Germany’s Nature And Biodiversity Conservation Union, also known as NABU, has kicked off its seventh annual “insect summer” initiative, encouraging citizens to take part in counting insects in a 33-foot radius around their homes. The main aim of the project is to raise awareness about insects and provide researchers with valuable insights and trends rather than precise scientific data.
In recent years, insect populations have been dwindling due to various human activities such as the use of harmful chemicals and the destruction of natural habitats. To address this issue, NABU has called upon people to observe and document the insects they encounter in their surroundings.
This year’s “insect summer” will take place in various locations across Germany, from gardens and balconies to fields and woods. Laura Breitkreuz, an expert on biodiversity and entomology at NABU, noted that there has been a noticeable shift in the distribution of certain insects, possibly due to climate change and rising temperatures. For example, the violet carpenter bee, typically found in the south, is now being spotted further north.
The citizen science project aims to help participants recognize and appreciate the diverse insect species present in their local ecosystems. While the focus is not on scientific precision, the data collected can offer researchers valuable insights into insect populations and behaviors.
Insects play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystems by pollinating plants, supporting food chains, and preserving soil fertility. However, their numbers have been declining steadily, posing a threat to biodiversity and ecological balance. Human ignorance about the importance of insects and the lack of awareness about local species have been identified as contributing factors to this decline.
To facilitate insect counting and reporting, organizers have developed a form and a mobile app for participants to log their observations. The counting events are scheduled for May 31 to June 9 and August 2-11, allowing volunteers to track insect activity during different seasons. The simplicity of the project means that anyone can take part without the need for specialized equipment.
By engaging citizens in insect monitoring and education, NABU hopes to instill a sense of appreciation and curiosity about the world of insects. Through collective efforts and community involvement, the “insect summer” project aims to shed light on the importance of these tiny creatures and the role they play in sustaining the natural world.