In recent decades, Germany has experienced a dramatic loss of biodiversity, which can be illustrated by the scientifically proven loss of insects.
Goals
In cooperation with the different land users, the food industry, local authorities and NGOs, stable regional alliances and action groups are formed in the sourcing regions. Through these alliances and action groups, regional Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) are developed and implemented to improve the protection of insects and biodiversity in general at the landscape level. The insect-friendly products produced in these regions will be given an "added value" through special rewards and marketed accordingly to create attractive incentives for agriculture.
Background
The concept of Insect Responsible Sourcing Regions addresses with the involvement of agriculture and food sector large areas for insect promotion and conservation. It offers the opportunity to develop sustainable and economic solutions for biodiversity- and insect-friendly agriculture on a regional level with the close involvement of land use stakeholders and to establish them in agricultural practice and beyond.
The project makes a relevant contribution to the implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy (NBS) and addresses all aspects mentioned in the NBS as drivers of biodiversity loss in connection with agricultural use. This also applies to the Nature Conservation Offensive of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), which has complemented the NBS since 2015.
Measures / Actions
- Biodiversity action plans are drawn up in the 7 insect-friendly regions.
- Proven and innovative measures for insect conservation are implemented on 10 pioneer farms each.
- The effects on insects and biodiversity will be recorded with a monitoring tool.
- Raising consumer awareness of insect conservation and insect-friendly regions.
- Strengthening the competence of farmers, advisors and the food industry through training courses.