Habitats and species still under threat

The publication "Faktencheck Artenvielfalt" is the first comprehensive report to show the actual state of biodiversity in Germany. The more than 1,000-page report identifies trends and drivers of biodiversity development, but also makes recommendations on how to counteract the loss and identifies research needs. More than 150 scientists from 75 institutions, including Karsten Grunewald and Markus Egermann from the Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER), wrote the report. It was published at the beginning of October.

A bluethroat with an insect in its beak sits on a juniper bush. — Photo: H. Hensel/IOER-Media

Key findings:
More than half of the natural habitat types in Germany are in an ecologically unfavourable state, and more valuable habitat areas are disappearing every day. As a result, species populations are shrinking, becoming genetically impoverished or dying out – with a direct impact on the performance and functioning of ecosystems. A third of species are endangered and around three per cent are already extinct.

Book cover of the report "Faktencheck Artenvielfalt". (Source: oekom)

However, the report also gives hope that the loss of biodiversity can be halted with targeted measures. The "Faktencheck Artenvielfalt" provides recommendations for the necessary far-reaching rethink, as the scientists have analysed successful projects in order to understand the conditions for transformation. They identify a variety of motivations and actors, successful participation and economic benefits as decisive factors for successful approaches.

The scientific report "Faktencheck Artenvielfalt" was published by publishing house oekom on 1 October 2024 and is available online for free download. It is accompanied by a summary for social decision-making.

The full press release is only available in German.

Learn more about "Faktencheck Artenvielfalt"(in German)

Scientific contact at the IOER
Dr Karsten Grunewald, e-mail: k.grunewaldioer@ioer.de

Background

The “Faktencheck Artenvielfalt” was developed as part of the Research Initiative for the Conservation of Biodiversity (FEdA). In this research initiative, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) funds scientific projects to analyse biodiversity in Germany and to develop and implement innovative, effective measures to protect and improve biodiversity. Currently 39 projects are part of FEdA. In the spirit of "transformative" science, the initiative supports the targeted exchange between research, politics, business, agriculture and forestry, nature conservation and civil society.

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