For insects: From talk to action
Many insects are dying. Stakeholders from politics, science, business, civil society, the environment and education are now making plans together to stop insect mortality. On 19.09.2019, they will meet for the 2nd "Insect Day Switzerland" in Aarau.
Counteracting insect mortality requires the commitment of many parties: From politics to business, research, the public and civil society. The Day of Insects Switzerland is intended to make actors and activities related to insects and biodiversity visible immediately, but also in the long term, and to promote the networking of all interested parties. In this way, a network of committed people grows who work together for the well-being of insects.
It is high time to respect insects - precisely because they are sometimes fought. The animals perform many valuable functions. Edward Wilson, the renowned American entomologist, has calculated that humans could survive only a few months without insects. But the number and diversity of insects are declining dramatically: In Switzerland, Red Lists show that over 40 % of insect species are endangered and 5 % are already extinct.
In some German-speaking areas, their numbers have declined by as much as 80 %.
Ten good reasons to respect insects:
1. ecosystem: insects give nature more resilience.
2. pollination: insects keep the plant world alive.
3rd cycle: Insects are an important part of the food chain.
4. forage and food: Insects secure the world's food supply.
5. hygiene: insects rid us of "garbage".
6. soils: insects make our earth fertile.
7. clothing: Insects are indispensable for textile production.
8. industry: insects produce chemicals.
Medicine 9: Cure insects.
10. research: insects are extremely valuable scientifically.
At 1st Insect Day Switzerland more than 220 people from all over the country took part a year ago in order to network and join forces. This great response encouraged the organizers to hold the conference again.
The contributors this time include:
- Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE (Video Ambassador)
- Prof. Dr. Josef H. Reichholf, zoologist (keynote speaker)
- Dr. Yves Gonseth, info fauna
- Ulrich Veith, Mayor of the pesticide-free municipality of Mals (South Tyrol)
- Fredy Hiestand, bakery owner
- François Turrian, BirdLife Switzerland
- Dr. Hans-Dietrich Reckhaus, Insect Respect
- and more more
Day of the insects Switzerland:
September 19, 2019, 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Culture and Congress Center Aarau
Keynotes, Lunch, Networking, Workshops, Panel, Apéro Riche
Eve: Small helpers with a big effect
September 18, 2019, 4 - 9 pm
Naturama Aargau
16:00 - 18:00 Lectures. Location: Naturama Aargau. Cost: CHF 20.-
19:00 - 21:00 Excursion. Meeting point: Naturama Aargau. Cost: CHF 20.-
On the eve of Insect Day, the interested public meets at Naturama at 4:00 p.m. for presentations on the diverse functions of insects in our ecosystems. After a break with refreshments, a bat excursion will begin at 19:00. Here the importance of insects as food for other animals will be shown. The two events can be attended separately.
www.birdlife.ch/tag-der-insekten
