WBBGR submits three new statements on biodiversity to the BMEL

The submitted statements are dedicated to the interactions between biodiversity, agriculture and climate protection. They offer scientifically sound recommendations for action to promote biodiversity-friendly agricultural practices, to consider the effects of a meat tax on biodiversity and on the sustainable management of moorland.

Dr. Ophelia Nick: "The preservation of biodiversity is crucial for future food security. A high level of biodiversity contributes significantly to sustainable agriculture and is therefore central to climate protection. Strengthening biodiversity and reconciling it with sustainable production is one of our most important tasks. The voice of science points the way for our political decisions. I would like to thank the Advisory Board for its valuable work and for always focusing on the scientific aspects of current issues. And I am looking forward to the results of the WBBGR's work in the next term of office."

The contents of the statements in detail:

Biodiversity in agricultural plant production

Agricultural production in Germany and Europe is currently affected in many ways by the various crisis dynamics - from geopolitical conflicts to climate change-related challenges. Is it therefore necessary to put the protection of biodiversity on the back burner in order to ensure sufficient agricultural production and ultimately food security?

The Scientific Advisory Board answers this question in its statement Biodiversity in agricultural plant production: a prerequisite for plant protection, climate protection and productivityprovides a clear answer. It becomes clear that the understanding of the services provided by agricultural systems, which in addition to the production of food and raw materials also include contributions to climate protection and biodiversity, is currently expanding. It is also becoming clear that agricultural production and the ecological functioning of agricultural systems are a basis for their productivity and resilience.

Mire management and biodiversity

The Council sees the future of peatland landscapes as a political task that requires comprehensive social understanding and negotiation processes. Aspects of biodiversity must be consistently included and taken into account when designing measures. The statement Thinking about biodiversity in climate-friendly peatland management! therefore explains the importance of peatlands as ecosystems for climate protection and biodiversity. It explains how raising water levels affects the emission of greenhouse gases and the cultivation possibilities of the land (keyword: paludiculture). The statement also addresses how conflicting objectives can be taken into account and minimized.

Impact of the taxation of meat products

Following the protests by farmers in the winter of 2023/2024, the topic of "animal welfare tax" or "meat tax" once again became the focus of public attention. In the statement Considering the side effects of taxing meat products on biodiversity! the Council focuses on an aspect that has received little attention in previous discussions: the impact of taxation on biodiversity in agricultural landscapes.