ABSTRACT
"Environmental policy is the sum of all actions and activities aimed at preventing and avoiding encroachments on the environment, and at eliminating damage which has already occurred" (Hartkopf & Bohne 1983: 57). This definition of environmental policy was proposed by Eberhard Bohne and Günther Hartkopf; the latter was Secretary of State (Staatsekretär) under the German Federal Minister of the Interior from 1969 to 1983. During his 14 years in office, Hartkopf, considered to be the "father" of German environmental policy, was responsible for its continued rise and development.
