How to promote biodiversity properly
Anyone who thoughtlessly cultivates or utilizes uncultivated areas can cause great damage. Extreme caution is required, especially when planting invasive plants. Invasive plant species threaten global biodiversity. The intentional introduction and unintentional introduction of invasive species is considered the second biggest threat to biodiversity worldwide after habitat destruction.
Here you will find a list of plants that should not be cultivated in Germany or only under special precautions:
Background knowledge
"Burning down the house" - under this drastic motto, Dr. Frauke Fischer, biodiversity expert and author, makes it clear why we need to talk about biodiversity. Biodiversity is the biggest economic factor worldwide. Economic systems and societies collapse without this diversity. This jeopardizes the existential basis for human life. This loss is irreversible (cf. BMU 2007). To counteract this, international goals for the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity were agreed at the UN conference in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, which are to be implemented at local level (cf. UN 1992).
Acquire knowledge about native plant species that are preferable to choose. This is an important step towards preserving vital biodiversity. But architects and planners have even more options for action.
Opportunities for practical implementation
What options do architects and planners have on site to promote biodiversity? Find out from Dr. Frauke Fischer, biodiversity expert and author.
Ecological density - private and public
The careful treatment of nature through the consideration of biodiversity on the local building site creates a positive image both externally for customers and visitors, as well as internally for employees. Well-being is demonstrably enhanced by spending time in a healthy and natural environment, resulting in positive health effects.
Biodiversity can also be preserved or promoted in an urban context through appropriate measures in such a way that a comparatively higher diversity of species can be achieved in the urban habitat than, for example, in more monostructured landscapes or rural areas with less valuable farmland. In terms of ecologically qualified density, the integration of landscape and architecture can also make a valuable contribution to the promotion of biodiversity.
Preparatory planning
In addition to the avoidance of invasive plant species, the following fields of action should be examined for their feasibility or integrated into the planning:
- Creation of the highest possible quality of biotopes by avoiding sealed or partially sealed areas
- Creation or preservation of vegetation areas with ground connection
- Integration of extensive roof greening and/or vertical greening up to a maximum height of 10 m on external walls and masonry.
Create, connect and maintain biotopes
Targeted measures for the active colonisation of new and native animal species as part of the construction project on the site of the construction project or in its immediate vicinity as part of the construction project:
- Measures for the active colonisation of new and native animal species directly on the building (e.g. nesting boxes, beehives, bird protection glass etc.)
- Measures for biotope networking to connect surrounding biotopes and/or enable the movement of animals
- The outdoor area is maintained and serviced to preserve its functional condition and ecological quality and is checked at least once a year
Conclusion
Much is possible at a local level. Ideally, the creation and implementation of a comprehensive and long-term biodiversity strategy for the building and its immediate surroundings should go beyond the measures prescribed in the development plan or planning permission. And takes future site development into account at the same time.
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