FLIP - Improving the quality of life for insects and humans with perfect meadows

Project management:

Dr. Benjamin Daniels (benjamin.daniels@bio5.rwth-aachen.de)

Prof.Dr. Martina Roß-Nickoll (ross@bio5.rwth-aachen.de)

Project website: https://www.flip-wiesen.de/

Description of the Project:

The FLIP project deals with the development of regional, species-rich meadows on previously intensively managed urban green spaces and grasslands in agricultural landscapes.

Species-rich grassland is severely threatened in Germany, the few existing areas are mainly in an ecologically insufficient state. However, more than 2000 (50%) of the German plant species are native to grassland, and about 8-10 animal species can be observed per plant species. Therefore, the aim of the project is the ecological improvement of lawns in green spaces (municipal and private), as well as field margins and intensive grassland in agricultural landscapes. They should be preserved in the long term through appropriate maintenance. This leads to a sustainable development of habitats for a site-specific, regional diversity of native plants and animals. At the same time, the value of these ecosystems for humans and animals will be communicated. FLIP aims to protect and enhance nature on a broad scale and not only in nature conservation areas.

In addition, the project uses empirical and socio-scientific approaches to identify the information and communication demands of the population regarding insects and insect conservation. Based on this, we will develop educative programs and public awareness campaigns on a regional and cross-regional scale, that will lead to sustainable awareness among various stakeholders such as city authorities, farmers and individuals.

The Institute for Environmental Research and the Chair of Communication Science at RWTH Aachen University is involved in this project.

Cooperation Partners:

• city of Aachen
• Städteregion Aachen
• State Museum of Natural History Karlsruhe.

The project is funded by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) with financial support from the Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety Germany (BMU).