Action Programme for Insect Conservation Effective joint action against insect decline Action Programme for Insect Conservation

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Edited by BMU, Division N I 1, Dr. Kilian Delbrück, Mira Nürnberg

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Picture credits See page 67.

Date September 2019

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2 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

Action Programme for Insect Conservation Effective joint action against insect decline

3 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

: Table of contents

4 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

Summary 6

A Conserving insects – for intact nature and for us humans 8 1 Fascinating diversity 9 2 Why do we need insects? 10 3 Aims of the action programme 14 4 Players – effective together 16 5 The action programme in relation to other strategies and programmes 18

B Areas of action and measures for insect conservation 20 1 Supporting insect habitats and structural diversity in agricultural landscapes 21 2 Restoring and connecting insect habitats in other landscape areas 26 3 Enhancing protected areas as insect habitats 32 4 Reducing the use of pesticides 35 5 Reducing inputs of nutrients and pollutants in soil and water 39 6 Mitigating light pollution 43 7 Intensifying research – strengthening knowledge – closing gaps 46 8 Improving funding – creating incentives 49 9 Promoting civic commitment 52

C Programme implementation and reporting 58

D Annex 60 1 Overview of measures 61 2 List of abbreviations 66 Picture credits 67

5 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

: Summary

Insects are an integral component of biodiversity and play an important role in our ecosystems. However, both abundance and species diversity of insects have declined considerably in Germany in recent decades. The wider public has been paying very close attention to insect decline and it is a frequently discussed topic. The public has high expectations that pol- icymakers counteract this development comprehensively and swiftly.

With the present Action Programme for Insect Conservation (Aktions­ programm Insektenschutz) the Federal Government aims to comprehen- sively combat insect decline. The programme’s objective is to reverse the trend of declining insect abundance and species diversity.

In order to address the key drivers of insect decline and restore living conditions for insects in Germany, the action programme relies on the swift implementation of concrete measures within nine areas of action:

The action programme sets out the following key measures:

→ Binding statutory requirements under an Insect Conservation Act (Insektenschutz-Gesetz) and parallel statutory ordinances with regard to changes to nature conservation law, law on plant protection prod- ucts, legislation on fertiliser use, and water law

→ An additional 100 million Euro per year to promote insect conserva- tion and expand insect research, to be made available by the compe- tent departments

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→ Conservation and restoration of insect habitats in all areas of the landscape and in urban spaces with special consideration to be given to transition and boundary habitats (ecotones)

→ Clear guidance on environmentally and ecologically compatible ap- plications of pesticides and a significant reduction in the deposition Eristalis arbustorum is one of more of pesticides and other harmful substances in insect habitats than 400 species of hoverfly in the Syrphidae family found in Germany → Mitigation of light pollution and insects’ attraction to light ↓ → Promotion and support of civic commitment in all areas of society for the benefit of insects

The action programme comprises federal measures. In order to halt insect decline, additional support at the level of the regional states (Länder) and the municipalities will be required as well as active support by society at large.

The Federal Government will report regularly on progress made on the achievement of set goals and on the implementation of measures under this action programme. Additionally, a high-level roundtable on insect conservation will be established for regular exchanges between civil so- ciety stakeholders on the action programme’s progress and the state of implementation of its measures.

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: Conserving insects – for intact nature and for us humans A

8 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

1 Fascinating diversity

The insect world is characterised by a level of diversity that never ceases to amaze us humans. They shine in a range of iridescent colours and come in the most varied shapes and sizes – from astonishingly beauti- ful to bizarre, from microscopically small to sizes as large as the palm of one’s hand. Insects can be found in all habitats. There is no other group of animals that has developed species diversity as enormous as that of insects. Approximately one million insect species worldwide have been scientifically described. It is likely that the majority of insect species are as yet undiscovered.

There are more than 33,300 insect species in Germany, which means that almost three quarters of all animal species in Germany are insects, includ- ing bees, beetles, butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies, grasshoppers, ants and flies.

Not all that crawls is an insect. All insects have six legs and many of them can fly. Both these characteristics distinguish them from arachnids The weevil family comprises about (spiders, scorpions and so on). Moreover, the bodies of insects are clearly 950 species in Germany divided into three segments: the head with its compound eyes and mouthparts, the thorax with its three pairs of legs and its wings, and the ↙ abdomen which contains the digestive and reproductive organs. Instead Before butterflies can be admired in of a skeleton, insect bodies are protected and stabilised by a thin, but hard their true glory, they undergo a meta­ chitinous armour. Hair-like sensory organs that cover their bodies allow morphosis from egg to caterpillar, insects to sense vibrations, scents, humidity or temperature. pupa and finally to butterfly ↓

The habits of individual insect species and their requirements in terms of habitat, food or climate are as diverse as the insects themselves. Very specific habitat and environmental conditions must often be met simul- taneously for the insects to thrive. Insects go through a number of different developmental stages, each of which may have completely different re- quirements, both in terms of the structure, resources and connectivity of their habitats and of their food sources. There are generalists in the insect world that are flexible in terms of their food sources, and there are also specialists that, for example, depend on a specific plant or animal species, or a specific habitat. Some insects can cover greater distances while others ­ have a smaller activity range. As a result of this diversity of habits and needs, the protection of this group of animals is particularly challenging.

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2 Why do we need insects?

Both the abundance and species diversity of insects have declined consid- erably in Germany. This is evident from the nationwide Red Lists as well as from numerous scientific studies, also conducted in other EU countries.

We cannot do without insects. Insects are an integral component of biodiversity and play a vital role in our ecosystems. Many insect species provide elementary ecosystem services, for example as pollinators of plants, as food sources for other insects and other groups of animals, as decomposers of organic matter, as biological agents controlling harmful organisms, or by purifying water and maintaining soil fertility. Therefore, the decline of insects and their ecosystem services not only has an imme- diate impact on the environment but also on us humans.

Plant pollination by insects, for example, is essential for wild plant con- servation as well as for safeguarding the yields and yield quality of many crop plants. A decline in pollination services would therefore result not only in a significant loss of biodiversity but would also entail major eco- nomic risks. The more than 560 wild bee species occurring in Germany are highly important pollinators. As a result of species-specific special- isations and adaptations they are often more effective pollinators than honey­bees.

The honeybee (Apis mellifera) can No more buzz? – The world of bees only exist and survive in a colony The “bee mortality” is often mentioned in connection with insect ↓ decline. Many people are not aware that apart from the well-known honeybee there are some 560 further bee species in Germany. These include the bumblebees. While the honeybee is the only bee that is bred, kept and cared for by humans in Europe as a domestic animal, there are also wild bee species, such as bumblebees, which are specif- ically bred by humans to provide pollination services in greenhouses and fruit plantations.

The wild bee species are strongly impacted by the destruction and impairment of their habitats and food sources. One glance at the Red List shows that in Germany 41 percent of the total of 561 bee species covered by the Red List are endangered. There is therefore an urgent need for targeted measures to protect wild bees, their basic food sources and diverse habitats. While the provision of an overall greater amount of flowers for foraging may be beneficial to the generalists among the bee species, it does not suffice, as many wild bee species are specialists and are dependent on very specific food plants as well as on a variety of plants and nesting places.

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Facts about bees

Wild bees do not produce honey, yet are more efficient pollinators of some crop plant and wild plant 1 species than honeybees. Most of the honeybee species do The best-known wild bees are bumble- not form colonies but live alone bees. The more than 560 wild bee (solitary), for example in sandy species in Germany include some 4 soils, rotting wood, plant stems or 2 40 bumblebee species. even in empty snail shells.

Wild bees are not a danger to humans. Almost a quarter of the wild bee They only sting if they are immediately species do not build their own threatened, and in many cases their nests but smuggle their eggs 3 stingers are too short to penetrate 5 into the brood cells of other bee our skin. species.

Source: design.idee/Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety

Insects are also a basic food source of other insects and other groups of A grey-backed mining bee (Andrena animals such as birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish. As- vaga) looking for a place to nest in sessments of changes in the populations of bird species in recent years sandy soil in Lüneburg Heath have shown that population declines are particularly evident in those bird species that primarily feed on small insects and spiders during the breed- ↓ ing season.

While it is important to recognise that certain insect species may pose a risk to the health of humans, animals or plants – just as some other groups of animals do – and recognising that measures to control certain insect species may continue to be necessary in future, this does not relieve us of our responsibility to act against insect decline.

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Insect conservation and protection from insects

Certain insect species can pose risks to the health of humans, animals or crop plants. These risks include certain diseases transmitted by insects as well as food losses in the field or in storage, as the following examples demonstrate.

Mosquitoes: Tormentors and disease vectors

People living in the catchments of lakelands and riverine land- scapes with extensive floodplains have been plagued by mos- quitoes for centuries. Not only are their stings very unpleasant for humans but through their saliva, mosquitoes can also trans­mit various types of pathogens. In certain regions regular measures to control mosquitoes must be taken in order to avoid mosquito plagues. This is particularly true when it comes to preventing the further spread of mosquitoes introduced from other parts of the world, such as the Asian tiger mosquito which is feared as a vector of tropical pathogens, such as the viruses causing Zika, Chikungunya fever or dengue fever.

The European and six-toothed spruce bark beetles: Inconspicuous forest killers

The European spruce bark beetle and the six-toothed spruce bark beetle are two species of bark beetle that prefer the bark of weakened spruce trees for reproduction. In the forestry sec- tor they are feared pests, as a bark beetle outbreak can result in the beetles also attacking healthy trees and killing off entire forest stands.

It is therefore necessary to control certain insect species in the interest of protecting the health of humans, animals or crop plants and food harvests. Strategies for dealing with such undesirable insect species must be developed and im- plemented. This is particularly true for invasive non-native insect species.

The drivers of insect decline are diverse and complex. Current research indicates that the main reasons for insect decline are the loss and deterio- rating quality of insect habitats, the loss of structural diversity including a diversity of wild plants, management of nature conversation areas that does not always give sufficient consideration to the needs of insects, the use of pesticides (plant protection products and biocides), the input of

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nutrients and harmful substances into soils and water bodies, and light pollution. In addition, many other influencing factors contribute to the loss or qualitative deterioration of insect habitats. It is therefore import- ant to maintain such habitats and support their restoration in both qual- ity and quantity, and to establish connectivity between them.

While there is still a considerable need for research on insect decline, there is already sufficient scientific evidence of its causes, as listed above, thus justifying an urgent need for action – including for precautionary reasons. The wider public has been paying very close attention to the significant insect decline and it is a frequently discussed topic. The public has high expectations that policymakers counteract this development, swiftly and comprehensively.

Insect decline: Scientific findings

The term “insect decline” had the six-leggers gain prominence in public discourse and make headlines in the media primarily as a result of the publication of one particular scientific study. An evaluation of data collected as part of the “Krefeld study” was published in 2017, based on the analysis of insect surveys undertaken by the Krefeld en- tomological society (Entomologischer Verein Krefeld). Using precise methodology, flying insects had been trapped and their biomass measured over a period of 27 years in 63 protected areas in Germany in the federal states of North-Rhine/Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen), Rhineland-Palatinate (Rheinland-Pfalz) and Brandenburg. Based on these data, the scientists estimate a 76 percent decline in insect biomass on average in the areas studied (Hall- mann et al. 2017).

Numerous regional or species-specific scientific studies confirm thedecline in insect species diversity, and the Red Lists are scientific evidence of the fact that insect decline is not a local or regional phenomenon but anationwide and clearly verifiable development. From as early as the 1970s, the work on the Red Lists has documented the threat to insects, using specific insect orders as examples. The current Red Lists assess 25 insect groups including just under 8,000 species and sub-species, that is 24 percent of the insect species known to occur in Germany. Data on insect decline

In the areas studied by the Krefeld entomological society, the flying insect biomass declined by an average of 76 percent over a period of 27 years.

42 % 45 percent of the insect species recorded in the of the insect species re- Red Lists show a long-term trend of population corded in the Red Lists are decline; these include 96 percent of the caddisfly considered endangered, species, 63 percent of the butterflies, 60 percent extremely rare, or already of the ants and 42 percent of the wild bees. extinct!

Numerous regional as well as European and inter- national studies confirm this insect decline trend.

Sources: Hallman et al. (2017): More than 75 percent decline over 27 years in total flying insect biomass in protected areas. In: PLoS ONE 12(10); German Red Lists (Rote Listen der gefährdeten Tier-, Pflanzen- und Pilzarten Deutschlands ); design idee/BMU

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3 Aims of the action programme

With the Action Programme for Insect Conservation (Aktionsprogramm Insektenschutz) the Federal Government aims to improve the conditions for insects and biodiversity in Germany in order to combat insect decline.

The objective of the Action Programme for Insect Conservation is to reverse the trend of declining insect abundance and species diversity.

Whether or not this objective will be met can be measured by means of the degree to which the following sub-goals are met:

→ Improvement in the Red List status of insects: • There is an overall reduction in the proportion of threatened and regionally extinct red-listed insect species. • There is an overall positive trend in the short-term with respect to the red-listed threatened insect species.

→ Increase in insect biomass while maintaining species diversity.

Baseline data for monitoring the achievement of the set goals are pro- vided by the Red Lists and, in particular, by the nationwide insect moni- toring scheme, the conceptual design and implementation of which is itself a measure as part of this programme (Measure 7.1). The planned scientific biodiversity monitoring centre (wissenschaftliches Monitoring­ zentrum für Biodiversität) will also contribute to the advancement of the insect monitoring scheme.

The long-term insect monitoring scheme will be installed incrementally and will regularly provide nationally representative data on the status and development of the insect world, thus demonstrating the effectiveness or otherwise of programmes and instruments.

In order to achieve the objectives, concrete measures will be undertaken as part of the action programme within the following nine areas of action,

as described in Chapter B: ↓ Supporting insect habitats and structural diversity in agricultural 1 landscapes The ichneumon wasps (Ichneumoni­ dae) form the most species-rich fam­ 2 Restoring and connecting insect habitats in other landscape areas ily of hymenoptera in Central Europe 3 Enhancing protected areas as insect habitats 4 Reducing the use of pesticides 5 Reducing inputs of nutrients and pollutants in soil and water 6 Mitigating light pollution 7 Intensifying research – strengthening knowledge – closing gaps

8 Improving funding – creating incentives

9 Promoting civic commitment

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At a glance: Key measures of the Action Programme for Insect Conservation

→ Binding statutory requirements under an Insect Conservation Act (Insektenschutz-Gesetz) and parallel statutory ordinances with regard to changes to nature conservation law, law on plant protec- tion products, legislation on fertiliser use, and water law

→ An additional 100 million Euro per year to promote insect conservation and expand insect research

→ Conservation and restoration of insect habitats in all areas of the landscape and in urban spaces with special consideration to A European peacock butterfly (Inachis be given to transition and boundary habitats (ecotones) io) in spring on cherry blossoms. The European peacock butterfly is a → Clear guidance on environmentally and ecologically compatible butterfly in the Nymphalidae family applications of pesticides and a significant reduction in the depos- ition of pesticides and other harmful substances in insect habitats ↓

→ Mitigation of light pollution and insects’ attraction to light

→ Promotion and support of civic commitment in all areas of society for the benefit of insects

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4 Players – effective together

Commitment by many stakeholders will be needed to halt insect decline. As this paper sets out the Federal Government’s action programme, it encompasses the measures that the Federal Government itself is able to take.

However, it will not be possible to effectively combat insect decline without the regional states (Länder) undertaking additional activities. These include, in particular, the support programmes offered by the regional states, regional state regulations, executive guidelines, strategy planning and educational offers at all levels.

Therefore it is important that the conferences of federal and regional state ministers for the environment as well as for agriculture respectively support the intention of the Federal Government to develop an Action Programme for Insect Conservation (Aktionsprogramm Insektenschutz). At the initiative of the Conference of Environment Ministers (Umweltmi- nisterkonferenz), the measures proposed by the Federal Government and the measures that are planned or are already being implemented by the Länder are to be merged into a catalogue of measures. As part of a joint initiative of the Federal Government and the Länder called “Mehr Res- pekt vor dem Insekt” (more respect for insects), the individual measures are to be combined suitably into an ongoing programme for the sustain- able protection of insects that is coordinated to the greatest possible extent.

However, effective insect conservation is not just a matter of public policy. In recent months, insect decline has received a great deal of media and pub- lic attention. For this reason, as part of a discussion phase in the autumn of 2018, the public was involved in drawing up the action programme’s

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↓

Meadows provide protection for a catalogue of measures. This participation included discussions with the variety of insects Länder and stakeholder associations, a simulation game for young people and, in particular, a four-week long online dialogue as part of which citi- zens were able to voice their opinions and contribute their own ideas for insect conservation to the discussions. A list of examples of tangible project ideas contributed by the public is given in Chapter 9. Citizen participation in the online dialogue was unusually high. Citizens contributed more than 27,500 ratings, 1,075 comments and more than 320 proposals for new measures to the online dialogue with respect to the action programme. The results of the public discussion phase were documented and taken into account when drawing up the catalogue of measures.

The public’s concern and significant interest are accompanied by an extraordinary willingness on the part of society at large to actively engage in insect protection. To their very great credit, many public and private societal players, such as municipalities, foundations, associations, educational institutions, farmers, businesses as well as citizens’ action groups and right down to individual citizens have developed and imple- mented their own practical ideas for insect conservation in recent months.

This action programme aims to further support and foster this civic commitment and existing readiness to act. Therefore, a separate area of action of this programme (Chapter B 9 – Promoting civic commit- ment) is devoted to this task. The chapter outlining this area of action also contains a list of examples of ideas for tangible project approaches to be taken by a range of different players in the interest of insect protection as contributed by citizens who took part in the online dialogue with regard to the action programme, and the pursuit of which would appear to be beneficial.

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5 The action programme in relation to other strategies and programmes

Biological diversity or “biodiversity” in short, meaning the diversity of ecosystems and species as well as genetic diversity, has for many years now been declining around the world. We humans utilise the natural environment beyond the limits of its functional capacity and threaten and destroy the natural resource base on which our lives depend. In al- most no other area has the planetary boundaries been exceeded as much as in the area of biodiversity.

The insect decline and the increasing loss of biodiversity overall are a con- crete and very clear expression of the fact that biodiversity is not doing well. Without diverse and intact ecosystems there are no insects. And vice versa: without insects there are no diverse and functional ecosystems. Biodiversity conservation and the conservation of insects are inextricably linked. Therefore, the Action Programme for Insect Conservation simul- taneously represents an active contribution to achieving the biodiversity objectives of the Federal Government.

In 1992, the international community adopted the United Nations Con- vention on Biological Diversity in order to halt biodiversity decline. All member states, including Germany, committed to developing national strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. Moreover, the conservation of biodiversity by means of the protection of terrestrial ecosystems is one of the 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, which was trans- posed into national policy via Germany’s National Sustainable Develop- ment Strategy (Deutsche Nachhaltigkeitsstrategie, DNS). The DNS set out Grasshoppers are common through­ out Germany and live in meadows, numerous measures in this regard. The protection of nature and biodiver- abandoned grasslands or even on sity are also an important concern at the EU level, prompting the EU to infrequently mown traffic islands adopt its own biodiversity strategy in 2011. ↓

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The Federal Government meets its international commitments with respect to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity with, in particular, its 2007 German National Strategy on Biological Diversity (Nationale Strategie zur biologischen Vielfalt, NBS). This ambitious and comprehensive nature conservation strategy aims at halting biodiversity decline in Germany and pushing for positive developments. The Federal Government Strategy for the Exemplary Consideration of Biodiversity on all Federal Properties (Strategie der Bundesregierung zur vorbildlichen Berücksichtigung von Biodiversitätsbelangen auf allen Flächen des Bundes, StrÖff) builds on the NBS objectives and gives them more concrete expres- sion specifically with regard to properties in federal ownership.

While there have been some partial successes in recent years, the achieve- ment of Germany’s biodiversity objectives requires substantial additional efforts on the part of the Federal Government, the Länder, and the mu- nicipal level, and preferably in all policy areas concerned. This is evident from the 2017 national report on the status of the strategy’s implemen- The six-spot burnet (Zygaena filipen­ tation, and it is one of the reasons for the announcement, as part of the dulae) is a day-flying moth coalition agreement for the 19th legislative period, that NBS implemen- tation is to be accelerated. This action programme makes an important ↓ contribution in this regard.

In addition, the Action Programme for Insect Conservation supports a number of different ongoing international processes specifically designed to protect pollinators.

In late 2018, the 14th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) held in Egypt adopted The International Pollinator Initiative Plan of Action 2018 to 2030, which sets out comprehensive recommendations for the protection of pollin- ators, addressing areas such as the promotion of policies and strategies, the implementation of suitable local measures, as well as monitoring, research and evaluation. It encourages CBD Parties to take effective measures against further pollinator decline. Relevant land user groups such as the agriculture sector, urban communities and other stakeholder groups are encouraged to directly and indirectly address the drivers of pollinator decline.

Moreover, Germany is a member of the Coalition of the Willing on Pollin- ators which was established in 2016 partly in reaction to the Assessment Report on Pollinators, Pollination and Food Production by the Intergov- ernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Ser- vices (IPBES). The coalition members commit themselves to develop and implement strategies for the protection of pollinators and their habitats.

A further initiative seeking to contribute to the global efforts for the pro- tection of pollinators is the EU Pollinators Initiative. It aims at improving scientific knowledge and tackling the known causes of pollinator decline, and promoting collaboration between all affected stakeholders.

The present action programme addresses those areas of action for pollin- ator conservation that have been identified at both the UN and EU levels, and it gives more concrete expression to the German contribution to both processes.

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B : Areas of action and measures for insect conservation

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1 Supporting insect habitats and structural diversity in agricultural landscapes

More than half of Germany’s land area is used by agriculture. Therefore, The following sections set out agricultural landscapes and the engagement of the agricultural and for- the measures in the nine areas estry sectors play an important role in providing insect habitats. Over of action that are to compre- recent decades, numerous insect species have lost their natural habitats hensively combat insect decline as a result of increased grassland management intensity, the loss of fallow and restore living conditions lands, the removal of small-scale structures in the agricultural landscape for insects in Germany. (for example field margins, hedgerows, flower-rich herbaceous ecotones and humid micro-habitats), an increasing homogeneity in croplands, and the loss of areas to non-agricultural land uses. Similarly, insect habitats are lost as a result of vegetation succession (for example by woody plants) due to under-utilisation or complete abandonment of marginal sites. This trend needs to be halted in cooperation with the agriculture and forestry sectors as well as other rural players.

Objective

To increase structural diversity in agricultural landscapes and to maintain, expand or restore insect habitats in sufficient quality and quantity, and to manage these habitats with a view to insect needs.

Profile: The marbled white butterfly (Melanargia galathea)

The marbled white butterfly is Germany’s “Butterfly of the year 2019”. It takes its name from the distinctive colouring of its upper wing surfaces. This butterfly has a wing span of four to five centimetres and can be found between June and August in meadows and woodland clearings, sand pits and many other dry locations. The female lays its eggs on the wing. The adults prefer the nectar of purple flowers such as knap- weed and plume thistle.

The marbled white is not yet endangered in Germany. The butterflies need low-nutrient meadows that are rich in flowering plants. As a re- sult of fertiliser use and early mowing, such meadows are now rare in many parts of Germany. The butterfly can be helped not only by using grassland extensively and mowing it appropriately but also by leaving or restoring verges alongside tracks and ditches.

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Measures → Spatial steering of agroecological measures on the basis of existing sectoral plans for agriculture and 1.1 The Federal Government in coordination with nature conservation (for example biotope network the regional states (Länder) will advocate for the planning, municipal landscape planning) with a needs of insect conservation as part of a German view to improving the functional connectivity of strategy plan for the EU Common Agricultural habitats and the agricultural landscape. Policy (CAP) post-2020, with a view to maintaining and creating diverse habitats as well as connecting → Measures to support all species-rich grassland types corridors for insects in the agricultural landscape. and to increase the area of grassland under extensive management as well as of species-rich specialty crops This includes the following: such as traditional extensive grassland-orchard sys­ tems or steep slope viticulture. → Consideration of measures designed to maintain and increase the area under extensively man- → Promotion of insect-friendly mowing regimes and aged grassland, to maintain, restore and establish techniques of grazing. connectivity between small-scale structures and habitats, to guarantee diverse crop rotations, and to → Maintenance and enhancement of soil biodiversity, establish – in particular as part of the conditional- for example by means of supporting reduced till­ ity obligations – minimum requirements for non- age, solid manure systems and pastured livestock, productive areas in the agricultural landscape with management that increases soil organic matter, and a view to their benefit to biodiversity and insects. continuous soil cover.

→ Effective involvement of nature conservation au- → Maintenance and enhancement of biodiversity by thorities with regard to environmental and climate means of more diverse crop rotations and extensive aspects as part of the German strategy plan. arable management aided by production-integrated measures (such as tillage plots managed with a view Description: The German CAP strategy plan will be a key to light-loving species (Lichtäcker), multi-cropping, instrument for the implementation of the EU specifica­ widely spaced drills in cereal crops, and stubble fal­ tions for the 2021 to 2027 programming period. When low). establishing instruments as part of the strategy plan, the following aspects of support for insects and their diversity → Further development of seed mixes for flowering are to be taken into consideration: strips for beneficials and biodiversity beneficial plant mixes integrated into arable plots as part of agri- → A substantial minimum proportion of non-pro­ environmental schemes, for example by adding ductive sites in the agricultural landscape that are specific locally adapted plants providing pollen not primarily devoted to agricultural production and nectar that are highly beneficial to wild bees. but primarily serve as potential habitats for insects (fallows, field margins, flower-rich herbaceous mar­ → Maintenance and restoration of plots for over­ gins, hedgerows and other small-scale structures); wintering wildlife, for example unmown grassland the extent and configuration of these sites is to be subplots, unploughed arable subplots. determined in connection with the new green archi­ tecture, without falling below current environmental → Utilising opportunities offered by digitalisation with standards. a view to facilitating the implementation of meas­ ures by farmers as well as for ease of monitoring by → Appropriate remuneration of farmers for the vol­ regional public authorities. untary provision and management of sites for the purposes of biodiversity conservation, for example → Incentives for insect-friendly forest management for refraining from applications of fertilisers or crop measures (see Chapter 2). pesticides.

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The measures should allow for an adequate level of flexi- bility, avoid unnecessary bureaucratic constraints and risks for participants, and should be developed and im­ plemented by stakeholders in agriculture in cooperation with nature conservation stakeholders. Account should be taken of the need to adequately compensate farm hold­ ings for their contribution.

Transition and boundary habitats – indispensable for insects

Diverse transition or boundary habitats (ecotones) can land often serve as overwintering areas or refuges for be found in transitional areas between different eco- many insect species, such as ground-living species systems, habitats or landscapes. In semi-natural land- in agricultural land. During periods of soil cultiva- scapes the boundaries between different ecosystems tion these species can retreat to the transition and tend not to be sharply delineated but rather gradually boundary structures. Many species overwinter in such transition from one to the next. Such transitional areas areas. Even just the loss of one component of such an can occur naturally, such as along shorelines, or can be ecological network can result in the extirpation of the due to human influences, such as cultural landscapes in population in question. The more diverse the transition central Europe. This is true for trackside verges or field and boundary habitats present in a landscape, the margins, for example, or for hedgerows bordering ar- more highly valuable the landscape for insects. In an able land. agricultural landscape more or less devoid of struc- tures, ecological quality can be improved significantly Transition and boundary habitats of sufficient width by means of targeted creation and restoration of offer a significant number of ecological niches. As a transition and boundary habitats and insect-friendly result, the abundance and species diversity of insects management thereof. tends to be particularly high in such habitats. Moreover, they serve as dispersal corridors and stepping stones The protection, restoration and enhancement of tran- in the sense of ecological networks and serve as buf- sition and boundary habitats of importance to insects fers from undesirable inputs, such as contaminants is therefore reflected in numerous measures set out originating in neighbouring ecosystems. As a result of in this action programme. This includes in particular their complex life-cycle, many insects move between the measures designed to protect insect habitats as different sub-habitats within a contiguous spatial area, part of the Areas of Action 1, 2 and 3 and the Areas for example for reproduction, larval development, or of Action 4 and 5 aimed at reducing the deposition of feeding. Moreover, areas transitioning into productive substances detrimental to insects.

23 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

1.2 The Federal Government will develop an arable → Conducting a representative sampling, based on farming strategy backed by funding. The strategy will, physiographic units, of the potential of transition among other provisions, include measures designed habitats at the municipal level in selected pilot to foster biodiversity in the agricultural landscape areas, including an analysis of changes in the road/ and to support insect conservation. track network and an estimation of the potential of railway lines and canals. Description: The Federal Government’s arable farming strategy (Ackerbaustrategie), the drafting of which was → Advocating with municipalities and their leading agreed as part of the coalition agreement between the community associations for them to check sites CDU/CSU and SPD for the 19th legislative period, will set in their ownership and, where appropriate, to take out options and a roadmap that a sustainable, that is measures to utilise those sites for insect conservation. ecologically compatible and economically viable arable farming sector enjoying strengthened societal accept­ Description: In many instances, the verges along rural ance must follow in future. In addition to safeguarding tracks have been impacted significantly by usage or have the supply of food, feed and bio-based raw materials, the disappeared altogether. Insect habitats and important strategy’s objectives and guidelines include the protection connecting corridors have been lost as a result. The mu­ of natural resources, climate protection, the adaptation nicipalities should no longer tolerate this practice on sites of arable farming to climate change, income security, the in their ownership; they should restore the verges and improvement of societal acceptance, and biodiversity take steps to enhance them for insect conservation. Some maintenance and enhancement in the agricultural land­ districts and municipalities (Soest district for example) scape. Targeted measures, especially with regard to im­ have already launched initiatives in this regard. The proving biodiversity in the agricultural landscape, are to restoration and enhancement of verges, including those give special consideration to insect conservation as part along roads, railway lines and canals, not only benefits of the arable farming strategy. insect conservation but also results in improved habitat connectivity for many other species (also see Measure 2.6 with regard to sites accompanying or ancillary to infra­ 1.3 The Federal Government will, as one aspect of its structure). support for experimental plots, investigate the opti- mal use of digital technologies in agriculture with a view to conserving biodiversity and insects. 1.5 The Federal Government will continue to sup- port the expansion of the proportion of farmland Description: The experimental plots are digitally delin- under organic management with a target of 20 percent eated trial plots on agricultural holdings intended to inves- by 2030, thus contributing to insect conservation. tigate the optimal use of digital technologies for the pur­ poses of protecting the environment, animal welfare, and Description: As part of Germany’s National Sustainable biodiversity and with a view to easing workloads, among Development Strategy, the Federal Government has set other aspects. To this end, experimental plots will be estab­ itself a target of expanding the proportion of farmland lished all over Germany starting in the second half of 2019. under organic management to 20 percent by 2030. The 2017 “Organic Farming – Looking Forwards” strategy of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) 1.4 By 2022, the Federal Government will contribute focuses on measures in five areas of action in order to to utilising, for the purposes of insect conservation, realise the organic farming sector’s growth potential: the potential of verges along agricultural tracks and Design a future-focused, coherent legal framework; sim­ other transport routes in the agricultural landscape. plify access to organic farming; fully utilise and increase potential demand; improve performance in organic agri­ This includes the following: culture systems; reward environmental services in an ap­ propriate way. Measures cover aspects ranging from the → The development of specific recommendations for advancement of European statutory instruments to the action and planning tools with regard to biodiver- development of an overall concept for the efficient remu­ sity that take into consideration the special re- neration of environmental services. The Federal Scheme quirements of insect conservation, and an ex-ante for Organic and other Forms of Sustainable Agriculture assessment of their effectiveness. (Bundesprogramm Ökologischer Landbau und andere

24 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

Formen nachhaltiger Landwirtschaft, BÖLN) is the key of measures for insect conservation (for example insect- financing instrument for the strategy’s implementation. friendly farming, establishment of insect habitats, man­ Additionally, the conversion to and maintenance of or­ agement of boundary habitats and fallows, reactivation ganic agricultural management practices is supported of verges along agricultural tracks for the purposes of financially by the Joint Task for the Improvement of insect conservation) and evaluate the measures’ success. Agricultural Structure and Coastal Protection (GAK) (Ge- The aim of the contest is to contribute to the long-term meinschaftsaufgabe Agrarstruktur und Küstenschutz, continuation of successful measures for insect conserva­ GAK) of the Federal Government and the Länder and tion and to their transferral to other regions. under Pillar 2 of the European agricultural policy.

1.6 From 2020 onward, the Federal Government will conduct a nationwide contest “Insect-friendly management of agricultural landscapes”.

Description: A nationwide contest aims at honouring re­ gions (for example municipalities and agricultural hold­ ings) which, based on a concept, implement a number

Insect conservation in organic farming

The EU legal provisions for organic agriculture and the German organic producer associations’ standards based thereon contain a range of specifications and recom- mendations that are of benefit to the maintenance and enhancement of biodiversity and the maintenance of plant and animal genetic resources. Pursuant to the EU Organic Regulation (EC Reg. 834/2007), one of the key objectives of organic production is to contribute to a high level of biological diversity (Article 3). This object- of 20 percent of the managed arable area must be ive is achieved, in particular, by means of the following cropped with legumes, a specification that goes production standards and recommendations: Foregoing beyond the EU Organic Regulation. Moreover, the the use of chemically-synthesised crop pesticides has standards recommend targeted measures to promote direct positive impacts on the living conditions of wild beneficials (preventive crop protection) with a view to fauna and flora. Limited livestock stocking densities improving the systems’ capacity for self-regulation. and feed purchases as well as the non-use of mineral Recent comparative research on arable flora, arable nitrogen fertiliser guarantee improved nutrient bal- seed banks and boundary vegetation (for example ances, and improved nitrogen balances in particular, Sanders/Hess 2019) has shown that there is clear with one of the outcomes being lower crop densities evidence of a positive impact of organic agriculture on which in turn provide more habitat and feed sources species numbers and abundance. In this context, posi- for wild flora and fauna. Weed control in organic tive effects of organic agricultural management were agriculture primarily focuses on preventive measures also confirmed for selected groups of insects. such as adapted crop rotations and mechanical as well Sources: Sanders J, Hess J (eds) (2019): Leistungen des ökolo- as thermal processes. In their production standards, gischen Landbaus für Umwelt und Gesellschaft. Braunschweig: some organic associations specify that a minimum Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut, Thünen Report 65.

25 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

2 Restoring and connecting insect habitats in other landscape areas

As in farmland, many insect habitats outside of the agricultural land- scape are in an unfavourable condition or have vanished completely. The remaining insect habitats deteriorate if they are not afforded suf- ficient protection, if they become isolated as a result of landscape frag- mentation, or if they are managed in a manner that is detrimental to insects. The restoration of insect habitats is an urgent task. Moreover, it is important to counteract the further fragmentation of habitats result- ing, among other influences, from the tight-knit transport network and infrastructure projects.

Objective

Insect habitats outside the agricultural landscape are to be restored and their quality improved. This involves the targeted creation and insect-appropriate maintenance of landscape elements, transition and boundary structures as well as the networking of habitats.

Profile:The two-spot ladybird (Adalia bipunctata)

The two-spot ladybird is up to 5.5 millimetres long and is found throughout Germany. It occurs both as a red beetle with two black spots and as a black beetle with red spots. The black form is seen mainly in autumn. On account of the dark colouring the insect is quickly warmed by the sun and therefore reproduces faster. In winter the increased activity becomes a disadvantage, be- cause the ladybird’s fat reserves are used up more quickly. In spring it is therefore the red form that is more often encountered.

The two-spot ladybird is found mainly in the tree and shrub layer on the edge of woodland and in parks and gardens. It overwinters from October until the end of April, often under bark, in thick clumps of grass or in buildings. The two-spot ladybird is an important beneficial insect: its larvae can eat up to 150 aphids per day, while adults eat up to 50. Unlike the common and likewise native seven-spot ladybird, the two-spot ladybird has no immunity to certain parasites that are transmitted by the imported harlequin ladybird.

26 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

Measures and resolve conflicting objectives within the field of insect conservation. Relevant concepts should be 2.1 From 2020 onwards, the Federal Government developed jointly by nature conservation and forest will make available additional funding for measures management stakeholders. in the area of insect-friendly forest management. Equally from 2020 onwards model concepts will be → Establishment of incentives for the development and implemented on German federal forest sites. implementation of concepts for the protection of habitat trees, old growth and deadwood in forests. This includes the following: → Maintenance and creation of internal and external → Funding for contractual conservation management forest edges and transition habitats of staggered agreements and other measures designed to support height, forest glades, forest meadows and open habi­ insects and insect diversity in forests in the context tats adjacent to forests. of the Joint Task for the Improvement of Agricul- tural Structure and Coastal Protection (Gemein­ → Support for historic and structurally rich forms of forest schaftsaufgabe Agrarstruktur und Küstenschutz,­ GAK) management, such as coppice or coppice with stand­ and the Federal Programme for Biological Diversity ards in conjunction with open habitat complexes. (Bundesprogramm Biologische Vielfalt). → Establishment of incentives for giving particular con­ → Eligibility as compensation measures of actions sideration to the concerns of insect conservation in designed to foster living conditions for insects in the context of both afforestation and reforestation (for forests. example introduction of native tree and shrub species that are particularly rich in flowers (bee forage)). → Development and implementation of guidelines for insect-friendly forest management for forests → Development and implementation of concepts in­ owned by the Federal Government, insofar as this formed by the principles of nature conservation for does not contravene the federal property’s specified the targeted creation of special patch habitats for priority purpose, and advocacy with Länder, munici- forest insects dependent on such habitats. palities and private forest owners giving impetus to them to develop and implement similar guidelines. → Management planning should more strongly inte­ grate the issue of insect conservation in the future. Description: Forests are characterised by a high site diver­ sity, structures and specific plant species offering insects → Measures for the implementation of wilderness ob­ of all kinds food and habitats for their development. The jectives as part of the German National Strategy on many opportunities of sustainable and close-to-nature Biological Diversity. forest management give rise to a range of different insect communities. Insects visiting the inflorescences of trees, for example, are dependent on habitat conditions different to 2.2 With a view to improving insect conservation those required by insects living in and of wood. in the areas of water bodies, the Federal Government will amend the existing provision on riparian buffer The following approaches are intended to help for­ strips (Section 38 WHG) of the Federal Water Act. It est management to identify, raise awareness and take will also further advance the restoration of water greater account of and implement the concerns of con­ bodies and floodplains as part of “Germany’s Blue servation of insects and their diversity: Belt” programme (Blaues Band Deutschland).

→ Development and implementation of specific con­ This includes the following: servation concepts for insects and insect diversity in forests, differentiated, for example, by species groups → Amendment of the provision on riparian buffer or ecological guilds. Differentiated concepts are also strips (Section 38) of the Federal Water Act (Was­ required, in particular, for awareness-raising, for the serhaushaltsgesetz, WHG), in coordination with the identification of hotspots, and in order to identify provisions on the use of plant protection products

27 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

and fertilisers alongside water bodies (see Measures near-natural development of habitats in and alongside 4.1 and 5.1). of watercourses and standing waters in conjunction with improvements in water body structure and dynamics, not → Consistent implementation of Germany’s Blue only for insect conservation. Belt programme (Bundesprogramm Blaues Band Deutschland) for the restoration of watercourses With its “Germany’s Blue Belt” programme as adopted and floodplains. in 2017, the Federal Government aims at establishing a habitat network of national importance along federal Description: Riparian buffer strips and the margins of waterways. Its focus is on restoration measures in the sec­ standing waters can provide a diverse range of habitats ondary network which comprises 2,800 kilometers of fed­ for species-rich insect communities. These marginal eral waterways. The Federal Environment Ministry (BMU) strips also serve as buffers against inputs of nutrients and will establish a separate support programme for floodplain harmful substances, thus also contributing to improve­ restoration, with insect conservation being an integral ments in water quality. It is important to expedite the component. For the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive along federal waterways, the Federal Government will launch a legislative initiative with a view to enabling the Federal Waterways and Shipping Adminis­ tration (Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes) to assume authority for watercourse development of federal waterways, insofar as this is necessary to achieve the objectives of the Water Framework Directive.

Insect Conservation Act statutory ordinances will continue to fall under the aegis of the relevant competent ministries. In view of the diverse and complex drivers of insect decline, the Action Programme for Insect Conservation In particular, this concerns the following measures: focuses on a set of measures ranging from legislative changes, financial support schemes, recommendations → Amendments to the Federal Nature Conservation and guidelines to monitoring and research. Act (Bundesnaturschutzgesetz, BNatSchG) ∙ Additions to the list of legally protected biotopes Important legislative changes planned as part of the (Measure 3.2) action programme are to be combined into an Insect ∙ Strengthening of landscape planning (2.4) Conservation Act in the form of an omnibus law ac- companied by parallel statutory ordinances. The draft- → Amendments to the provision on riparian buffer ing of the individual provisions of this act and of the strips as part of the Federal Water Act (2.2)

→ Amendments to the Ordinance on the Use of Plant Protection Products (Pflanzenschutz-Anwendungs­ verordnung) ∙ Prohibition of the application of plant protection products that are of particular relevance to insects in ecologically particularly vulnerable areas (4.1) ∙ Restriction and cessation of the use of plant protection products containing glyphosate and substances having similar effects (4.3)

→ Amendments to the Fertiliser Ordinance (Dünge­ verordnung) with a view to advancing the provi- sions on fertiliser applications (5.1)

28 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

2.3 As part of its urban nature master plan (Master- → Amendments to the Federal Nature Conservation plan Stadtnatur) the Federal Government will initiate Act (Bundesnaturschutzgesetz, BNatSchG) with measures to promote insect diversity in urban areas. a view to strengthening landscape planning and thus contributing to insect conservation. This includes the following: → Spatial steering of compensatory measures on the → Support for municipalities with a view to insect- basis of suitable nature conservation sectoral plans friendly green space management, the use of site- (for example biotope network planning, municipal- appropriate insect-friendly plants including trees level landscape planning) with a view to improving and shrubs as well as the establishment of nesting the functional connectivity of habitats. sites. → Measures to restore connectivity along major → Inclusion of the concerns of nature conservation federal roads. into federal support instruments of relevance to insect conservation. Description: It is essential that the supra-regional bio­ tope network be completed in order to create additional → Knowledge transfer and awareness-raising on the and interconnected habitats, including insect habitats. issue of urban nature. Landscape planning is the key planning instrument to achieve the objectives of nature conservation and Description: While the spread of settlements contrib­ landscape management. It specifies in greater detail the utes to reducing available nesting and feeding sites and objectives of nature conservation and landscape man­ thus puts insect habitats at risk, there is great potential agement at a local and supra-local spatial level for the in urban areas as well as villages to contribute to insect entire territory of a municipality. Landscape planning in conservation. Gardens, parks and traffic islands that are particular should be improved when it comes to advanc­ designed to be near-natural or rich in structures and ing the restoration and qualitative enhancement of insect species can constitute important habitats for insects in habitats, especially with regard to their spatial connec­ urban areas. Near-natural and thus insect-friendly green tivity. Landscape planning is also to be strengthened in space management and appropriate interventions such legal terms with a view to insect conservation, so as to be as insect-friendly mowing regimes or insect-compatible in a better position to fulfil its functions in the future. The mowing techniques can further enhance insect habi­ reinforcement of the biotope network is to be undertaken tats in and around settlements. The measures listed are whilst showing the highest possible consideration for the designed, in particular, to improve food sources for retention of existing agricultural areas. flower-visiting insects as well as to improve nesting and overwintering sites for insects in urban areas. A large number of municipalities have already carried out their 2.5 The Federal Government will support the own insect conservation projects, for example Frankfurt, improve­ment of mitigation and compensation meas- Cologne and Donzdorf. ures with a view to their effectiveness for insect con- servation.

2.4 The Federal Government will strengthen insect This includes the following: conservation in planning processes. → Review of existing compensation sites in terms of This includes the following: their effectiveness as regards their support for in- sects and insect diversity. → Specification in greater detail, pursuant to Sec- tion 2(1) of the Federal Regional Planning Act → Development of instructions for taking into con- (Raumordnungsgesetz, ROG), of the principles of sideration insect groups in mitigation and com- regional development with a view to improving pensation measures. the implementation of the supra-regional biotope network and in order to safeguard the necessary Description: When the realisation of infrastructure pro­ sites. jects results in significant adverse impacts on nature and

29 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

the landscape despite set avoidance and mitigation meas­ → Development of specifications for the management ures, measures will need to be taken to compensate for the and maintenance of properties in federal ownership intervention. There tend to be significant knowledge gaps with a view to improved insect conservation. as to the effectiveness of compensation measures for insect conservation. In light of the loss of insect diversity, miti­ Description: Properties in federal ownership are used for gation and compensation measures in the context of the a range of different purposes and are of widely divergent intervention provisions contained in nature conservation sizes, from small urban sites with individual buildings to law must also be targeted at insect conservation. Suitable medium-sized areas containing several office buildings measures for the restoration of habitats for insect species and up to several hectares in size, such as sites used by the are to be derived from the findings of analyses of the ef­ German army in particular. fectiveness of existing compensation sites; these are to be incorporated into relevant instructions. In its operation and maintenance of properties in federal ownership, including sites ancillary to federal transport routes such as federal waterways, major federal roads 2.6 The Federal Government will advance the man- and the railway infrastructure, the Federal Government agement of properties in federal ownership as well as will duly serve as a role model and optimise its activities of sites accompanying and ancillary to infrastructure with a view to fostering insects and insect diversity. This with a view to insect conservation. action programme will not affect the provisions of Sec­ tion 4 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG, This includes the following: Safeguarding the functionality of areas devoted to public purposes). Even when federal properties are primar­ → Orientation of operational services on sites ancil- ily devoted to federal tasks (e.g. sites for military exer­ lary to infrastructure toward the promotion of cises) and their designated use must be guaranteed, site insect diversity, for example by means of specifica- management is to take into account aspects of insect tions for road maintenance services working dir- conservation. This takes account not only of the Federal ectly for or on behalf of the Federal Government, Government Strategy for the Exemplary Consideration for railway operational areas, and for corridor of Biodiversity on all Federal Property (StrÖff) but also management under interstate ultra-high voltage of the provisions of the Federal Nature Conservation Act power lines. (BNatSchG) which specify that in the management of

30 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

land in public ownership or custody particular consid­ Description: Undeveloped sites that are unfragmented eration is to be given to the concerns of nature conserva­ and unspoilt by urban sprawl in the municipal “Außen- tion and landscape management. bereich”, that is outside of the legally defined built-up area, are important habitats for insects. The use and – in its most extreme form – sealing of such areas generally results in 2.7 The Federal Government will take action to a loss of biodiversity, a loss of natural soil functions and a achieve the objective to limit the increase in land take loss of fertile agricultural land. The planned dialogues will for housing and transport to less than 30 hectares per build on the most recent recommendations issued by the day by 2030 and, in the long term, to net zero by 2050, German Institute of Urban Affairs (Deutsches Instituts für as set out in Germany’s National Sustainable Devel- Urbanistik) whose Action Plan Report summarises con­ opment Strategy. structive instruments designed to reduce land consump­ tion. The aim will be to discuss solutions for how to better This includes the following: utilise existing recommendations and practical guidelines in municipal practice. As part of the quantification of land → Conducting a broad dialogue in 2019 between the saving targets in spatial planning practice, questions are Federal Government, the regional states (Länder) also to be raised as to the issues around land consump­ and the municipalities regarding the improved tion and their connection to strengthening the concerns of application of instruments for inner urban devel- insect conservation, nature and landscape in the context of opment. general agricultural structural funding.

→ Advocating with the Länder for their applica- tion of the new regional planning clause with 2.8 The Federal Government together with the respect to land consumption (Section 2(2) No. 6, region­al states (Länder) will develop national species sentence 3, Federal Regional Planning Act), that is action plans for selected insect species with a view to to quantify land savings targets as set out in the facilitating targeted supra-regional measures. clause, and to clearly state and implement rele- vant specifications. This includes the following:

→ Selection of species for which Germany has a na- tional responsibility for their global protection, that are highly endangered and/or that are pro- tected under law and for which therefore there is an urgent need for action.

→ Development of national species action plans for the above-mentioned species that occur in multiple Länder and have specific habitat requirements.

→ More detailed specification of species-specific conser­vation and protection measures.

Description: The targeted protection of specific en­ dangered insect species – especially species for which Germany has national responsibility – necessitates supra-regional action plans that go beyond general habitat management or protected area management. These species action plans should be developed jointly with the Länder, be discussed with affected stakeholders at an early stage, and be developed in cooperation with those stakeholders.

31 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

3 Enhancing protected areas as insect habitats

Site protection is one of the most important instruments of nature con- servation and landscape management. Protected areas directly contribute to the maintenance of species and their habitats. However, significant insect decline is also evident in protected areas. Internal and external influences often contribute to conservation objectives not being achieved.

Objective

The objective is to significantly improve conditions for insects in protected areas.

Profile: The ornate bluet (Coenagrion ornatum)

The ornate bluet is a damselfly with a body up to three centimetres long and a wing span of up to five centimetres. It is black and blue in colour and can be seen from the end of May until early August. The preferred habitat of the ornate bluet is small, sunny streams such as meadow ditches. For its larvae it needs dense vegetation with aquatic plants.

The ornate bluet is extremely rare in Germany and the German Red List classifies it as “critically en- dangered”. This damselfly is under threat mainly as a result of the direct loss of suitable streams and their banks or deterioration of their water quality, dynamics and structure. The ornate bluet does not travel significant distances and this makes it difficult for it to colonise new sites. To conserve the species, it is essential to systematically pro- tect existing populations, especially through appropriate management of protected areas.

32 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

Measures

3.1 By 2020, the Federal Government will embed insect conservation in the planned National Action Plan for Protected Areas (Aktionsplan Schutzgebiete).

This includes the following:

→ Inclusion of measures that take insect conserva- tion into account, for the purposes of optimising the network of protected areas by enhancing con- nectivity between protected areas, by improving the integration of protected areas into broader landscapes, and by improving the quality and ef- fectiveness of protected area management.

→ Joint reflections, together with the regional states (Länder), with regard to improving the protection cultural landscapes and constitute important habitats for of the surroundings of protected areas (buffering) so a large number of insect species. Therefore these biotopes as to avoid adverse boundary effects – for example are to be afforded protection under Section 30 of the Fed­ as a result of the deposition of substances – in pro- eral Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG). A number of tected areas (for example by means of contractual habitats that are important for many insect species are conservation agreements). already protected under the Federal Nature Conservation Act (for example xeric and semi-dry grasslands, scrub on → Funding of insect conservation measures in pro- warm dry sites, near-natural waterbodies and a number tected areas under the Federal Programme on of damp habitats). Habitats that improve the situation of Biological Diversity (Bundesprogramm Biologische insects in the intensively utilised agricultural landscape are Vielfalt). now to be added to this list with a view to increasing the food supply (flowers) and structural diversity (reproduc­ Description: The National Action Plan for Protected tion, cover) for insects. As a result of this legal protection, Areas is being developed jointly by the Federal Govern­ actions that could lead to the destruction or other signifi­ ment and the regional states (Länder). It is the aim of the cant adverse effects on such biotopes will be prohibited. action plan to advance the German network of protected This will be without prejudice to the safeguarding of the areas with a view to meeting current and future chal­ functionality of areas devoted to public transportation. lenges. In this context, the contribution of protected areas Measures required for the maintenance and insect-friendly to the conservation and enhancement of habitats and management of these biotopes will continue to be per­ species in Germany is to be strengthened, with a focus mitted, as will the provision of financial support for such on improving the quality of protected areas. This will measures. Moreover, it is the Federal Government’s object- also include measures that promote insect conservation ive that biotopes of particular importance for insect pro­ in protected areas and measures that protect the buffers tection will be newly established. The extent to which the to protected areas. Germany’s national natural heritage provisions of Section 68 BNatSchG on “restrictions pertain­ sites will also be taken into account. ing to property; compensation and adjustment” will apply would need to be determined on a case-by-case basis.

3.2 By 2021, the Federal Government will add bio- topes of special importance to insect conservation to 3.3 In 2019, the Federal Government will submit a the list of biotopes legally protected under Section 30 proposal to the German National Committee for the of the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG). UNESCO Programme “Man and the Biosphere” (MAB) to give greater consideration to insect conservation Description: Species-rich grassland and sparse orchards in their framework concepts for German Biosphere as well as drystone walls and clearance cairns in the open Reserves in their role as pilot landscapes for sustain- landscape are components of extensive, structurally rich able development.

33 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

This includes the following: → Assessment of the transferability of the pro- grammes of measures to German nature parks. → Development of programmes of measures for insect conservation in the buffer zones and transition Description: The different categories of protected areas areas of Germany’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. jointly contribute to insect conservation but do so in different ways. Given their overall objectives, Biosphere → Advancement of international activities on insect Reserves are particularly well-suited to strengthen insect conservation in the global network of UNESCO conservation in those areas of the reserves where there is Biosphere Reserves. agricultural or forestry use. The central role of Biosphere Reserves is to protect and enhance valuable cultural → Support for the implementation of pilot pro- landscapes and the historically evolved diversity of spe­ grammes of measures on insect conservation by cies and habitats they contain. The buffer zones and the Biosphere Reserve administrations of the re- transition areas in particular offer significant potential gional states (Länder) in the context of the Federal for pilot schemes designed to enhance existing insect Programme on Biological Diversity (Bundespro­ habitats. gramm Biologische Vielfalt).

34 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

4 Reducing the use of pesticides

Plant protection products and biocides (pesticides), both of which are used to control harmful organisms, may have adverse impacts on non- target insects even though they are officially authorised.

Objective

The Action Programme for Insect Conservation aims at signifi- cantly reducing adverse impacts on non-target insects resulting from applications of plant protection products and biocides.

Profile:The buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris)

The buff-tailed bumblebee is one of the largest bumblebee species. It is black with two yellow bands and a white tip to its abdomen. The queen can be almost three centimetres long. She hibernates in a hole in the ground or in dry foliage, emerging in the early spring to find a suitable place for her nest on or close to the ground. The queen rears the larvae from the first clutch of eggs alone. During this time she visits up to 6,000 flowers to find sufficient food. Later, up to 500 workers take on the task of rearing the young.

The buff-tailed bumblebee is common and can do well in almost all landscapes. Because it is an excellent pollinator of some crops, it is bred for use in greenhouses and on fruit farms. It is a generalist that gathers the nectar and pollen of a wide variety of plants. However, like other bees it depends on the sufficient availability of blossom close to its nest.

35 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

Measures their habitats it is indispensable that the application of plant protection products and biocides of particular rele- 4.1 From 2021, the Federal Government will prohibit vance to insects is prohibited in certain areas which for the use of plant protection products and biocides of reasons of nature conservation require particularly strict particular relevance to insects in ecologically particu- protection, as well as on sites adjacent to bodies of water. larly vulnerable areas. This does not affect measures required for the main­ tenance and insect-friendly management of habitats This includes the following: legally protected under Section 30 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act. The extent to which the provisions → Prohibition of the use of herbicides as well as of of Section 68 BNatSchG on compensation will apply to insecticides that are harmful to biodiversity in provisions on plant protection egislation will need to be Special Areas of Conservation as defined in the determined. European Union’s Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), nature conservation areas, national parks, national nature monuments, nature monuments and legally 4.2 The Federal Government considers the “refugial protected biotopes pursuant to Section 30 of the sites approach” to be a suitable approach to making Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG). The the use of broad-spectrum herbicides, other herbi- prohibition will additionally apply in Special Pro- cides injurious to biodiversity as well as of insecti- tection Areas for Birds (Directive 2009/147/EC) that cides detrimental to biodiversity conditional upon are of importance to insect conservation as deter- the presence of refugial sites on and adjacent to the mined by the regional states (Länder) on their own application sites. authority. The Länder are to be authorised to ex- clude forest sites from this prohibition for reasons Description: The presence of suitable and sufficiently of public health or in order to conserve forests in large refuges (“refugial sites”) on and adjacent to sites in cases of calamities. Reference is made to the option the agricultural landscape on which herbicides or insecti­ already existing under legislation on plant protec- cides are applied is to compensate for adverse impacts of tion products to exempt necessary management certain plant protection products on biodiversity. measures from such prohibitions.

→ In the field of plant protection legislation: Specifi- 4.3 Using a systematic reduction strategy to be cation of mandatory minimum distances to water initiated in 2020, the Federal Government will sig- bodies to be kept when applying plant protection nificantly limit the use of plant protection products products, with the exception of small water bodies containing glyphosate and substances having similar of minor importance to water management: five effects by amending the Federal ordinance on bans metres where the distance is under continuous on the use of plant protection products (Verordnung green cover, otherwise ten metres. The regional über Anwendungsverbote für Pflanzenschutzmittel) states (Länder) may use modified distance rules in and completely phase out the use of plant protection lowland areas that are rich in water bodies. products containing glyphosate by 2023.

→ Initiation of a practice-oriented dialogue with the This includes the following: Länder on how to effectively protect insects in and along minor water bodies from the impacts of → A mandatory ban on the use of plant protection pesticide applications in adjacent areas. prod­ucts containing glyphosate as of 31 December 2023. → Transferral of the rules applying to the use of plant protection products in particularly vulnerable → A ban on the use of plant protection products con- areas to biocides. taining glyphosate and substances having similar effects going beyond the site categories listed in Description: Insects and their habitats are to be given Measure 4.1 to include the core and buffer zones special protection in ecologically particularly vulnerable of biosphere reserves as well as the protected areas. In order to avoid adverse impacts on insects and areas surrounding source waters and recognised

36 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

medicinal springs, provided there is no legal or con- tractual prohibition on ploughing in such areas.

→ In the run-up to 31 December 2023, a substan- tial reduction in the quantities applied of plant protection products containing glyphosate, to be achieved, inter alia, by means of prohibiting their use in private homes, gardens and allotments and on sites intended for public use, as well as a pro- hibition on pre-harvest applications and signifi- cant restrictions on pre-sowing and post-harvest applications.

→ Application of the regulatory concept described in Measure 4.2.

Description: Glyphosate is a particularly significant and widely used plant protection product in terms of the quantities used and the acreage to which it is applied. It inhibits the synthesis of certain amino acids essential for growth in all green plants and completely kills the plants. Broad-spectrum herbicides such as glyphosate therefore also remove plants on which many insect species depend as a food source.

4.4 By 2021, the Federal Government will strengthen its efforts to date for the protection of the environ- ment and of insects in particular with regard to the regulations governing pesticide use, and will ensure that the authorisation processes for plant protection products will take proper consideration of the need to protect non-target organisms, biodiversity and sufficient expertise. Moreover, biodiversity conservation is ecosystems. to be safeguarded when it comes to the authorisation of plant protection products. This is to be achieved, amongst Description: Plant protection products can have adverse other things, by advancing the risk assessment for plant impacts on biodiversity in our cultural landscapes by protection products as part of European and German damaging non-target organisms. They either affect the legislation on plant protection products, especially with organisms directly or eliminate their food sources by regard to risks to insects. means of food web effects. In order to reduce the risks to insects, insect protection is to be taken into consideration The regulations in force with regard to plant protection to a much greater extent when it comes to the use of plant products are also to be transferred to biocides character­ protection products and biocides. The aim of affording ised by comparable exposition and emission scenarios. greater protection to insects as a result of an overall more environmentally compatible use of plant protection products and biocides is further to be achieved by means 4.5 From 2020, the Federal Government will refrain of support for drift-reducing technology, improved tech­ from applications of plant protection products and nical advisory services, and by an expansion of training biocides on federal properties, unless so warranted offers for users of plant protection products and biocides. for overriding reasons. The Federal Government will Given the importance of insects, the use of plant protec­ also advocate that further cities, towns and munici- tion products in Germany is to be made conditional upon palities follow suit.

37 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

Description: Federal properties are required for federal → Increased information and awareness-raising of tasks and are designed and managed accordingly. As the general public on the issue of biocides, provi- part of their intended purpose they may serve as role sion of advice to consumers on alternative means models when it comes to avoiding adverse impacts of of pest control, prevention by means of the further plant protection products and biocides with a view to development and maintenance of the biocide por- protecting insects. Therefore, on its properties the Federal tal and other targeted provision of information, Government will refrain from applications of plant pro­ and legal integration of the duty of disclosure. tection products and biocides as well as from using other procedures detrimental to insects, with the exception of Description: The broad range of biocides also includes sites hosting research establishments used for scientific insecticides. Like other pesticides, biocides do require purposes. Where this is not fully achievable due to over­ authorisation and authorised biocides do have targeted riding interests, such as interests of traffic safety, public impacts on organisms. They should therefore be used as health, food safety or with a view to the federal property’s sparingly as possible and their use should precisely follow specified priority purpose, the latest and least-impact the instructions set out in the authorisation. To ensure technology will be used and applications will be as tar­ that this is the case, and going beyond the authorisation geted, selective and sparing as possible. process, rules must be established with a view to restrict­ ing the sales and use of biocides. To this end, the Federal Many municipalities have joined the “Pesticide Free Government aims at setting out in greater detail what Communities” (Pestizidfreie Kommunen) initiative. The constitutes necessary expertise when it comes to danger­ Federal Government will support this initiative. More- ous biocides authorised “for trained professionals only”. over, the Federal Government will advocate with other Overall, the term “trained professional” should be defined municipalities as well as with the regional states (Länder) so precisely that risks resulting from the use of biocides – and other public entities for them to refrain from using especially risks to non-target organisms and thus also to plant protection products and biocides. insects – will be reduced significantly.

Moreover, controlled sales in the retail trade aims at 4.6 With reference to legislation on plant protec- ensuring that competent staff make buyers aware of the tion products, the Federal Government will lay down products’ potential damage to the environment and that more specific requirements for sales and use of bio- they advise customers with a view to strongly limiting the cides, with the aim of reducing, as far as possible, the use of biocidal products. environmental burden of biocides.

This includes the following:

→ Evaluation of all areas where biocides are used and where they may have adverse impacts on the environment and, in particular, on insects.

→ Restriction of biocide use by means of establishing rules on training requirements modelled on cor- responding rules under legislation on plant protec- tion products.

→ Restriction to the currently uncontrolled sales of certain biocides, and especially of those biocides intended to control insects as well as of other biocides pursuant to the results of the evaluation referred to under the first bullet point above.

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5 Reducing inputs of nutrients and pollutants in soil and water

Excessively high inputs of nutrients, especially nitrogen, from agriculture, transport, energy and other sectors reduce the diversity and quality of habitats and eliminate important food plants for insects.

Objective

The Action Programme for Insect Conservation aims to further re- duce nitrogen surpluses and thus nitrogen emissions as well as soil and water pollution, including those from wastewater treatment effluents and veterinary medicinal products.

Profile:The rattle grasshopper (Psophus stridulus)

The rattle grasshopper lives mainly in dry, frequently stony areas; it favours dry grasslands and meadows in mountainous regions, forest clearings and juniper heaths. It is up to four centimetres long and yel- lowy brown to grey or almost black in colour; it feeds predominantly on herbaceous plants. Its bright red hindwings are visible only in flight. When flying, the males can produce a loud rattling sound with their wings, hence the name of the species.

In Germany the rattle grasshop- per is classed as endangered. The species is already extinct in some regional states: it is now found only in Brandenburg, Bavaria and Baden- Wuerttemberg, and even in these ar- eas populations are declining sharply, mainly because dry, low-nutrient sites and suitable habitats are being lost as a result of more intensive farming and the abandonment of extensive management practices.

39 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

Measures → Ban on autumn fertiliser applications on winter rape or winter barley as well as on catch crops not 5.1 In 2020, the Federal Government will refine the used as livestock fodder (winter rape to be exempted provisions on the use of fertilisers. where a soil sample shows that available soil nitro- gen is below 45 kilograms of nitrogen per hectare). This includes the following foreseen measures which can reasonably be expected to have positive effects on → Nitrogen fertiliser applications for crops sown or insect habitats: planted after 1st of February to be permitted only if a catch crop was grown on the plot in question Nationwide measures: in the autumn of the previous year (exemptions where the preceding crop was harvested late in → Limiting autumn applications of liquid organic autumn and in particularly dry regions). fertilisers on grassland to 80 kilograms of nitrogen per hectare. → Extension by two weeks of the period during which fertilisers may not be applied to grassland → Increasing the width of riparian buffer strips that (15th of October to 31st of January; currently 1st of must not receive fertiliser from the current 5 metres November to 31st of January). to a width of 10 metres, and immediate incorpora- tion of fertilisers into soil on sloping ground with a → Opening up of the catalogue of measures for add- slope of 15 percent or greater. itional measures to be taken in areas with particu- larly high nitrate levels to allow the regional states → Increasing the width of riparian buffer strips that (Länder) to take solution-oriented action. must not receive fertiliser from the current 1 metre to a width of 2 metres on sloping ground with a slope of between 5 percent and 10 percent.

→ Mandatory splitting of applications on sloping ground with a slope of 10 percent or greater where the fertiliser requirement exceeds 80 kilograms of nitrogen per hectare.

→ Reduction of the incorporation period for liquid farm manure to one hour from 1 February 2025 where it is applied to untilled arable land.

Measures in areas with particularly high nitrate levels:

→ Mandatory reduction of fertiliser requirements by an average of 20 percent across all farmed plots of a farm holding where the plots are located in nitrate-polluted areas (exemptions for permanent grassland plots and for water-friendly farms ap- plying less than 160 kilograms of total nitrogen per hectare of which no more than 80 kilograms is applied in the form of mineral fertilisers).

→ Mandatory maximum applications of organic and organic-mineral fertilisers per plot of 170 kilo- grams of nitrogen per hectare (does not apply to water-friendly farms; see above).

40 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

Description: The deposition in the environment of nitro­ Description: Pursuant to Section 4 of the 43rd Ordinance gen and phosphorus from fertiliser applications, on the Implementation of the Federal Immission Con­ levels out natural variations in habitat conditions for trol Act (43. Bundes-Immissionsschutzverordnung , insects and adversely impacts on ecologically sensitive BImSchV­) which transposes Article 6 of the new NEC Dir- areas. A reduction in nutrient deposition in the environ­ ective (Directive (EU) 2016/2284), Germany was obliged ment is thus also necessary for purposes of insect protec­ to submit a National Air Pollution Control Programme tion. The measures to be introduced in the context of to the EU Commission by 1 April 2019 which sets out the a renewed adaptation of the Fertiliser Ordinance (Dünge­ emissions reduction commitments for 2020 and 2030, verordnung) are designed to contribute to reducing ni­ amongst other things for nitrogen oxides and ammonia. trogen deposition in waters and insect habitats. The programme must meet certain substantive and for­ mal criteria set out in the Directive and must be updated every four years. It describes and quantifies the emission 5.2 In its National Air Pollution Control Programme reduction potential of measures to reduce nitrogen emis­ pursuant to the EU Directive on National Emission sions to airfrom the agricultural, energy, transport and Ceilings (new NEC Directive), the Federal Govern- other sectors. ment describes the measures suited to achieving the emissions reduction commitments, implements these The National Air Pollution Control Programme was or equivalent measures, and promotes their use in approved by the Federal Cabinet on 22 May 2019 and order to reduce nitrogen emissions and to achieve the submitted to the European Commission immediately emissions reduction commitments. thereafter. The measures are to be implemented so that the Directive’s emissions reduction commitments are met. In future updates, the measures are to be reviewed with regard to their necessity and suitability.

41 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

5.3 By 2021, the Federal Government will develop an → Development of strategies and measures to reduce action programme to reduce nitrogen emissions. Its emissions of trace substances into the environ- measures will as well contribute to preserve biodiver- ment (Spurenstoffstrategie). sity and thus to insect conservation. Description: Reductions in emissions of organic and Description: Nitrogen emissions primarily arise in the inorganic pollutants from wastewater treatment are of agri-food sector, in the mobility and transport sector as particular importance to aquatic insect larvae. These well as in the production and consumption of energy. pollutant loads are to be further reduced. Almost two thirds of the 1.6 million tonnes of nitrogen emitted every year in Germany arise in the farming sec­ tor. The remainder consists of emissions from transport, 5.5 The Federal Government will take measures to the industry/energy sector and wastewater treatment/ reduce the risks to insects resulting from the use of surface run-off at between 9 and 15 percent each. These veterinary medicinal products. emissions seriously affect ecological systems: This includes the following: → Pollution of air quality (nitrous oxides, ammonia and formation of secondary particulate matter) and → Research on the potential exposure of insects, and groundwater quality (nitrates), particularly of insects feeding on faeces (scatopha- gous insects), resulting from the use of substances → eutrophication of inland waters and the sea, soils contained in antiparasitics and on potential im- and terrestrial ecosystems (as forests for example), pacts thereof, taking into account recent scientific findings. → loss of biodiversity resulting from eutrophication and acidification, high emissions of nitrous oxide emis­ → Optimisation of risk mitigation measures, espe- sions and as a consequence contribution to climate cially with regard to scatophagous insects. change. Description: Veterinary medicinal products such as Based on the Federal Government’s first Nitrogen Report anthelmintics and their residues in faeces of grazing published in May 2017, the Federal Ministry for the En- livestock may harm scatophagous insects such as dung vironment is currently working on an action programme beetles. As part of the authorisation process for veterinary to reduce nitrogen emissions. The programme will contain medicinal products, the Federal Environment Agency concrete measures designed to reduce emissions across all (Umweltbundesamt) in consultation with the Federal sectors to reach environmentally compatible levels. This Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (Bundes- will also contribute to improving habitat protection out­ amt für Verbraucherschutz und Lebensmittelsicher- side of agricultural lands. The action programme is to be heit) conducts the environmental risk assessment. The decidedby the Federal Government by 2021. Reductions in Federal Government is committed to ensuring that the total nitrogen emissions are important not only to protect risk assessment methods will be further developed, tak­ biodiversity but also to mitigate climate change. ing into consideration the latest scientific findings with regard to the substances’ impacts, and especially impacts on scatophagous insects. This will aid, in particular, the 5.4 The Federal Government in cooperation with advancement of adequate and targeted risk mitigation the regional states (Länder) will develop measures measures aimed at protecting human and animal health. aimed at improving wastewater treatment with a view to creating more favourable conditions for in- sects in watercourses.

This includes the following:

→ Adaptation of the technological standards of mu- nicipal wastewater treatment plants with a view to effluent nutrient profiles as set out in the Waste- water Ordinance (Abwasserverordnung, AbwV).

42 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

6 Mitigating light pollution

Nocturnal insects are attracted by artificial sources of light and either die at the source of light or fall victim to predators. This behaviour by insects – beginning with their attraction to light and ending with their death – is colloquially termed the “vacuum effect”. As a result of the insects’ attrac- tion to light, billions of them leave their normal habitats and then can no longer perform their usual feeding and reproductive behaviour.

Objective

The Action Programme for Insect Conservation aims at contribut- ing to an overall reduction in light pollution and to the conversion to insect-friendly light sources.

Profile: Caddisflies (Trichoptera)

More than 300 different species of caddisfly occur in Germany. Distinguishing between them is a task for specialists, as only a few species can be identified at a glance. Adult caddisflies have long antennae and a long body with wings that are tent-like when folded. Caddisflies spend most of their lives as larvae in still or moving water. The larvae of many species surround their abdomen with a protective case made of pebbles and pieces of leaf, twig or reed held together with silk. The presence of caddisfly larvae is often used as an indicator of water quality. Some species thrive only in water of good or very good quality. The adult insects live for no more than four weeks.

Caddisflies and their larvae are an important part of the diet of a num- ber of fish and water birds. Adult caddisflies are active at dusk and during the night and they are attracted by light. Reducing light pollu- tion benefits not only caddisflies but also many other nocturnal flying insects.

43 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

Measures technical specifications for insect-friendly lighting (for example with respect to colour temperature or wave­ 6.1 By 2021, the Federal Government will prepare length). In future these are to be established more firmly statutory provisions aimed at further reducing light in funding programmes such as the Local Authorities pollution and its adverse impacts on insects. Guideline.

Description: There are several parameters that offer potential for avoiding light pollution and mitigating in­ 6.3 The Federal Government will establish product- sects’ attraction to light. These include wavelength, col­ related regulations so as to favour the development of our temperature, light intensity, beam direction, intel­ insect-friendly lamps. ligent control, and lighting duration. Specifications are to be prepared for the design and operation of artificial This includes the following: light sources that are of particular significance for insect conservation, such as public streetlights and the illu­ → Taking into consideration the technical require- mination of public buildings. The aim is to reduce the ments and criteria for insect protection in the attracting effects of light installations on insects while product group-specific ecodesign requirements for taking into consideration the requirements of (traffic) lighting based on the European Ecodesign Direct- safety. In addition, the Federal Government plans to ive. prohibit, by means of nature conservation legislation, the production, ownership, placing on the market and use → Integration of insect protection into the certifica- of non-specific light traps (so-called “insect extermin- tion criteria for the Blue Angel ecolabel (Blauer ator lights”). Engel) for lamps.

→ Commitment on the part of the Federal Govern- 6.2 The Federal Government will review and ad- ment to push for a review and amendment of the vance, as appropriate, its funding programmes with relevant standards (for example DIN EN 13201, a view to adverse impacts on insects resulting from 12464-2, 12193) for all types of lighting in the lighting. “Außenbereich”, that is outside of the legally defined built-up area, in accordance with state- This includes the following: of-the-art science and technology and with a view to avoiding adverse impacts on insects. → Taking into account technical specifications and criteria to be newly developed for insect-friendly Description: Measures to reduce the attraction exerted lighting in the provision of funding for lighting by light on insects can also start directly with the product. solutions in municipalities. The measures listed above are designed to contribute to the development and wider distribution of lamps that do Description: A number of specifications determine not have or at least have a significantly lesser attraction the type of lighting solutions chosen in public and pri­ effect on insects. vate spaces. These include legal provisions as well as financial incentives. Support programmes for lighting solutions in municipalities should be designed in such 6.4 The Federal Government will take the lead in a manner that they take into account both climate ac­ the efforts to mitigate light pollution with a view to tion and species/insect protection. Since the start of the concerns of insect protection. 2019, funding under the Local Authorities Guideline (Kommunalrichtlinie) as part of the National Climate This includes the following: Initiative (Nationale Klimaschutzinitiative) is already restricted to lighting installations with time-dependent, → Integration of the aspect of “reducing light emis- presence-dependent or weather-dependent regulation sions” in the management of outdoor premises of and control systems which further reduce lighting dur- federal civic service properties by 2020 (including ation and intensity. When using LED technology, insect the selection of the type of lamp and the use of protection may be strengthened by means of additional lamps exerting little attraction on insects).

44 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

→ Development of a guideline aimed at reducing → Development of recommendations and guidelines light pollution on federal properties (for example for insect-friendly lighting solutions for munici- federal buildings, federal transport routes includ- palities, in particular with regard to supporting the ing service areas). increased consideration in construction planning law of adverse effects on insects resulting from Description: Federal properties serve as models when light emissions. it comes to avoiding light pollution and converting to insect-friendly lighting solutions. The Federal Govern­ → Development and dissemination of recommenda- ment will therefore take the lead and create instruments tions for actions to reduce light pollution inside of designed to reduce overall light pollution and to reduce, protected areas (pursuant to BNatSchG). insofar as possible, the attraction effect on insects exerted by lighting installations on federal properties, amongst → Provision of information and instructional guides other things by integrating these aspects into the LUMAS for planners, especially at the municipal level, for environmental management structures for facility man­ businesses, and for the private sphere (for example agement. for sports facilities, garden owners).

→ Implementation of measures together with rele- 6.5 By 2020, the Federal Government will develop vant players with a view to raising awareness of the recommendations for regional states (Länder), mu- issue of light pollution. nicipalities, protected area administrations, planners, businesses and private citizens and will support them Description: Not only the general public but also those in converting to insect-friendly lighting solutions. who are responsible for the construction and operation of lighting systems are as yet largely unaware of the issue of This includes the following: light pollution and its contribution to insect decline. The measure is aimed at raising awareness with relevant play­ → Development of recommendations and guidelines, ers. It will build, among other aspects, on already existing unbiased as to technologies, for insect-friendly findings on reducing light pollution obtained in individ­ lighting solutions, taking into consideration the ual national parks, biosphere reserves and nature parks. various benefits and drawbacks of different lighting technologies for regional states (Länder) as regards their introductory decrees and guidance documents.

45 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

7 Intensifying research – strengthening knowledge – closing gaps

A good knowledge base is indispensable in order to combat insect decline effectively. Consistent and nationwide standardised monitoring serves to record and quantify the status of and changes in insect populations. It will be used in future to monitor the success of measures taken to protect insects. At the same time, entomological research needs to be intensified in order to close existing knowledge gaps.

Objective

The Action Programme for Insect Conservation aims at contributing to the advancement, broadening and deepening of targeted research on insects, their distribution and populations, the quality and quan­ tity of the ecosystem services they provide, and the extent of popu- lation changes and the drivers thereof.

Profile: The common banded hoverfly (Syrphus ribesii)

The common banded hoverfly is up to 1.3 centimetres long. With the black and yellow colouration of its abdomen it imitates the appearance of wasps, but it differs from a wasp in having no sting. Hoverflies are aerial artists: they can pause in flight and manoeuvre like lightening, even backwards. Adult hoverflies feed on the nectar and pollen of a variety of plants and shrubs, which means that, like bees, they are important pollinators. Spe- cies such as the common banded hoverfly are also extremely useful in biological pest control, because a hoverfly larva eats up to 150 aphids per day. The common banded hoverfly covers significant distances: over the course of several generations it flies north in spring and south in autumn.

The common banded hoverfly is found in al- most all habitats, not only in Germany but also in most other parts of the world. It is hard to identify, because there are a number of similar species. In Germany alone there are around 450 species of hoverfly.

46 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

Measures 7.2 From 2019 onward the Federal Government will intensify research on insect conservation. 7.1 By 2019, the Federal Government in collabor- ation with the regional states (Länder) will develop This includes the following: a nationwide insect monitoring scheme to be tested and implemented from 2020 onwards. → Advancement, broadening and deepening of tar- geted research on insects, their distribution and This includes the following: populations, and the quality and quantity of the ecosystem services they deliver, and on the extent → Conceptual development, testing and establish- of population changes and the drivers thereof. ment of the insect monitoring scheme. → Investigation of cumulative or mutually reinforc- → Further development of technologies for the insect ing factors contributing to insect decline as well as monitoring scheme, of IT-supported recording of systemic relationships and dynamics. tools, digital data processing, data management, digital data analysis and modelling. → Development of science-based innovative meas- ures to combat insect decline. → Support for the Länder in their implementation of the insect monitoring scheme. → Implementation of coupled research and practical projects with a view to supporting the immediate → Training of sectoral associations and support for application of scientific findings and recommen- the establishment of organisational structures, dations. allowing them to become involved in the insect monitoring scheme in the long term. → Entomological-ecological investigations as part of research carried out by government research agen- Description: The aim of the insect monitoring scheme cies on the distribution of insects, their popula- is to collect and provide nationwide representative data tion development and its drivers, their risk status, that are recorded using standardised processes and docu­ the causes of threats and on the effectiveness of ment long-term changes in insect populations. The insect measures. The findings are to aid the further de- monitoring scheme is to become an integral component velopment of countermeasures to insect decline, of the overall comprehensive nationwide biodiversity such as specifically insect-friendly management in monitoring scheme. With a view to leveraging syner­ urban open spaces devoted to different uses and in gies, existing relevant monitoring systems (for example habitats and ecosystems, for example with respect temperature records etc.) should be utilised insofar as to the management of riparian zones or floodplain possible. In order to strengthen and advance biodiversity restoration. monitoring overall, coordinate activities, improve data management and inform the general public and the pol- → Development of agroecological cultivation prac- itical arena on the results of the monitoring in the sense tices designed to protect and utilise insects in of providing ongoing, up-to-date, science-based policy arable farming and in the cultivation of specialty advice, the Federal Government will establish a scientific crops. biodiversity monitoring centre in 2019. The monitoring centre will also contribute to advancing the insect moni­ → Development of quality criteria, informed by con- toring scheme. servation principles, for seed used in the creation or enhancement of sites aimed at protecting in- sects or biodiversity in general.

47 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

→ Joint coordination, harmonisation and advance- ment of specific recording programmes run by the Federal Government and the regional states (Länder).

Description: Given the large number of species in in­ dividual insect groups, records on the occurrence and distribution of insects collected by volunteer recorders are of great significance, for example as a basis of the Red Lists of endangered species of flora and fauna. Volun­ teer recording schemes must therefore be extended and continued both at the federal and Länder levels. Key pre- requisites are the provision of technical platforms, portals and other recording tools as well as the development of standards for data exchange with existing biodiversity Description: Given the diversity of the insect world in monitoring schemes. terms of the large number of species and their different habitat needs, there is a particularly significant need for research aimed at improving entomological knowledge 7.4 In 2019, the Federal Government will launch an overall and knowledge on individual species. Moreover, initiative to expand and share taxonomic knowledge research is needed to continuously review the effective­ and research in Germany. ness of measures taken to combat insect decline and to advance the measures. The new Research Initiative for the This includes the following: Conservation of Biodiversity (Forschungsinitiative zum Erhalt der Artenvielfalt) established by the Federal Min­ → Promotion of integrative approaches to taxonomic istry of Education and Research (Bundesministerium für and ecological research. Bildung und Forschung, BMBF) will play a key role in responding to these research questions. → Strengthening of taxonomic collections and sci- ence archives, including in museums, with a view to maintaining material collections of long-term 7.3 The Federal Government will extend knowledge records for education and research purposes in the transfer between nature conservation authorities, the academic and volunteer fields. scientific community and the voluntary sector in order to improve knowledge of the distribution and ecology → Improving taxonomic education and conveyance of insect species, and will provide technical, financial of species knowledge by means of innovative ap- and non-material support for this knowledge transfer. proaches and integration of all players (amongst other things in universities, schools and the volun- This includes the following: tary sector).

→ Appropriate financial, organisational and non- → Support for pilot projects under the Federal Pro- material support for expert volunteers in their gramme on Biological Diversity (Bundesprogramm efforts to record the occurrences and distribution Biologische Vielfalt). of insect species. Description: Insect conservation, targeted entomological → Provision of technical platforms, portals and other research and assessment as to the effectiveness of measures digital tools to collect data and standardise data taken to protect insects necessitate the availability of a exchange. sufficiently high number of experts who are familiar with the great diversity of insect species and are capable of iden­ → Staging of dialogues in order to build networks tifying these species. At present there is a noticeable lack of between volunteers and professionals, working taxonomists. This hampers not only biodiversity monitor­ groups, professional associations and nature con- ing schemes but also the proper planning of, for example, servation authorities. infrastructure projects that require species mapping.

48 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

8 Improving funding – creating incentives

The limited funding available for nature conservation in Germany is also an impediment to insect conservation. EU funding is very important in this respect. It will not be possible to halt insect decline without add- itional funding. The Federal Government is ready, in line with its funding responsibilities, to finance measures to combat insect decline. Pursuant to Germany’s Basic Law the responsibility for funding nature conservation rests primarily with the regional states (Länder). The measures will need to be financed as part of the relevant portfolio responsibilities and pursuant to the allocations to the relevant individual sections of the federal budget. From a technical point of view the provision of long-term funding for the planned measures is warranted.

Objective

The aim is to improve EU funding for insect conservation and to increase national funding for insect conservation.

Profile:The ruby-tailed wasp (Chrysis ignita)

The ruby-tailed wasp has a slender body and is between four and 13 millimetres long. Its head and thorax are a shiny green to blue, sometimes with a golden sheen. The abdomen, by contrast, is a metallic red. The ruby-tailed wasp lives in dry, sunny places. It can often be seen inspecting the nests of other wasps and bees. The female lays its eggs in these nests, where the larvae first eat the eggs or larvae of the host and then devour the pollen supplies in the nest. The adult wasp feeds on the nectar of flow- ers. The ruby-tailed wasp occurs almost everywhere in Europe where it finds the nests of its hosts.

49 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

Measures implementation of nature conservation and envi- ronmental protection measures. Some of the particularly important measures of the action programme are listed below together with state- Description: The fact that funding available for nature ments on their funding: conservation in Germany is limited is also an impedi­ ment to insect conservation. The Common Agricultural 8.1 At the EU level, the Federal Government will Policy (CAP), one of the two major items in the EU budget, work to ensure that funding for nature conservation plays an important role in this respect. The framework will be improved and will give due consideration to conditions for the coming 2021 to 2027 EU programming needs-based funding for nature conservation mea­ period are currently under negotiation. In this context, sures as part of the relevant sectoral policies, includ- the Federal Government, with due consideration to the ing the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). competences of the regional states (Länder), will work to ensure that the financial conditions for insect conserva­ This includes the following: tionand nature conservation in general will be improved, and it will encourage conditions which provide secure → Increased funding for the implementation of con- funding for the measures designed to protect insects in servation measures in the agricultural landscape, the agricultural landscape, as listed in Chapter 1., and amongst other things by maintaining financial which are financially attractive to farmers. allocations for Pillar 1 and in particular for Pillar 2 of the CAP, and by introducing a minimum budget for eco-schemes under Pillar 1 that is mandatory 8.2 With a view to improving national funding of for all member states. insect conservation measures, the Federal Government will work towards establishing a special instrument → Strengthening incentives that open up new poten- (Sonderrahmenplan) for “Conservation of insects in tial revenue streams for farmers as a result of their agricultural landscapes” as part of the Joint Task for the

Funding conservation measures in the agricultural landscape under the CAP

Conservation measures in agricultural landscapes are instrument for nature conservation measures in funded from a range of different sources. The Com- Germany. mon Agricultural Policy of the EU (CAP) rests on two “pillars”: Pillar 1 primarily includes direct payments to The regional states (Länder) are in charge of the farmers per hectare of managed eligible area. These national implementation of agricultural support pro- direct payments are conditional upon compliance grammes under Pillar 2. Through its participation in with certain requirements, including conditions in the the Joint Task for the Improvement of Agricultural areas of environmental protection and animal welfare Structures and Coastal Protection (GAK), the Federal (“cross-compliance”). Additionally, in the current 2014 Government partakes in certain agri-environmental to 2020 programming period, 30 percent of the direct and climate measures and, since 2016, also in conser- payments budget is tied to mandatory greening, that is vation measures in the agricultural landscape. the fulfilment of certain conditions with regard to crop diversification, maintenance of permanent grassland The framework conditions for the coming 2021 to and the provision of ecological focus areas. Pillar 2 of 2027 EU programming period are currently under the CAP is comprised of targeted support programmes negotiation. In this context, the Federal Government for sustainable and environmentally compatible agri- will work to ensure that EU funding for conservation cultural management and for rural development. This will be improved and it will advocate for a higher level includes, inter alia, agri-environmental and climate of environmental ambition in the CAP. The European measures as well as support for organic agriculture. Commission has proposed to cut Pillar 2 funding by During the 2014 to 2020 programming period, in 15 percent, and Pillar 1 by 4 percent. A new “enhanced Germany an average of 324 million Euro per year of conditionality” is proposed to replace the current Pillar 2 appropriations are intended for conserva- cross-compliance and greening payment requirements, tion tasks. This equates to 60 percent of the govern- with additional measures to be added. New eco- ment’s annual spending on nature conservation. The schemes involving conservation, environmental and CAP’s Pillar 2 is therefore the most important funding climate measures are to be offered.

50 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

Improvement of Agricultural Structures and Coastal 8.4 From 2019/2020, the Federal Government will Protection (GAK). To this end, the Federal Government make available a total of 25 million Euro per year for will make available 50 million Euro per annum by research on insect conservation (including research means of reallocating and increasing funding. carried out by government research agencies) and for the insect monitoring scheme. Description: Since 2016, the Federal Government has provided enhanced opportunities for funding contractual In particular, this includes: conservation management agreements and landscape conservation in the context of agricultural structural sup­ → A total of 20 million Euro per year for the new port. Every year the Federal Government and the regional BMBF Research Initiative for the Conservation of states (Länder) can set out joint support schemes in the Biodiversity (Forschungsinitiative zum Erhalt der GAK framework plan. With a special instrument for the Artenvielfalt) which will directly or indirectly con- conservation of insects, the Federal Government wishes tribute to entomological research. to ensure that financial support provided under the GAK is strategically used to fund measures to protect insects in → Development and testing of the nationwide insect the agricultural landscape, such as the measures listed in monitoring scheme as well as additional funding for Chapter 1.1. The special instrument as part of the GAK is to research carried out at the BMU on insects and their be funded through the reallocation of 25 million Euro per conservation, with a total allocation of 5 million year from within the GAK and an additional budgetary Euro per year (see Chapter 7.2). allocation of 25 million Euro per year. Description: The great need for research must be matched by corresponding financial resources. It can be assumed 8.3 From 2020, the Federal Government will make that within the BMBF Research Initiative for the Conser­ available 25 million Euro per year for insect conserva- vation of Biodiversity many cross-cutting biodiversity tion, to be allocated to the appropriate federal sup- research projects do include entomological research, in port programmes. addition to those projects which specifically focus on en­ tomological research. Therefore, approximately half of the In particular these include the following: available total funding of 40 million Euro per year can be considered to be fully or partly devoted to entomological → An allocation of 12 million Euro per year to the research. In addition, funding will be made available for Federal Programme on Biological Diversity (Bun­ research carried out by government agencies. desprogramm Biologische Vielfalt), including for measures to protect insects in urban areas (Master Plan for Urban Nature / Masterplan Stadtnatur) and 8.5 The Federal Government will seek to ensure that measures in protected areas within the meaning of applications for funding under the EU programmes the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG). LIFE (environment and climate action) and Horizon (research) will more strongly take into account the → An allocation of a total of seven million Euro per year concerns of insect conservation. for BMEL support programmes, such as the Federal Scheme for Organic and other Forms of Sustainable Description: The LIFE Programme has been in existence Agriculture (BÖLN), or BMEL support of innovation. since 1992 and is the EU’s funding instrument for biodiver­ sity, environment and climate action. The EU’s “Horizon” → Six million Euro per year for the BMU support Framework Programme for Research and Innovation aims programme for floodplain restoration (Förderpro­ at fostering an EU-wide knowledge and innovation based gramm Auen) as part of the federal “Germany’s Blue society and at securing Europe’s global competitiveness Belt” programme (Bundesprogramm Blaues Band while at the same time contributing to sustainable devel­ Deutschland). opment. By means of providing information and advice, institutions are to be supported and motivated to take Description: Existing federal support programmes are to aspects of insect conservation into account in their fund­ contribute to funding insect conservation and support the ing applications to the EU, where appropriate. development and implementation of tangible projects for insect conservation in a variety of areas.

51 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

9 Promoting civic commitment

Commitment by many stakeholders will be needed to halt insect decline. The wider public has been paying very close attention to the issue and there is great willingness on the part of society at large to actively engage in the conservation of insects. Many players, ranging from the public sec- tor to civil society groups to private citizens, have already commenced initiatives aimed at implementing measures to protect insects and insect diversity – from small-scale projects to large-scale endeavours.

Objective

The Action Programme for Insect Conservation is to inform, ap- peal to and motivate into action not only the public sector but also industry associations and businesses, the research and education sector, civil society stakeholders such as nature conservation and environmental associations, sports clubs, youth clubs and social organisations, churches and religious communities, hunters, farm- ers and foresters as well as individual citizens.

Profile: The red wood ant (Formica rufa)

The red wood ant is found in sunny spots on the edge of woodland. It forms a colony that nests in a dome-shaped mound made mainly of conifer needles. The mounds with their systems of tiered chambers and tunnels can reach a width and height of up to three metres. Each mound contains a queen and around half a million workers, whose tasks include rearing the young. If the workers feel threatened, they use their powerful mandibles and spray formic acid. They eat insects and spiders, the honeydew of aphids, the sap of trees and fruit and oily seeds. By working together the worker ants are able to drag even quite large prey to their nest.

The red wood ant is widespread in Europe, Siberia and North America. In Germany it and its nests are spe- cially protected.

52 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

Measures

9.1 The Federal Government will support munici- palities and districts in their implementation of new measures and their expansion of existing measures on insect conservation.

This includes the following:

→ A national “Insect-friendly Municipality” contest for local authorities.

→ Supporting existing initiatives, such as the “Mu- nicipalities for Biodiversity” alliance (Kommunen für biologische Vielfalt), in their expansion of on- going activities on insect conservation and in their involvement of additional stakeholders.

→ Support for certified staff training and develop- ment programmes in horticulture and nature 9.2 The Federal Government will support a variety conservation with a view to the natural and insect- of societal players’ initiatives aimed at promoting friendly design of municipal green spaces, urban insect conservation and it will support efforts to net- fallow sites, gardens and allotments, and for the work these initiatives. creation of interconnected small-scale structures and the management of important open habitat This includes the following: types such as areas of open sand, soil or gravel, including ephemeral habitats. → Review and presentation of information on ex- emplary initiatives started by societal players and → Taking into consideration the concerns of insect aimed at promoting insect conservation, for conservation in allotments and fallow allotments. example by means of an information and project portal on insect conservation. Description: Municipalities have at their disposal a wide range of different sites of varying sizes that are potential → Networking of and support for insect conservation insect habitats, such as parks, gardens, urban forests, projects run by conservation and environmental bodies of water or urban fallow sites. Municipalities have associations, by the agriculture and forestry sectors the ability to significantly influence whether insects in as well as by other players, with a particular focus urban areas will find a sufficient quality, quantity and on strengthening cooperation between different diversity of habitats by the manner in which and the groups of players, such as between agriculture and intensity at which they manage and maintain such sites. nature conservation. It is therefore important to support municipalities in their endeavours to manage and maintain these habitats → Integration of insect conservationinto the dialogue in an insect-friendly manner. This is one of the objectives between the policy sphere, business associations of the Federal Government’s masterplan for urban nature and conservation organisations in the context of (Masterplan Stadtnatur). the Enterprise Biological Diversity 2020 (Unter­ nehmen Biologische Vielfalt 2020) dialogue forum and identification of entrepreneurial opportunities associated with insect conservation measures, such as in the (retail) trade or on company premises.

53 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

→ Supporting churches and religious communities agriculture and forestry as part of the dialogue for in their efforts to implement tangible activities for the implementation of the National Strategy on the conservation of insects, such as insect-friendly Biological Diversity. management of church-owned properties or the biodiversity-friendly design of religious buildings → Supporting initiatives in the areas of garden and and their surroundings, including initiatives as landscape construction, landscape architecture, part of the “Religions for biodiversity” (Religionen nursery plant production and trade with respect für biologische Vielfalt) project. to offers relating to the theme of “insect-friendly gardens”. → Supporting sports clubs, youth clubs and social organisations in their efforts to implement tan- → An assessment, together with the competent re- gible activities for the conservation of insects, such gional states (Länder) and the social partners, of the as the insect-friendly management of sports and degree to which content on nature conservation, leisure facilities. insect conservation, species protection and biodi- versity has already been incorporated into curricula → Setting up dialogue fora on insect conservation and to work towards greater emphasis being placed with stakeholders from the areas of hunting, on such content in vocational training, as required.

National Strategy on Biological Diversity: Dialogues and programmes aimed at conserving diversity in nature

The National Strategy on Biological Diversity (NBS) was strategy’s implementation and to informing and adopted in November 2007. It is the Federal Govern- supporting them on their pathway to action. Over ment’s ambitious programme for the conservation and the past few years this dialogue on the NBS has suc- sustainable use of biological diversity in Germany and cessfully contributed to informing the various players worldwide. The strategy’s success requires efforts on the in the policy arena, the business world, the scientific part of a great variety of players at different levels. The community and society at large on the significance of strategy therefore addresses both governmental and biological diversity, to networking among them and to non-governmental players and gives a clear indication spurring them into taking action. of the efforts that need to be undertaken by the various players in order to halt further decline in biodiversity. In Germany, the activities as part of the United Na- tions Decade on Biodiversity 2011 to 2020 are closely As part of the NBS, a broad dialogue was established linked to NBS implementation. The focus of activities is with a view to actively involving all key players in the on project contests and on media and public relations work with a view to contributing to improved societal awareness of biological diversity and in order to ac- knowledge the commitment shown in existing projects.

NBS implementation has been supported by the Federal Programme on Biological Diversity (Bundes­ programm Biologische Vielfalt) since early 2011. The programme funds tangible exemplary and benchmark projects and undertakings of particular significance for the federal level.

The existing structures, programmes and processes accompanying NBS implementation can now be util- ised in order to mainstream the concerns of protecting insects and their diversity in society.

54 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

→ Support for citizen science projects on insect con- → A nationwide campaign for “insect-friendly pri- servation. vate gardens”, to be run in cooperation with other stakeholders (for example umbrella associations Description: Action on the part of many stakeholders is of horticultural growers’ associations and con- essential for progress on insect conservation and insect servation organisations, the National Allotments diversity to be achieved, and players need to be aware of Association (Bundesverband der Kleingärten), the the activities of other players for them to act in concert. German Horticultural Association (Zentralverband The great willingness on the part of society at large to Gartenbau), the Federal Association of Horticul- engage in the protection of insects is however often ac­ ture, Landscaping & Sports Facilities Construction companied by a lack of information on insects and on (Bundesverband Garten-, Landschafts- und Sport­ meaningful measures for their conservation. This pro­ platzbau), the Association of German Landscape gramme aims at encouraging a variety of societal players Architects (Bund Deutscher Landschaftsarchitekten), to take action and engage in exchanges, and it aims at the German Beekeepers’ Association (Deutscher supporting existing engagement. Imkerbund), etc.

→ Establishment of a broad PR campaign and expan- 9.3 The Federal Government will contribute to rais- sion of information offers for children, youths ing citizens’ awareness of the importance of insects and the wider public on the topic of insects, their and will create new education and information offers protection and decline, and on meaningful activ- on insect conservation. ities for insect conservation to be undertaken in daily life. This includes the following: → As part of the United Nations Decade on Biodiver- → Expansion of environmental education provi- sity 2011 to 2020: The new focal topic to be set for sion for schools and crèches as well as for adults project contests and communications measures on the topic of insects, their importance and their in 2019/2020 will be “Protecting insects – working protection. This will be achieved, for example, by together for diversity in nature” (Insekten schützen funding pilot projects, by developing and expand- – gemeinsam für die Vielfalt der Natur). ing educational opportunities and opportunities to experience nature, or by revising target group- Description: You only protect what you know. Therefore, specific teaching and learning materials for teach- children and youths should be introduced to nature as ers, children and youths for wider use, including in early as in crèches and schools. They should be able to extracurricular settings. learn about and directly experience nature, also with

55 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

reference to insects, their significance to ecosystems and insect conservation measures often exist at the local level. to humankind, and their conservation. Adult education However, local ideas like that often fail due to a lack of is a further important cornerstone of efforts to enhance funding, even where funding needs are quite moderate. societal awareness of the importance of insects and their The new funding programme aims at providing small conservation. Target group-specific information offers grants for the implementation of local initiatives and and communications measures are to increase public project ideas for insect conservation which originate with awareness of insects, their significance for ecosystems citizens and volunteer societal players, thus capitalising and for humankind, inform citizens on political activ- on the potential for insect conservation inherent in the ities taken on insect conservation and make the public existing willingness to take action in this regard. Nu­ aware of the potential influence any one of us can exert. merous small-scale projects taken together will have a This also includes options with regard to sustainable multiplier effect and will encourage additional citizens to consumption and the insect-friendly design and main­ take action for insects. The funding programme is to be tenance of homes and gardens. It builds individuals’ designed in such a manner that the barriers to applying capacity and contributes to giving individuals a sense of for and drawing down funding are as low as possible. responsibility.

9.4 By means of the Federal Programme on Biologic- al Diversity, the Federal Government will financially support local initiatives to implement small-scale projects for insect conservation, in order to foster and stimulate people’s willingness to take action.

Description: Clubs and associations, religious communi­ ties and citizen science projects largely owe their exist­ ence to citizens’ voluntary commitment. Good ideas for

56 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

Practical projects – good ideas for insect conservation

In the autumn of 2018 a great number of citizens → Advanced training and education initiative for used the online dialogue accompanying the action architecture and the trades on insect-friendly or programme in order to propose tangible project ap- biodiversity-friendly restoration and construction. proaches. Here we present a list of some of the ideas as to how a variety of players can begin to take action → Recreation for people and insects: Enhancement of for the protection of insects: golf courses, camping places and other recreational infrastructure for the benefit of insect conservation, → 100 farms for insect conservation: Baseline survey, including opportunities for guests to directly ex- development, implementation, and success moni- perience the world of insects. toring of targeted measures designed to increase agro-biodiversity on 100 farm holdings; envisaged → Mapping of darker areas and of hotspots of light as a joint project between the farming and conser­ pollution, taking into account light emission vation sectors. strength, spectral distribution and light glow in order to demonstrate the need to take action on → Insect conservation when shopping: Development of illumination that is harmful to insects. a label for foods produced in an insect-friendly man- ner; initiative by the organic producer associations As an immediate action, the Federal Environment to integrate tangible aspects of insect conservation Ministry made available five million Euro per year un- into their standards. der the Federal Programme on Biological Diversity in June 2018 as funding for tangible insect conservation → Insect-friendly gardening: Sector initiative by horti- projects. This funding is made available for particu- cultural enterprises and builders’ suppliers, including larly exemplary and benchmark projects of national the development of criteria for the sector with regard representative importance. The programme aims at to biodiversity and insect conservation, for example promoting cooperation between different players in expansion of the range of bee-friendly native plants their efforts to protect biodiversity, which should also and regional provenance seed on offer, plus appro- serve to contribute to raising awareness of biological priate labelling. diversity in society at large.

→ “Insect check” for municipalities: Development of This action programme in itself provides for additional a standardised process for the identification of the project funding for insect conservation. most pressing insect conservation measures at the municipal level, involving all local stakeholders.

→ Local “insect pact”: A variety of locally engaged players (agriculture, local authority, private citizens, businesses, associations, citizens’ action groups agree on tangible local measures for insect con- servation and jointly commit to implementing the measures within a specified period.

→ Insect conservation in homes and gardens: Develop- ment of an App that offers practical advice for the insect-friendly design of balconies and gardens and taps into an associated (social) network for natural gardening; badges for “insect-friendly gardens” as a signal to buck the trend towards rock gardens.

57 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

C

: Programme implementation and reporting

58 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

The Federal Government will report regularly on the implementation of the Action Programme for Insect Conservation so as to allow for progress on the implementation of measures and the achievement of set objectives to be tracked and to detect at an early stage any potential need for adjustments.

Reporting is to be undertaken as part of the existing reporting on the National Strategy on Biological Diversity (NBS). An assessment as to whether the NBS measures have been successful and have achieved set goals will be undertaken by means of indicator and progress reports respectively, which will be published, alternating on a biannual basis, by the Federal Environment Ministry and adopted by the Federal Govern- ment. These reports will in future contain separate reporting on the implementation of measures and progress made with the Action Pro- gramme on Insect Conservation.

In addition, in 2019 the federal government will establish a high-level roundtable on insect conservation for regular exchanges between Meadows and field margins are an representatives of civil society stakeholders on the action programme’s ideal refuge for insects of all kinds progress and the state of implementation of its measures. The roundtable is to ensure the further involvement in the implementation of insect ↙ conservation measures of all key civil society stakeholders, such as en- vironmental, agricultural and forestry associations (see also Chapter A.4) Graphosoma lineatum, a species of and contribute to stabilising civic commitment to insect protection at shield bug, is easy to spot thanks to a high level. its conspicuous stripe pattern ↓

In addition, the implementation of the action programme as well as of other concrete measures for the protection of insects and their diver- sity will be monitored by the Conference of Environment Ministers (Umweltministerkonferenz­ – UMK) of the Federal Government and the Länder. At the UMK the Federal Government will report regularly on the state of implementation of the Action Programme for Insect Conserva- tion. Moreover, the state of implementation of the “Mehr Respekt vor dem Insekt” (more respect for insects) joint initiative of the Federal Govern- ment and the Länder, its progress and any need for adjustments will be discussed in this setting.

59 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

: Annex D

60 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

1 Overview of measures

Area of action 1: Supporting insect habitats and structural diversity in agricultural landscapes

1.1 The Federal Government in coordination with the regional states (Länder) will advocate for the needs of insect conserva- tion as part of a German strategy plan for the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2020, with a view to maintaining and creating diverse habitats as well as connecting corridors for insects in the agricultural landscape.

1.2 The Federal Government will develop an arable farming strat- egy backed by funding. The strategy will, among other provi- sions, include measures designed to foster biodiversity in the agricultural landscape and to support insect conservation.

1.3 The Federal Government will, as one aspect of its support for experimental plots, investigate the optimal use of digital tech- nologies in agriculture with a view to conserving biodiversity and insects.

1.4 By 2022, the Federal Government will contribute to utilising, for the purposes of insect conservation, the potential of verges along agricultural tracks and other transport routes in the agricultural landscape.

1.5 The Federal Government will continue to support the expan- sion of the proportion of farmland under organic management with a target of 20 percent by 2030, thus contributing to insect conservation.

1.6 From 2020 onward, the Federal Government will conduct a nationwide contest “Insect-friendly management of agricul- tural landscapes”.

Area of action 2: Restoring and connecting insect habitats in other landscape areas

2.1 From 2020 onwards, the Federal Government will make avail- able additional funding for measures in the area of insect- friendly forest management. Equally from 2020 onwards model concepts will be implemented on German federal forest sites.

2.2 With a view to improving insect conservation in the areas of water bodies, the Federal Government will amend the exist- ing provision on riparian buffer strips (Section 38 WHG) of the Federal Water Act. It will also further advance the restoration of water bodies and floodplains as part of “Germany’s Blue Belt” programme (Blaues Band Deutschland).

2.3 As part of its urban nature master plan (Masterplan Stadtnatur) the Federal Government will initiate measures to promote insect diversity in urban areas.

2.4 The Federal Government will strengthen insect conservation in planning processes.

61 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

2.5 The Federal Government will support the improvement of mitigation and compensation measures with a view to their effectiveness for insect conservation.

2.6 The Federal Government will advance the management of properties in federal ownership as well as of sites accompanying and ancillary to infrastructure with a view to insect conservation.

2.7 The Federal Government will take action to achieve the object- ive to limit the increase in land use for housing and transport to less than 30 hectares a day by 2030 and, in the long term, to net zero by 2050, as set out in Germany’s National Sustainable Development Strategy.

2.8 The Federal Government together with the regional states (Länder) will develop national species action plans for select­ed insect species with a view to facilitating targeted supra- regional measures.

Area of action 3: Enhancing protected areas as insect habitats

3.1 By 2020, the Federal Government will embed insect conserva- tion in the planned National Action Plan for Protected Areas (Aktionsplan Schutzgebiete).

3.2 By 2021, the Federal Government will add biotopes of spe- cial importance to insect conservation to the list of biotopes legally protected under Section 30 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG).

3.3 In 2019, the Federal Government will submit a proposal to the German National Committee for the UNESCO Programme “Man and the Biosphere” (MAB) to give greater consideration to insect conservation in their framework concepts for German Biosphere Reserves in their role as pilot landscapes for sus- tainable development.

Area of action 4: Reducing the use of pesticides

4.1 From 2021, the Federal Government will prohibit the use of plant protection products and biocides of particular relevance to insects in ecologically particularly vulnerable areas.

4.2 The Federal Government considers the “refugial sites approach” to be a suitable approach to making the use of broad-spectrum herbicides, other herbicides injurious to biodiversity as well as insecticides detrimental to biodiversity conditional upon the presence of refugial sites on and adjacent to the application sites.

4.3 Using a systematic reduction strategy to be initiated in 2020, the Federal Government will significantly limit the use of plant protection products containing glyphosate and substances having similar effects by amending the Federal ordinance on bans on the use of plant protection products (Verordnung über Anwendungsverbote für Pflanzenschutzmittel) and completely phase out the use of plant protection products containing glyphosate by 2023.

62 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

4.4 By 2021, the Federal Government will strengthen its efforts to date for the protection of the environment and of insects in particular with regard to the regulations governing pesticide use, and will ensure that the authorisation processes for plant protection products will take proper consideration of the need to protect non-target organisms, biodiversity and ecosystems.

4.5 From 2020, the Federal Government will refrain from appli- cations of plant protection products and biocides on federal properties, unless so warranted for overriding reasons. The Federal Government will also advocate that further cities, towns and municipalities follow suit.

4.6 With reference to legislation on plant protection products, the Federal Government will lay down more specific requirements for sales and use of biocides, with the aim of reducing, as far as possible, the environmental burden of biocides.

Area of action 5: Reducing inputs of nutrients and pollutants in soil and water

5.1 In 2020, the Federal Government will refine the provisions on fertiliser applications.

5.2 In its National Air Pollution Control Programme pursuant to the EU Directive on National Emission Ceilings (new NEC Directive), the Federal Government describes the measures suited to achieving the emissions reduction commitments, implements these or equivalent measures, and promotes their use in order to reduce nitrogen emissions and to achieve the emissions reduction commitments.

5.3 By 2021, the Federal Government will develop an action programme to reduce nitrogen emissions. Its measures will as well contribute to preserve biodiversity and thus to insect conservation.

5.4 The Federal Government in cooperation with the regional states (Länder) will develop measures aimed at improving wastewater treatment with a view to creating more favourable conditions for insects in watercourses.

5.5 The Federal Government will take measures to reduce the risks to insects resulting from the use of veterinary medicinal products.

63 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

Area of action 6: Mitigating light pollution

6.1 By 2021, the Federal Government will prepare statutory provi- sions aimed at further reducing light pollution and its adverse impacts on insects.

6.2 The Federal Government will review and advance, as appropri- ate, its funding programmes with a view to adverse impacts on insects resulting from lighting.

6.3 The Federal Government will establish product-related regula- tions so as to favour the development of insect-friendly lamps.

6.4 The Federal Government will take the lead in the efforts to mitigate light pollution with a view to the concerns of insect protection.

6.5 By 2020, the Federal Government will develop recommenda- tions for regional states (Länder), municipalities, protected area administrations, planners, businesses and private citizens and will support them in converting to insect-friendly lighting solutions.

Area of action 7: Intensifying research – strengthening knowledge – closing gaps

7.1 By 2019, the Federal Government in collaboration with the regional states (Länder) will develop a nationwide insect monitoring scheme to be tested and implemented from 2020 onwards.

7.2 From 2019 onward the Federal Government will intensify research on insect conservation.

7.3 The Federal Government will extend knowledge transfer between nature conservation authorities, the scientific com- munity and the voluntary sector in order to improve know- ledge of the distribution and ecology of insect species, and will provide technical, financial and non-material support for this knowledge transfer.

64 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

7.4 In 2019, the Federal Government will launch an initiative to expand and share taxonomic knowledge and research in Germany.

Area of action 8: Improving funding – creating incentives

8.1 At the EU level, the Federal Government will work to ensure that funding for nature conservation will be improved and will give due consideration to needs-based funding for nature conservation measures as part of the relevant sectoral policies, including the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

8.2 With a view to improving national funding of insect conserva- tion measures, the Federal Government will work towards establishing a special instrument (Sonderrahmenplan) for “Conservation of insects in agricultural landscapes” as part of the Joint Task for the Improvement of Agricultural Structures and Coastal Protection (GAK). To this end, the Federal Govern- ment will make available 50 million Euro per annum by means of reallocating and increasing funding.

8.3 From 2020, the Federal Government will make available 25 million Euro per year for insect conservation, to be allocated to the appropriate federal support programmes.

8.4 From 2019/2020, the Federal Government will make avail- able a total of 25 million Euro per year for research on insect conservation (including research carried out by government research agencies) and for the insect monitoring scheme.

8.5 The Federal Government will seek to ensure that applications for funding under the EU programmes LIFE (environment and climate action) and Horizon (research) will more strongly take into account the concerns of insect conservation.

Area of action 9: Promoting civic commitment

9.1 The Federal Government will support municipalities and districts in their implementation of new measures and their expansion of existing measures on insect conservation.

9.2 The Federal Government will support a variety of societal players’ initiatives aimed at promoting insect conservation and it will support efforts to network these initiatives.

9.3 The Federal Government will contribute to raising citizens’ awareness of the importance of insects and will create new education and information offers on insect conservation.

9.4 By means of the Federal Programme on Biological Diversity, the Federal Government will financially support local initia- tives to implement small-scale projects for insect conserva- tion, in order to foster and stimulate people’s willingness to take action.

65 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

2 List of abbreviations

BImSchV Ordinance on the Implementation of the Federal Immission Control Act (Bundes-Immissionsschutzverordnung)

BMBF Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung)

BMEL Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft)

BMU Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz und nukleare Sicherheit)

BNatSchG Federal Nature Conservation Act (Bundesnaturschutzgesetz)

BÖLN Federal Scheme for Organic and other Forms of Sustainable Agriculture (Bundesprogramm Ökologischer Landbau und andere Formen nachhaltiger Landwirtschaft)

CAP Common Agricultural Policy of the EU

CBD United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity

DNS Germany’s National Sustainable Development Strategy (Deutsche Nachhaltigkeitsstrategie)

EU European Union

GAK Joint Task for the Improvement of Agricultural Structure and Coastal Protection (Gemeinschaftsaufgabe “Verbesserung der Agrarstruktur und des Küstenschutzes”)

IPBES Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

LED light-emitting diode

LUMAS Property-related environmental management and auditing system (Liegenschaftsbezogenes Umweltmanagement- und Auditsystem)

MAB Programme UNESCO Programme “Man and the Biosphere” (MAB)

N nitrogen

NBS German National Strategy on Biological Diversity (Nationale Strategie zur biologischen Vielfalt)

NEC Directive EU Directive on National Emission Ceilings

ROG Federal Regional Planning Act (Raumordnungsgesetz)

StrÖff Federal Government Strategy for the Exemplary Consideration of Biodiversity on all Federal Properties (Strategie der Bundesregierung zur vorbildlichen Berücksichtigung von Biodiversitäts­ belangen auf allen Flächen des Bundes)

UMK Conference of Environment Ministers (Umweltministerkonferenz)­

UN United Nations

UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

WHG Federal Water Act (Wasserhaushaltsgesetz)

66 Action Programme for Insect Conservation

Picture credits

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