Flower strips alone are not enough…
European conference on the protection of insects and biodiversity at landscape level
- Decline of insects: Loss of species and individuals requires countermeasures
- Conference on May 20 in Frankfurt am Main discusses results from EU LIFE project and other approaches
- Professional exchange between agriculture, food companies, science, associations and administration from all over Europe
Three quarters of global crop species are dependent on pollinators. At the same time, according to the latest studies on insect decline, 40 percent of insects in temperate climate zones alone could be threatened with extinction in the coming decades.
The loss of insects has not only ecological but also economic consequences: If the buzzing of bees, bumblebees and other pollinators falls silent, this also has an impact on the food industry. To counteract this trend, various stakeholders need to work together to create insect-friendly landscapes.
Implementation and financing approaches
The EU LIFE project “Insect-friendly regions” has specifically addressed this topic. At the European conference “More than just flower strips”, the project partners will share their findings and discuss strategies for promoting positive changes at landscape level together with various interest groups. The interdisciplinary conference will address implementation options from agriculture and municipalities and look at various financing approaches – from public subsidies to incentive programs for (food) companies.
In the keynote speech, Andreas Gumbert, Directorate-General for the Environment, Nature Conservation & Biodiversity Department at the European Commission, will present the European perspective for the protection of pollinators. Parallel workshops will focus on practical approaches and strategies that can be used to tap into the potential for more biodiversity. The final discussion on concepts, measures and incentives will summarize how insect promotion can be transferred to the mainstream.
Further information and registration on the website of the “Insect-promoting regions ” project: https://insect-responsible.org/en/events/conference/ Participation is free of charge.
The project and the conference are co-financed by the EU, Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt DBU, Rentenbank, Nestlè Deutschland and Deutsche Postcode Lotterie.
The EU LIFE project “Insect-Promoting Regions”
Funded by the EU, the “LIFE Insect-Promoting Regions” project brings together different partners for a common goal: the sustainable protection of insects and biodiversity by and with different land users across larger contiguous areas. Regional biodiversity action plans were drawn up in seven insect-promoting regions.
Insect conservation measures were tested on demonstration farms in each region. At the same time, farmers, advisors and food companies were trained and consumers were made aware of the issue. Other farmers were motivated to develop and implement an action plan to promote insects. The project also plays a role in creating attractive incentives for farmers as well as (financial) rewards for their commitment from public programs and the food industry. The approaches developed in this project are transferable to other regions. A corresponding guide will be published for the conference, which will then also be available for download on the website https://insect-responsible.org/.
The seven insect-promoting regions: Allgäu, Bliesgau, Hohenlohe, Northern Upper Rhine, Wendland and Vinschgau in South Tyrol.
Project partners: Bodensee-Stiftung (coordination), Bäuerliche Erzeugergemeinschaft Schwäbisch Hall, Global Nature Fund, Nestlé Germany, Netzwerk Blühende Landschaft.
Conference topics in detail:
- Landscape approach: Which strategies are most effective for networking stakeholders and promoting interdisciplinary cooperation?
- Biodiversity in land management: How can innovative agricultural measures be integrated into the landscape context? Which measures have proven to be successful models in nature conservation?
- Vibrant communities: How can municipalities better implement the topic of biodiversity and insect conservation? What are the success factors for successful participation at municipal level?
- Citizen Science & Monitoring: What opportunities does Citizen Science offer for biodiversity and insect conservation? How can successes be measured and communicated?
- Policy & incentives: What policy developments are needed to strengthen biodiversity and insect conservation at landscape level? What financing models are available outside of agricultural subsidies? How can meaningful incentive systems be created?
- Next steps: What can sustainable models for insect- and biodiversity-friendly regions look like? How can investment in biologically diverse landscapes be promoted?
The conference is aimed at:
- Farmers and farmers
- Agricultural associations/suppliers
- Food companies
- Other land users
- NGOs
- Political decision-makers
- Authorities at municipal, district and regional level
- Civil society
- Scientific institutions
Further information on the “Insect-promoting regions” project: https://insect-responsible.org/
About the Lake Constance Foundation
The Lake Constance Foundation is a private environmental and nature conservation organization based in Radolfzell on Lake Constance. The foundation works on a project-oriented basis for greater sustainability and nature conservation in the international Lake Constance region and beyond. It works in the four fields of action of energy transition, agriculture & food, nature & water protection and business & biodiversity with different focal points.
https://www.bodensee-stiftung.org
About the Global Nature Fund
The Global Nature Fund is a non-profit foundation based in Radolfzell. Since its foundation in 1998, the GNF has been committed to the protection of nature and the environment worldwide. The focus is on projects for the conservation of biodiversity – especially lake protection -, the promotion of sustainable development and the improvement and sustainable orientation of the living conditions of people in the project regions.
https://www.globalnature.org
