German Environmental Aid Calls for Action on Biodiversity Protection

The German environmental organization Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) is calling on the European Union and the German government to recognize the essential services provided by ecosystems and to eliminate all environmentally damaging subsidies by 2020. This demand comes ahead of the 13th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) held in Cancún, Mexico, from December 2-17, 2016.

The conference aimed to negotiate commitments from the 196 signatory states to halt the ongoing extinction of species and the loss of ecosystems by 2020. According to DUH, the measures taken so far are insufficient to curb the negative trend. Progress on the Strategic Plan agreed upon in 2010 has been inadequate.

DUH specifically criticizes the agricultural industry in Germany. Intensive livestock farming produces millions of tons of reactive nitrogen compounds and manure, which are spread on fields and meadows, placing a significant burden on the environment. "The high nutrient loads from agriculture in Germany are the primary cause of the poor condition of many rivers, lakes, and groundwater, leading to a severe loss of biodiversity and considerable health and economic damages," stated DUH Federal Managing Director Sascha Müller-Kraenner.

The organization emphasizes that biodiversity is fundamental to human well-being. DUH participated in a discussion event in Cancún focusing on the economic valuation of ecosystem services. "As long as short-term profit interests do not yield to a long-term and sustainable approach to our environment and its flora and fauna, biodiversity, our foundation for life, is in danger," said Ulrich Stöcker, DUH's Head of Nature Conservation.