German Garden Owners Increasingly Promote Biodiversity
German garden owners are increasingly dedicated to preserving biodiversity. A large majority report avoiding harmful chemicals and actively supporting local wildlife.
Frankfurt – German garden owners are showing a growing commitment to promoting biodiversity within their own gardens. According to new research from KfW Research, 93 percent of garden owners state they avoid the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Additionally, 82 percent place nesting aids or feeding stations in their gardens.
The findings, released in conjunction with the national 'Tag des Gartens' (Garden Day), are based on a representative survey of German households. The report reveals that 60 percent of Germany's 41 million households own a garden. The trend towards more nature-friendly gardening practices, including the avoidance of harmful chemicals and support for wildlife, has seen a significant increase.
Notably, nearly half of garden owners (47 percent) implement all four nature-friendly gardening measures mentioned in the study. This trend marks a clear positive shift compared to 2015, when corresponding figures were considerably lower.
KfW Research highlighted that efforts to conserve biodiversity in gardens also carry significant economic weight. Ecosystem services, such as clean water and food production, which depend on a healthy natural environment, are critical for economic stability. The chief economist at KfW emphasized that the loss of biodiversity can pose serious risks to growth and inflation.