Biodiversity

Preserving biodiversity through harmony of people and nature in our ecosystems

Today, most ecosystems are shaped by the interaction between humans and nature. Each species has its own ecological role within its habitat. If one species is drastically reduced, there can be far-reaching negative effects on other species and the entire ecosystem. The main causes of this development are changes in land use, exploitation of resources (e.g. poaching), climate change, environmental pollution and invasive alien species. In many places, the extinction of biodiversity is therefore man-made. At the same time, this is also an opportunity: solutions are particularly successful in the long term if local people are made co-creators. This is because the conservation of biodiversity requires concepts that are in harmony with the needs of the local population - taking economic and social aspects into account is important in order to enable sustainable development. Potential approaches include protected areas, measures against overexploitation and poaching, renaturation programs and the creation of alternative sources of income.

The supported projects are to follow the “4C Philosophy”: Creating a balance between species protection (Conservation), new sustainable sources of income and economic development (Commerce) as well as strengthening the local community (Communities), cultural diversity and heritage (Culture).