Scientists and citizens are currently witnessing a dramatic decline in insect species in Germany and all over the world. The destruction of habitats, toxins released into the environment, climate change and other factors contribute to this threatening development. Many species become extinct before they have even been discovered. If we do not succeed in stopping the trend, the functioning of global ecosystems and the existence of humanity are at stake. To put it bluntly – first, the insects, pollinators of our crops, die at the beginning of the food chain – and finally humans.
Against the background of the global biodiversity crisis, the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin launches its Zentrum für Integrative Biodiversitätsentdeckung. „The centre will be a permanent strategic extension funded by the German Government and the Berlin Senate. “Its launch will open a new, forward-looking research chapter,“ says Michael Ohl, acting head of the new centre. What the centre wants to achieve is efficiency in the discovery and exploration of global biodiversity. It will be instrumental in building an inventory of millions of known and as yet unknown animal species and investigate their role in their natural environment and what contribution they might make to the solution of many problems humanity is currently facing.
To celebrate the launch of the new centre, the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin organises a panel discussion on the decline of insects. What are its causes? What effect has it on ecosystems? How can the insect decline be halted? What role does science play and what is the responsibility of policy makers? Representatives from science, business and politics come together to discuss possible solutions to the problem.
We invite you to the panel discussion on “Wie bekommt die Natur ihre Stimme zurück” (How can we give nature a voice again) in German language on Mon., 2.7.2018, 7.30 p.m. (Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 43, 10115 Berlin)
Podium:
Dr. Hans-Dietrich Reckhaus (Geschäftsführer der Reckhaus GmbH&Co.KG)
Prof. Dr. Josef Settele (UFZ Halle)
Prof. Dr. Susanne Renner (LMU München)
Alois Gerig (MdB)
Moderation: Andreas Sentker
Welcome and introduction: Prof. Johannes Vogel (General direktor MfN Berlin) and PD Dr. Michael Ohl (acting head Zentrum für Integrative Biodiversitätsentdeckung)
Free entrance. Registration with the following link: https://bit.ly/2GNWvqy