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For 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 current reform of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy is an important window of opportunity. The future Common Agricultural Policy should strengthen the promotion of biodiversity concerns in agriculture and adequately reward appropriate measures. Measures should also be taken in urban areas. In particular, there is a need to reduce the use of plant protection products. Preliminary findings indicate that reducing light pollution could also make a significant contribution. Public awareness of the great diversity of insects and their functions should be improved. In order to record the population trends of insects, the Federal Government, together with the federal states, should set up a nationwide monitoring system. A new national centre for biodiversity monitoring should integrate existing monitoring activities.
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 current reform of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy is an important window of opportunity. The future Common Agricultural Policy should strengthen the promotion of biodiversity concerns in agriculture and adequately reward appropriate measures. Measures should also be taken in urban areas. In particular, there is a need to reduce the use of plant protection products. Preliminary findings indicate that reducing light pollution could also make a significant contribution. Public awareness of the great diversity of insects and their functions should be improved. In order to record the population trends of insects, the Federal Government, together with the federal states, should set up a nationwide monitoring system. A new national centre for biodiversity monitoring should integrate existing monitoring activities.