Alarming balance: 60% of habitats in Germany endangered!

Alarming balance: 60% of habitats in Germany endangered!

A new “Fact Check Biodiversity,” published by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), illustrates the alarming location of the biological diversity in Germany. With more than 150 scientists who have compiled knowledge from over 6000 publications, it can be seen that 60 percent of the habitats examined are in poor condition. Almost a third of the domestic species are at risk, which underlines the urgency of measures to preserve biodiversity.

A total of only 40 percent of the 72,000 animal, plant and mushroom types known in Germany examined their hazard. Christian Wirth, professor at the University of Leipzig, emphasizes that this investigation is one of the first examples worldwide in which international reports are applied to the national level. The loss of habitats and the intensification of agriculture, which both have significant negative effects on the ecosystem, are particularly concerned about.

Negative effects through intensive agriculture

The fact check identifies the intensive use of cultural landscapes as a main factor for the decline in biological diversity. Agriculture not only affects agricultural areas, but also other habitats. The first signs of climate change are also evident in relation to biodiversity. In order to counteract this, fundamental changes in agriculture are necessary to slow down the loss of biodiversity.

On the positive side, progress was also found in certain areas. For example, there was an improvement in water quality in rivers and a positive development of habitats through natural structures in forests and agricultural areas. It becomes clear that a trend reversal is possible through targeted measures. Nina Harwig, co -editor of the report, points out that modern technologies and biodiversity -oriented land use systems can support.

Recommendations to improve nature conservation policy

The critical points include the insufficient implementation of legal and funding policy instruments within nature conservation policy. The authors of the report suggest not only to successfully offer financial incentives, but also to change the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany. This could include the involvement of an "self -law of nature" or "human rights on a healthy environment". These legal changes could be crucial to ensure the protection of biodiversity in the future.

The research initiative for the preservation of biodiversity (Feda), which is funded by the BMBF, plays a central role by supporting scientific projects for analyzing biodiversity in Germany. The aim is to develop and implement measures to protect and improve biological diversity. The change of thought to a "transformative" science is crucial for the exchange between different sectors such as research, politics, business and civil society.

For more information about the fact check and the current situation of biodiversity in Germany, visit www.feda.bio/faktencheck.