Workshop to promote insects: Together for thriving neighborhoods!

Workshop to promote insects: Together for thriving neighborhoods!

In an exciting workshop to promote native insects, which will take place on Thursday, August 21st in the environmental center at Henriettenstrasse 5, those interested can obtain comprehensive information and contribute their own experiences. The workshop runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is free, but registration is required by August 20th. Anyone interested can register on 0371 488 6177 or by email at Umweltzentrum(at)stadt-chemnitz.de. This workshop is part of the Capital of Culture program “Lived Neighborhood” and is led by experts from the “Chemnitz blooms!” projects. and “iNUVERSUMM”. This is about essential topics such as flowering areas, meadow mowing and dry stone walls, all of which are intended to help secure the insect population.

But why is this so important? The answer is obvious: around 80% of wild plants and 75% of cultivated plants rely on pollination by insects. Without these little helpers, not only our garden will bloom, but the entire agricultural sector could also get into serious difficulties. According to globalnature.org, insects secure around 35% of the world's food production yield and the economic benefit of pollination in Germany is an impressive 3.8 billion euros per year.

Alarming development of the insect population

Intensive agriculture and the loss of habitats are increasingly putting the livelihoods of this important group of animals into question. An alarming study has shown that the biomass of flying insects is drastically declining. This development is not only related to the use of chemical agents, but also to the use of land, which robs insects of their habitat. In keeping with the saying “there’s something going on”, it is therefore urgently necessary to think about and act on measures to promote insects.

A central part of the effort is the EU-LIFE project “Insect-Promoting Regions”, which includes the guide “More than just flower strips!” shows the most necessary steps for action. This comprehensive 60-page guide offers practical assistance for promoting insects and shows which instruments exist for insect-friendly management. Various measures have already been tested in seven insect-promoting regions, such as the Allgäu and Lake Constance, and are being actively implemented by over 60 demonstration farms.

Measures for a healthy future

An important component in supporting insects are flower strips, which not only serve as a food source for pollinators, but also offer habitat and overwintering opportunities. Projects such as targeted insect promotion for agriculture aim to improve living conditions for insects and permanently reduce dependence on insecticides. Above all, the importance of biodiversity is emphasized, which is essential for healthy ecosystems.

The initiatives also include the development of several plant mixtures that are created specifically to promote beneficial insects, i.e. insects that support natural pest control. The positive effects of these flowering areas on biodiversity, pest pressure and even crop yields are the subject of active scientific research. In this way, solutions are also developed for the challenges that exist between nature conservation and agriculture.

In summary, the activities that are being initiated both locally and on a larger scale to promote insects all convey a clear message: we must act together to protect our environment and secure the basis for a sustainable future. It is important to pass on knowledge and actively involve all stakeholders, from farmers to nature conservation organizations.