature Administration and asked to vacate the woodland.
In conversation with RTL, activists said that they were told that their occupying constructions, including platforms fixed with climbing gear, would damage the trees and infringe on environmental laws. Ironic, said the activists, as the trees are meant to be cut down in favour of a road.
However, when asked to comment, the Ministry for the Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development stated that the forest occupiers do not violate any environmental laws. It is true that a team from the Nature Administration paid a visit to the location on Wednesday to establish a report, but the document does not mention any violations.
While on location, the employees from the Nature Administration told the activists that they are occupying someone else’s property. Furthermore, they were told to leave the forest as they found it and not start any fires.
The planned bypass is said to extend over 4.2 kilometres all the way through the Bobësch. It is further expected to also affect a ‘Natura 2000' zone near the ‘Zämerbësch’ forest.
The “cross-generational collective”, as the Bobi Bleift movement describes itself, calls for measures to manage and reduce car traffic instead of building a new road. “The government could take many other measures (such as investment in public transport, P&R, electric mobility, car-sharing and intelligent lighting systems) to combat climate change,” the group states in a press release.
In addition, the group advocates for a halt to other road projects and for the protection of all forests. Construction of the Bascharage bypass has not yet started. In response to RTL’s questions, the initiative’s members said they were willing to keep their peaceful protest going as long as necessary.
