An expert on insect biodiversity has urged decision-makers to do more to ensure diverse flora and fauna in urbanised areas.
Dr Panagiotis Theodorou from Martin Luther University in Halle, Germany, said: “Developing cities under consideration of climatic effects is not just beneficial to humans. It also helps the bees.”
Dr Theodorou urged councils and citizens to mow lawns less often. Speaking to broadcaster MDR, the scientist said a less intense application of pesticides is needed too.
He added: “What’s very harmful are urban heat spots. We need more trees.”
Dr Theodorou underlined that trees are not just providing shade but are also improving the quality of the air.
The Martin Luther University researcher – who is specialised in evolutionary ecology and plant-pollinator interactions – concluded: “We depend on the organisms around us. Our cities must be planned in a way that allows wildlife to exist.”
Germany is home to more than 500 types of bees of which the vast majority are undomesticated solitary species. Only 37 per cent of the 557 species evaluated by the Bonn-based Red Liste Centre are not under threat of extinction.
Torsten Ellmann – who heads the German Association of Beekeepers – recently claimed that more and more lawmakers were realising the importance of healthy ecosystems.
Ellmann told broadcaster SWR: “We have registered growing support for ideas such as the greening of walls and rooftop terraces. Town council delegates now also realise that turning public lawns into wildflower fields does not just help to save rare species. Mowing fewer areas also saves them money.”
In 2021, apiarists in Germany managed 982,000 hives. This figure helped the country to take 8th place among the European Union’s 27 member states.
