Rhine Area Animal Care and Protection Standards
In the district of Rhein-Kreis Neuss, a significant decline in insect species and individuals has been observed in recent years. To combat this issue, the Planning Department has emphasized the importance of making the surroundings more insect-friendly.
Enter the Action Alliance for Insects in Rhein-Kreis Neuss, an initiative that has been active since 2019. This alliance consists of eight district municipalities, the Biological Station Rhein-Kreis Neuss, the Kreisbauernschaft Neuss-Moenchengladbach e. V., the Kreisjaeger-schaft Neuss e. V., and the Kirchenkreis Gladbach-Neuss, with additional members such as the intermunicipal working group and the inter-professional working group.
The alliance meets at least once a year for an exchange of experiences, while providing professional support for project implementation and public relations work to its members. Their projects have been ongoing for at least five years, as indicated by the conversion of approximately 180 hectares of land for insect protection.
The alliance's efforts extend to agriculture, with projects such as the creation of flower strips and flower meadows. But the fight against insect decline is not limited to the professional sphere. Private individuals in Rhein-Kreis Neuss can also participate in the insect protection program through so-called "flower sponsorships."
For those who wish to support and promote insect populations locally, the program encourages residents to:
- Create insect-friendly habitats by planting native wildflowers, maintaining natural vegetation, or creating butterfly gardens in private gardens and balconies.
- Avoid chemical pesticides and fertilizers to protect insect life and support healthier ecosystems.
- Provide insect hotels or nesting areas to help solitary bees and other beneficial insects to nest and thrive.
- Participate in local events and workshops organized by the Action Alliance, where individuals can learn more and contribute actively.
- Join citizen science efforts by reporting sightings of insects or helping with monitoring programs, contributing valuable data for conservation planning.
To get involved, private individuals in Rhein-Kreis Neuss can usually contact their local environmental offices or visit the official Rhein-Kreis Neuss Action Alliance for Insect Protection website or community pages to find detailed information on current activities, resources, and how to register as part of the program.
For those interested in learning more about the insects in their own backyard, the free app ObsIdentify is available. The Action Alliance's work continues to make a difference in the district, contributing to a healthier and more insect-friendly environment for all.
- In addition to the professional initiatives taken by the Action Alliance for Insects in Rhein-Kreis Neuss, private lifestyle changes can contribute to environmental-science projects aimed at combating climate-change.
- To create a home-and-garden that supports local insects, residents can opt for native wildflowers, reduce the use of chemical pesticides, and provide insect hotels for Solitary bees and other species.
- Beyond the district's projects, interested individuals can participate in citizen science efforts, such as using the ObsIdentify app or attending local workshops, to contribute data for conservation planning in the realm of other aspects of science related to the environment.
