Journal Article

Abstract

This paper analyses the interests and power relations that manifest in groundwater conflicts in formerly water-rich regions from a political ecology perspective. Utilising a historical-materialist policy analysis and qualitative expert interviews, this study systematically examines the explicit and implicit interests and micro-struggles in the case of the Lueneburg Heath, Germany. The findings indicate that the conflict is predominantly characterised by a dynamic interplay between nature, public water supply, and economy. Yet, the conflict encompasses various micro-struggles on data collection, democratisation of decision- making processes as well as the regulation of water demands, too. Thereby, this paper sheds a light on the capitalist ruling system that shaped the water management in Germany.