Ministry: Preservation of 'Red Sand' at Sea 'Unrealistic' - Germany’s *Roter Sand* lighthouse faces demolition despite 5,600-signature petition
A petition with over 5,600 signatures is pushing to keep the historic Roter Sand lighthouse in its original spot in the Weser estuary. The campaign, led by Dieter Riemer, also proposes nominating the structure as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
However, the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture has rejected the idea of preserving it on-site.
The ministry argues that keeping the lighthouse in place is neither practical nor sustainable. Officials cite structural instability, worsening material decay, and constant weather damage as key concerns. High maintenance costs also make long-term preservation unfeasible.
Relocating the lighthouse would mean cutting it from its foundation, which the ministry warns would accelerate its deterioration in the North Sea. As a result, they have dismissed the petition’s core demand.
Despite public support, the ministry remains unconvinced of the lighthouse’s eligibility for UNESCO status. The rejection leaves the future of Roter Sand uncertain, with no clear alternative yet proposed.
The decision shuts down the petition’s main proposal but does not outline a new plan for the lighthouse. Over 5,600 signatories had backed its preservation in the estuary. The ministry’s stance now shifts focus to whether relocation or another solution will be pursued.
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