biodiversity
Why biodiversity is everyone’s concern
Frauke Fischer is a biologist and, among other things, advises companies on the subject of biodiversity.
© Frauke Fischer
Biologist Frauke Fischer explains why the mosquito is important for German consumers in South America – and how sustainable consumption works.
They are considered annoying and do not have a particularly good reputation: mosquitoes. They are just as important to maintaining a healthy ecosystem as any other species on the planet. Mosquitoes, for example, are the only pollinators on the cocoa tree – the honey bee is too big to pollinate. In her book “What has the mosquito ever done for us?” the scientist Frauke Fischer explains why biological diversity is so important for our continued existence. In an interview, she explains how companies and each and every one of us should work to preserve biodiversity.
Ms. Fischer, in your book you explain why mosquitoes in South America also play a role for us in Germany. What is your impression: Do people understand that their own actions can also have an impact on the other side of the earth? Or is that just too complex for most?
Frauke Fischer: It depends a little on the context you look at. Word has got around that the consumption of cheap meat from factory farming also threatens the continued existence of tropical rainforests. However, many people do not know that, for example, the mining of bauxite – which is used for the production of aluminum for cars and yoghurt cup lids, for example – endangers chimpanzees in Guinea. Some relationships are really complex, but everyone can and should develop a basic understanding of certain dynamics.
You also advise many companies on the subject of biodiversity. Do you usually meet open ears here or do you have to do a lot of persuading?
Fischer: I find open ears more and more often. While a few years ago I still had to hear sentences like “We’re already doing the climate” or “Nobody understands biodiversity”, more and more companies are now actively approaching me for advice on the subject of biodiversity.
From your experience: How do companies get involved? What are some positive examples?
Fischer: It starts with the one-time donation for the local nature conservation association. It becomes more interesting when companies commit themselves long-term and on a large scale. The Krombacher Brewery with its rainforest foundation and its continuous commitment to the rainforest in Central Africa is a commendable example. The leverage for positive effects is particularly great when companies integrate their commitment in the area of biodiversity directly into their own value chain. For example, Mondelez International, to which brands such as Milka, Oreo and LU belong, promotes the minimization of pesticides and fertilizers, the economical use of water and the alternative use of wheat cultivation areas as flowering areas with its Harmony sustainability program in wheat cultivation. These are all activities that are important for the preservation of biodiversity.
And what can each individual do? Specifically: What should consumers pay attention to when shopping?
Fischer: Everything that is produced causes a footprint somewhere in nature. Basically, only buy the products that you really need and those that last as long as possible. When it comes to food, the focus should be on regional and seasonal. However, it is almost more important not to throw away any food if possible. Fast food, fast fashion, fast furniture … it’s all bad for biodiversity.
Are there binding labels or seals that you can use to orient yourself in the supermarket – or in general when consuming – in order to shop sustainably?
Fischer: There are no real biodiversity seals. Orientation is provided by organic, fair trade or FSC certificates, and possibly also company seals, such as that of the Harmony program mentioned above. If you want to know exactly what the meaning behind a seal is, you should always take a look at the underlying standards and regulations.
And at home? Does the insect hotel on the balcony really make sense or is it more symbolic? What other options do individuals have to promote biodiversity in their environment?
Fischer: An insect hotel, insofar as it is built so that insects can accept it, is definitely good. But we know from ourselves that a hotel is not enough. If you live in a house with a garden, you should seal off as little area as possible and only plant native species. Nesting aids for birds or roosts for bats and hedgehogs complete the picture. But even those who live in a rented apartment can make a small difference with an appropriately planted flower pot.
What is your experience: How can you make sustainable behavior attractive to even more people, what incentives do you have to create?
Fischer: I assume that most people would rather do something good than break something. We need more communication on the subject of biodiversity so that people can better assess what is good and what is wrong and then act accordingly. Often a little nudge is enough to move in the right direction. For example, the question in a store whether you really need a bag – a question that most people then answer with no.
And does the consumer play a major role at all in the end – or are politics and business in particular in demand?
Fischer: I am of the opinion that this is a task that affects society as a whole, and therefore a community. Of course, consumers are also asked to rethink their consumption and lifestyle. But the same goes for politics, whose responsibility is to avert harm to the population. You can set the course and set the framework. Companies are now realizing for themselves that more sustainability and intact ecosystems are also of economic importance to them – but that, as great and important ambassadors, they can and must also educate and promote social discourse.