Nature organisations express their frustration

Diverse group of organisations unite to demand that the government keep its green promises

A broad coalition of environmental and nature-based organisations have joined forces to decry what they see the government's array of broken promises.

Groups as diverse as the nature conservation society, Danmarks Naturfredningsforening (DN) and the national hunters' council, Danmarks Jægerforbund og Friluftsrådet, are united in their frustration at the government’s failure to live up to its green promises.

“They promised an ambitious nature policy, and they have spoken many fine words, but  after two years of being in power we have not yet seen a single concrete decision that will really change the state of nature,” said Ella Maria Bisschop-Larsen, the head of DN. “On the contrary, we have seen the environment take a backseat to the needs of the business economy.”

Also expressing frustration with the government's green course are the fishermen's association Danmarks Sportsfiskerforbund, the bird watching group Dansk Ornitologisk Forening and the animal protection agency Dyrenes Beskyttelse, among others. Bisschop-Larsen said that the support of so many diverse groups reveals just how frustrated those concerned about the environment are with the government.

An uneasy alliance
While DN and hunters might make for strange bedfellows, Claus Lind Christensen, the head of the hunting group, said there is good reason for the groups to work together.

“There is such a great need for a long term nature strategy that we need to forget our biases,” Christensen said.

Polls reveal that it is not only the green groups that are frustrated with governmental foot dragging when it comes to the areas of nature, the environment and the climate. The voters that put them in charge were also expecting more. According to Analysis Danmark, one in four Socialdemokraterne voters, a third of Radikale voters and nearly half of Socialistisk Folkeparti voters are dissatisfied with their party’s green efforts.

READ MORE: Seeds of future nature and agriculture policy sown

The green groups were especially concerned about announcements from several ministers about efforts that will be made to kick start the agricultural sector. They fear that those measures may come at the expense of the environment.

“We are concerned about those announcements,” said Bisschop-Larsen. “Politicians forget that clean water and a healthy environment are prerequisites for our lives and welfare.”




  • The Lynch Interviews: Fergal O’Byrne

    The Lynch Interviews: Fergal O’Byrne

    English-Australian writer and theatre director Stuart Lynch contributes a monthly column titled “The Lynch Interviews”. In this series, he engages with prominent internationals residing in Denmark or Danish individuals with a global perspective. For April, he interviews Irish playwright and writer Fergal O’Byrne, fresh from an acclaimed season of a new English-language play in Copenhagen.

  • Why your talented internationals aren’t moving up the ladder – and what to do about it

    Why your talented internationals aren’t moving up the ladder – and what to do about it

    Many internationals find it difficult to advance in their new workplaces, and some quietly leave. It’s not because they lack talent. In Denmark, careers are shaped not only by skills but also by cultural understanding, informal networks, and social signals. However, internationals may not be familiar with this system or know how to navigate it

  • The international behind Donkey Republic: how a Turkish systems thinker reimagined urban mobility in Denmark

    The international behind Donkey Republic: how a Turkish systems thinker reimagined urban mobility in Denmark

    Erdem Ovacık, co-founder of Donkey Republic, built one of Europe’s leading bike-sharing companies from Denmark — but success as an international entrepreneur hasn’t come easy

  • Denmark hits 66.2 million overnight stays: what’s fueling the rise?

    Denmark hits 66.2 million overnight stays: what’s fueling the rise?

    In 2024, Denmark saw 1.5 million more overnight stays than in 2023, bringing the total to 66.2 million staying in hotels, holiday centers, campsites, and youth hostels. It’s clear: after COVID-19, traveling is now back on the table. But the question is: why are people choosing Denmark?

  • World Cup in Ice Hockey will face off in Herning

    World Cup in Ice Hockey will face off in Herning

    As in 2018, Denmark will co-host the Ice Hockey World Championship. And once again, Herning and Jyske Bank Boxen will be the hosts. Denmark is in Pool B and starts tonight with a match against the USA, which, given the political tensions between the two countries, may be an icy affair.

  • Diplomatic tensions between US and Denmark after spying rumors

    Diplomatic tensions between US and Denmark after spying rumors

    A Wall Street Journal article describes that the US will now begin spying in Greenland. This worries the Danish foreign minister, who wants an explanation from the US’s leading diplomat. Greenlandic politicians think that Trump’s actions increase the sense of insecurity

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.