Insect protection in danger: Winterbach's community mowing is causing trouble!

Insect protection in danger: Winterbach's community mowing is causing trouble!

In the community of Winterbach, a mowing routine is causing a stir among conservationists. A bee sanctuary at the eastern end of Winterbach, located on Ostlandstrasse in front of the underpass to Schorndorf-Weiler, was recently mowed down. This aroused the interest of Ursula Zeeb, an active BUND activist and member of the Open Green List in Remshalden. According to Zeeb, she received an email from a concerned conservationist who denounced the situation she was seeing. This has reignited debate about the community's mowing routines, which many believe are not consistent with biodiversity conservation.

BUND Nature Conservation has also urgently pointed out the need to rethink the practice of pesticides and the disregard for bee-friendly land design. Current studies document alarming declines in insect populations. According to BUND, the populations of 17 butterfly species in the EU fell by half between 1990 and 2011. This is related to the decline in insectivorous bird species, which have lost their source of food.

Urgent need for action

In order to counteract the death of insects, BUND Nature Conservation is calling for a number of measures. A ban on pesticides that are harmful to bees and a rapid phase-out of glyphosate and other harmful application techniques are at the top of the list. In order to bring about effective change, a change in EU agricultural payments is also required in order to reform agricultural practices in favor of biodiversity.

Currently, 181 cities and municipalities in Germany have already passed insect-friendly resolutions and are relying on insect-friendly design of public spaces. This also includes maa cuts that should be carried out less frequently and later in the year. Cities like Dachau and Haßfurt are already pioneers in this area by banning glyphosate on their land.

The responsibility of the communities

The legal framework offers the municipalities in Bavaria a clear framework for action. Article 1 of the Bavarian Nature Conservation Act obliges them to operate ecologically. The appeal to municipalities includes the establishment of colorful flowering areas and insect-friendly design through alternative mowing strategies. These measures are not only a step in the right direction, but also urgently necessary given the continued decline in biodiversity.

The BUND’s new action guide entitled “Insect Death – High Time to Act!” not only offers practical suggestions, but also provides information about the causes of insect death and shows exemplary projects from Bavaria. The magazine can be purchased for 15 euros in the BUND shop and is aimed at citizens and communities who want to actively contribute to saving insects.

Given the challenges facing nature, it is crucial for communities to take responsibility and act sustainably. The majority of the population should pull together on such an important issue in order to protect and promote the remaining biodiversity. Those responsible in Winterbach now have to listen to the criticism of conservationists and rethink their approach.

For further information on current developments reported ZVW and detailed demands from BUND can be found on their website BUND Nature Conservation.