Lower Saxony is blessed with an as-tounding diversity of natural wonders, beautiful countryside and rare animals that have long disappeared from other areas. Protecting nature is a duty in Lower Saxony. A second national park in the Harz Mountains extends across the border into Saxony-Anhalt. The meadows along the River Elbe are designated as a biosphere reservation. It is by no means easy to describe environmental protection in Lower Saxony.
Ecology is no longer a special theme here - it influences every decision.
None of this would be possible without the commitment of the state. For in Lower Saxony we know that such responsible behaviour benefits the environment to the same degree as the companies' books. Just the underground seal to contain the old toxic waste landfill site at M nchehagen cost the state DM 64 million. We all learn from our mistakes. These days the state government invites environmental organizations to join in discussions on new industrial projects right from the outset.