At the general meeting of the German Nature Conservation Association (DNR) on 16 October 2026, the main motion for a 10-point plan to strengthen civil society was unanimously adopted. 

“Strong civic engagement, strong democracy – a reliable framework for civil society organisations” – this is the title of the main motion. Civic engagement and voluntary work are an important part of a functioning democracy and deserve to be protected.

The umbrella environmental organisation, together with its more than one hundred member associations – including the bdla – advocates the following ten points for a strong civil society:

1. Democracy needs civic engagement.
2. Civic engagement deserves protection and appreciation.
3. Civil society should be political and challenging. 
4. Participatory governance is a strength of democratic states.
5. State financial support is sensible and necessary.
6. Commitment to democracy deserves the support of all democrats.
7. The intimidation of organisations and volunteers must stop.
8. Opportunities for participation and legal action must be preserved.
9. Civil society needs legal certainty.
10. There are many of us, we are diverse – and we are helping to shape the future.

• The DNR’s ten-point plan
   

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