Helpers wanted: Save the blooming meadows and rare butterflies!

Helpers wanted: Save the blooming meadows and rare butterflies!

In Munich things have recently started to bloom on the former pioneer training grounds! Walkers can enjoy the sight of colorful cross and fringed gentians. These floral beauties are the result of years of landscape management aimed at securing habitat for various species. Measures such as targeted mowing and breaking up the crop are crucial in order to avoid fertilization of the soil and to bring light to the ground, which is an important prerequisite for the flowers to bloom. Even the red-brown meadow bird, a rare butterfly, benefits from this thoughtful care, which also promotes biodiversity, as the State Association for Bird Protection (LBV) reports.

In order to continue to support the care, the LBV is looking for active helpers to break up the mown grass. “Strong shoes and work gloves are mandatory, but we provide the necessary tools,” said a spokesman for the LBV. Anyone interested can register by email to guenther.paschek@arcor.de by Friday, July 11th, 6 p.m. and thus actively contribute to the preservation of this ecosystem.

Innovative care methods for nature

But the measures are not just limited to Munich. A modern concept that is used in Erfurt could serve as a model: the so-called “Hummelmahd” method. This comes from the specialist company Merkle & Partner Biodiversity Management and is patented. The idea is simple but effective: only parts of the area are mowed, so that insects and small mammals have sufficient living space. This method ensures that the meadow structures remain intact while at the same time the seeds can mature. A total of 7.5 hectares are currently earmarked for this model project, which can be found at the Thuringian Zoopark and in the Geraaue, among others.

But creative approaches are not only found in Erfurt. The management of green spaces is also important in Munich. Intensive use of areas such as the Nordpark or the Klarchen also remains an issue. This is where extensively managed meadows come into play, which promote drought-resistant plants and provide nesting opportunities for insects. The mown grass is then spread around trees to help form humus and provide nutrients.

Biodiversity as an economic necessity

Given the advancing biodiversity crisis, it is becoming increasingly important that companies also take action. According to the WWF, the destruction and overexploitation of natural resources is becoming a serious economic risk for companies. More than half of the world's GDP could be at risk. Integrating biodiversity protection into core business is increasingly becoming a condition for sustainable business. Through strategic adjustments, companies can not only reduce risks but also take advantage of new business opportunities, which is particularly important in a competitive market.

In this context, the WWF offers a valuable guide for companies to effectively integrate biodiversity protection with its biodiversity stewardship approach. The possibility of using synergy effects can be seen, for example, by relying on climate protection frameworks. There are great opportunities here that will sustainably benefit both nature and the economy.

In summary, it can be said that the maintenance of green spaces, as is currently the case in Munich and Erfurt, is more than just a cosmetic measure. It brings back living flora and fauna and ensures that we can continue to count on a healthy, thriving environment in the future. Ultimately, it is a joint effort in which each and every individual can and should be involved - because biodiversity affects us all.