Fight for biodiversity: concerns and solutions in the Haßberge!

Fight for biodiversity: concerns and solutions in the Haßberge!

On July 17, 2025, around 40 citizens gathered at the district office on Floriansplatz to take part in the panel discussion under the motto “Protecting biodiversity in Franconia” of the district association Alliance 90/The Green Haßberge. The event highlighted the pressing challenges facing biodiversity in the region. The interesting discussion was moderated by Christian Ruser, the district chairman of the Green Party in the Haßberge district.

Die-hard environmentalists and experts in the group took the opportunity to contribute their perspectives. Among the panel participants were Niklas Wagener, the forest policy spokesman for the Greens parliamentary group, Florian Tully from the Steigerwald National Park Association, the former head of the Sailershausen University Forestry Office Hans Stark and Klaus Mandery from the Bavarian Nature Conservation Association. Klaus Schineller, an Ebern city councilor and organic farmer, was also there.

Threats and options for action

During the lively discussion, the experts noted that although biodiversity in Franconia is high, it is coming under increasing pressure. Threats such as intensive agriculture and forestry, climate change and land sealing were identified as central problems. These challenges are not only felt locally, but also reflect broader global trends, as highlighted in the WWF study “Wildlife in a warming world”. This study examines the effects of climate change on almost 80,000 animal and plant species and makes it clear that particularly species-rich regions such as the Amazon rainforest are struggling passionately with the consequences of an average temperature increase of 4.5 degrees Celsius, not to mention the dramatic developments associated with it.

Panel participants also discussed the need for action to address these challenges. Political governance, community initiatives and active local engagement were highlighted as essential steps. In this context, those present expressed the desire for concrete participation offers and more public education.

The highlight of the event

A highlight of the event was the spontaneous visit by Dorothee Bär, the Minister of Research, which was very well received by the citizens. Her appearance generated positive reactions from the audience. Paul Knoblach, a member of the state parliament, and Thomas Vizl, the deputy district administrator of the Schweinfurt district, also stopped by and took an active part in the discussion.

The topics discussed ranged from the decline of insects to the role of agriculture and the promotion of natural gardens. The increasing concern about the decline in biodiversity shows: There is something going on! There is a lot to do to ensure that the diversity of nature in Franconia remains protected. Those present agreed that educational work and joint action are essential in order to give threatened habitats and their inhabitants a perspective.

With these pressing questions in mind, we can only hope that the exchange between politicians and citizens this evening was a start in the right direction. As the WWF study shows, we are called upon worldwide to counteract the negative effects of climate change and to preserve biodiversity, not just here in Franconia, but all over the world.