Nature conservation perspectives by conservationist Wolfgang Haber

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Nature conservation has a polarizing effect on our society and politics. Nature is considered the basis of life for people. At the same time, the conservation of nature is often perceived as a disruptive obstacle to economic growth. Wolfgang Haber is a pioneer and contemporary witness of nature conservation across Europe, and globally. He has accompanied the development and changes in nature conservation throughout his life. In 2025, Wolfgang Haber celebrated his 100th birthday. To mark the occasion, an interview on nature conservation was conducted based on a structured interview guide. In this interview, three key-topics were highlighted: 1. Facts versus emotions in nature conservation; 2. Perceiving environmental changes and the responsibility for conserving nature; and, 3. Current challenges and future visions in nature conservation. In the following, these topics are elaborated based on personal statements from Wolfgang Haber. Prime focus of this article is the German speaking countries of Western Europe. Two key aspects emerged from this interview: 1. Great efforts and success in the institutionalization of nature conservation and embedding it in legislation; 2. Significant changes in land use, particularly increase in land-use intensification and subsequent biodiversity loss despite great developments in nature conservation legislation. These changes and developments pose challenges and tasks for nature conservation in the future. According to Haber, nature conservation should focus stronger on environmental dynamics on the landscape scale in the near future.