Large deficits regarding agricultural land – different approach in agriculture needed
Federal Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks has spoken out in favour of restructuring agricultural subsidies. Instead of being based on acreage, the sums awarded should take into account the efforts undertaken by farmers to boost nature conservation, Hendricks said at the presentation of a nature conservation action programme. "I want to put nature and landscape conservation back on top of the agenda. The need for action is greatest in the agriculture sector. The gap between targets and the actual situation is widest in arable farming." The Federal Environment Ministry's action programme Nature Conservation Campaign 2020 comprises 40 measures and initiatives for improving biological diversity. It was submitted to representatives from associations, the scientific community and nature conservation authorities for consultation at the National Forum on Biological Diversity which starts in Berlin today.
A greater focus will be put on nature and experiencing nature also in the area of urban development assistance. Hendricks commented: "Especially in Germany's urban areas there are many people with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. Currently, refugees are arriving as well. Becoming active in nature conservation creates connections across cultural and religious borders."
The Nature Conservation Campaign 2020 is made up of 10 fields of action and 40 measures to implement the German government's national biodiversity strategy. In addition to cultural landscapes used for agriculture, the focus is on the use of the coasts and the sea, in particular fishery, and on river meadows and forests. More initiatives are being proposed for protected areas, biotope networks and areas of wilderness.
The National Biodiversity Strategy describes the government's targets for conserving and improving biodiversity and its sustainable use. Biodiversity continues to be critically endangered in Germany. In February 2015, the federal cabinet adopted an indicator report that showed a decline in biodiversity in Germany.