Preserving the wealth of plants and animals with innovative ideas

The importance of biodiversity cannot be overstated. High biodiversity ensures functioning ecosystems and contributes to the stability of our planet. However, for years we have been witnessing a concerning loss of animal and plant species. Lack of refuge for wildlife, land sealing, and intensive agriculture are the main causes. Therefore, the third focus of the GANS was on innovative approaches to protect nature while enabling profitable agriculture. 

The speakers took the participants of the GANS on an eye-opening journey. Dr. Frauke Fischer from the University of Würzburg presented alarming facts about species extinction, while Lara Boye from Artenglück described how she inspires companies for biodiversity projects. In a closing panel, Jürgen Maurer from the State Farmers' Association of Baden-Württemberg, Michael Berger from WWF, Andrea Schwalber from Nestlé, and Dr. Thomas Meier from the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture discussed how an agriculture can emerge that combines nature conservation and profitability.  

These three insights provide a thematic preview:  

• Massive species extinction: Every day, about 150 plant and animal species go extinct worldwide. If we do not stop this trend, the consequences for animals, humans, and the economy will be dramatic. 

  
  

• Precise CSR reporting possible: The startup Artenglück offers biodiversity projects for companies. Part of the projects: Monitorings with air and soil samples as well as AI analyses. This way, the effects of engagement can be evidenced in external communication. 

• Better education needed: Consumers do not yet recognize the connection between processes in the food industry and the risks to biodiversity. The association Food for Biodiversity aims to raise awareness in this area. 

Keynote: Beyond the obvious – Why we talk about biodiversity

Dr. Frauke Fischer, lecturer in animal ecology and tropical biology at the University of Würzburg, surprises her audience with an unexpected question: "What have mosquitoes ever done for us?" Baffled faces in the audience. The answer: "Without mosquitoes, there is no chocolate. Two species of biting midges are the most important pollinators of cocoa." This illustrates that even animals that seem bothersome to us play an essential role in our ecosystem. Therefore, we should not consider any species as less worthy of protection. 

In 2003, Fischer founded Germany's first consulting agency focused on biodiversity, called "Augen auf!" The perception of the subject has changed significantly since then: "Back then, companies thought that the state and conservation organizations should take care of species preservation alone. Today, we can hardly keep up with orders." Companies have now realized that species protection is not only an ecological but also an economic necessity. "By 2030, the annual costs from the loss of natural services such as pollination, soil fertility, or water purification could exceed 2.7 trillion dollars globally," Fischer predicts. This would correspond to a decline in economic output of 2.3 percent. 

With impressive data, the scientist emphasizes why there is no alternative to species protection: Every day, about 150 plant and animal species go extinct irretrievably. Due to significant human interventions, only 2 to 3 percent of true wilderness remains. Damage to nature is largely driven by land use changes, overfishing, and deforestation. "Therefore, among other things, a rethink is needed in these economic sectors to preserve the remaining natural habitats," Fischer explains. 

Start-up Pitch: Artenglück – Making biodiversity appealing to companies

To promote local biodiversity, Lara Boye and Felix Schulze-Varnholt founded Artenglück in 2020. They call their approach "Nature Conservation as a Service." It allows companies to conduct their own conservation projects within 30 kilometers of a desired location. Boye explains: "Together with farmers, foresters, conservationists, and researchers, we implement tailored, transparent measures in the areas of ‘flowering fields,’ ‘field bird protection,’ and ‘forest reforestation.’" 

The flowering fields are created on low-yield soils, so they do not compete with food production. They promote pollinating insects and improve soil quality. In the area of field bird protection, Artenglück focuses on endangered species like the skylark. "In grain fields, we create 40 square meter gaps that serve as take-off and landing strips for the birds, providing safe nesting places and rich food sources," explains Boye. 

In addition to conservation measures, companies can book team events. "We have already brought over 1,500 people to the fields, including many participants from urban areas who often set foot on an agricultural field for the first time. Through activities like manual sowing, participants better understand the connections of nature, and at the same time, team spirit is fostered," says Boye. In conjunction with the projects, air and soil samples are taken, and water analyses are conducted. Furthermore, infrared sensors capture the wing movements of insects, which are then analyzed by an AI. Companies can use the collected data for their CSRD reports. 

Panel Discussion: Between Conservation and Productivity – Current Perspectives for Sustainable Agriculture 

The concluding panel provides exciting insights into the challenges of protecting biodiversity. Andrea Schwalber, Sustainability Manager at Nestlé Germany, emphasizes the relevance of the topic in her company. "An example of this is our commitment to the association Food for Biodiversity. Particularly noteworthy is the diversity of the involved stakeholders: Manufacturers, retailers, associations, environmental and certification organizations are all part of it." The goal is to protect biodiversity through common quality criteria and training along the supply chain and to better educate consumers. "Consumers do not yet recognize the connection between processes in the food industry and the risks to biodiversity clearly enough," Schwalber states. 

Michael Berger, Sustainable Agriculture Consultant at WWF Germany, criticizes the current food system: "The pressure to produce as much as possible at low prices to meet market and consumer demands often conflicts with biodiversity protection, as species protection costs money." Jürgen Maurer, Vice President of the State Farmers' Association in Baden-Württemberg, agrees: "It is not just a problem of agriculture, but a societal behavioral problem. We produce what is demanded because we want and need to operate economically." 

Maurer is a participant in the F.R.A.N.Z. project (For Resources, Agriculture & Nature Conservation with Future) of the Michael Otto Environmental Foundation and the German Farmers' Association. He is testing measures that serve conservation while also being economically viable. In the context of the project, he has created fallow lands and pea windows on his farm in Wiernsheim-Iptingen, which serve as refuges and breeding places for field hares and field birds. 

The F.R.A.N.Z. project is scientifically accompanied. According to Dr. Thomas Meier, head of the department for biological diversity, nature conservation, and agricultural environmental measures at the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, this is crucial: "A reliable and precise measurement of impacts is essential to win farmers for similar projects in the future. They need to be able to recognize what contribution they make to promoting biodiversity." 

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"I am one of the founders of PlantShields. We are developing a natural remedy that protects plants from fungal diseases. The talks about biodiversity, with their compelling facts, have reinforced our commitment to continue pursuing our approach: to protect crops without burdening ecosystems. We obtain our active ingredients as a by-product, which is why the presentation on circular economy was also very interesting for us. Today, however, we not only learned a lot but also met interesting people. Participating in the GANS and the Growth Alliance Boot Camp was a great benefit to us." 

Jens Maintz, Co-Founder, PlantShield

About the Growth Alliance Networking Summit 

In 2023, the event started as part of the Growth Alliance, a joint initiative of Rentenbank and TechQuartier on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). The goal of the Growth Alliance is to strengthen the innovative power of the German agricultural and food industry in times of climatic, ecological, and societal change. For this purpose, founders are brought together with experts from business and science, investors, and other relevant actors to further develop their business models.  

In addition to lectures, start-up pitches, and panels on the topics of "Plant-Based Proteins," "Circular Economy," "Biodiversity," and "Next Gen AgriFood," the guests of the GANS 2024 also experienced reverse pitches, where investors presented their profiles and funding priorities. Additionally, the finale of the Demo Days and an award ceremony for the accompanying start-up boot camp of the Growth Alliance took place.