Living space in transition: The Green Belt in the fight against climate change!

Living space in transition: The Green Belt in the fight against climate change!

Nature is changing, and this is particularly noticeable in one of the last refuges for many animal species in Germany - the Green Belt. Here, along the former inner-German border strip, there is a lot of movement this year, especially with regard to the effects of climate change. In the heat year of 2023, the dryness is clearly noticeable. New shallow bodies of water were recently created, which are primarily used by waders looking for food on the drying mud flats. Enthusiastic nature observers can even spot sea eagles and black storks, while gray herons and great egrets are also common. But the snipe are absent this year and the number of breeding lapwings has noticeably decreased. The drought has even resulted in rarities such as garganey ducks and gadwalls missing, which further exacerbates the situation. MDR provides information about this.

But it's not just birdwatchers who are active. As part of a new project, BUND has launched a 1,400 kilometer long field survey on insect diversity in order to record the ecological importance of the Green Belt. This survey is funded by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation and is intended to support the protection and development of the habitats here. Flying insects such as rare fritillary and ducat butterflies and wild bees receive particular attention. According to media reports, six teams of experts will collect insect samples at 100 locations by August 2023, which will then be genetically analyzed in a specialized laboratory. This is intended to provide new insights into the role of the Green Belt as a climate corridor, explains BUND.

Protection and research in the Green Belt

The Green Belt is not only an important habitat for animals and plants, but it could also be on the way to UNESCO World Heritage nomination. Prof. Dr. Hubert Weiger from BUND emphasizes the scientific basis for this step, while Sabine Riewenherm from BfN emphasizes the importance of the area for nature conservation. Over four fifths of the 177 square kilometer area are protected as national natural monuments. The Green Belt thus forms the longest continuously protected biotope network in Europe and connects many protected areas. It is also part of the European Green Belt with its more than 12,500 kilometers..

The current challenges posed by climate change should not be underestimated. As research shows, many pollinator species are in decline. Species such as the bluebell scissor bee are threatened with extinction, while other species spreading across Germany may disrupt delicate ecological balances. In his research, private lecturer Matthias Schleuning has found that the interactions between plants and animals in complex ecosystems are crucial for their health. He describes that many species have to adapt in order to survive in their usual environment or have to move to higher regions. Historical comparisons have shown that vegetation zones have moved upwards by at least 200 meters in the last 200 years, which underlines the fragility of our ecosystems.

Conclusion: Nature conservation is needed

The situation on the Green Belt is a wake-up call for all of us: nature conservation must be a top priority. Biodiversity is not only beautiful to look at, it also contributes to the resilience of our ecosystems. And while nature is suffering on the one hand, on the other hand there is hope through projects like the Insect Diversity Survey, which aims to shed light on the state of our environment. In times of climate change, our efforts are more needed than ever - there is something important!