Dresden (dpa/sn) - Saxony wants to stop the decline in biodiversity and the loss of habitats for plants and animals. This is what a program for more biodiversity that was decided by the cabinet in Dresden on Tuesday envisages. "Species are becoming extinct and habitat loss has reached a breathtaking pace. The state of species and habitats is threatening. We must act more decisively," said Environment Minister Wolfram Günther (Greens). Compared to 2009, the situation has once again deteriorated significantly.
"Today, more than 50 percent of the habitat types and significantly more than 40 percent of the species are more endangered than in 2009. That's why we have developed a new, ambitious program. Ambitious because we want to achieve a trend reversal by 2030," emphasized the minister. Threatened bird species include nightjars, corncrakes, partridges and black grouse. Beavers, hamsters, salmon and grayling are also at risk. The program is the "strategic umbrella" for all activities to preserve and increase biological diversity.
According to Günther, biodiversity is necessary for quality of life and prosperity. "The declining number of insects, for example, threatens agricultural yields. Conversely, intact, vital floodplains serve to protect against flooding and water availability and thus also pay off economically." The same applies to species-rich mixed forests. Restoring moors is climate protection and thus safeguarding prosperity. Protection alone in isolated protected areas is not enough, it must play a role in all forms of land use.
Among other things, the program provides special aid for species. Biotope networks should be supported through targeted action on state-owned properties.
