German Advisory Council on the Environment

Type:Statement · date of issue 2020.06.08For an efficient and area-effective insect protection

Insects are essential components of ecosystems. They provide many services on which we rely and from which we benefit every day, for example the pollination of crops or biological pest control. Data shows a serious loss of insects, the most species-rich class of animals.

A further loss of insects and thus fundamental ecosystem services would have far-reaching negative consequences, also for human well-being as well as the environment. The decline is the result of complex, often cumulative factors. Agriculture is a major contributor to this decline. Two of the most important reasons are the widespread and increasing impoverishment of the landscape structure and the input of nutrients and pesticides. In order to stop the loss of insects, the use of plant protection products and nutrients has to be reduced and monotonous landscapes have to be enriched with small structures such as hedges, trees and field margins. Furthermore, extensive grassland needs to be protected and used sustainably. The statement „For an efficient and area-effective insect protection“ was drafted jointly by the SRU and the WBBGR in October 2018. It was handed over to the Federal Minister for the Environment, Svenja Schulze, at the 9th National Forum on Biological Diversity. It gives recommendations for the design of the Government’s Insect Protection Action Programme, which was adopted by the Federal Cabinet in 2019.

2020, 50 pages

ISBN 978-3-947370-17-7

Downloads

Use of cookies

Cookies help us to provide our services. By using our website you agree that we can use cookies. Read more about our Privacy Policy and visit the following link: Privacy Policy

OK