Resource description:
Recommendations for managing and enhancing biodiversity in floriculture production
Economic factor with ecological side effects
Ornamental plant production is a global business worth billions. In the EU alone, flowers worth around 15 billion euros are imported every year – a large proportion comes from countries such as Kenya, Colombia and Ecuador. The intensive production poses challenges: the water consumption for just one rose is estimated at seven to 13 liters. In addition to the high water consumption, it is primarily pesticides, the loss of natural habitats and the high CO₂ emissions from heated greenhouses that have an impact on the environment.
Nevertheless, there are already promising alternatives. More and more producers are turning to more environmentally friendly plant protection methods, sustainable substrates and water-saving irrigation systems. Some insect-friendly and native product ranges are also already being advertised in markets. The publication compiled by the Global Nature Fund (GNF) and the Lake Constance Foundation shows how these positive developments can be specifically promoted – and what role certifications play in this.
Paths to more biodiversity-friendly ornamental plant production
In order to reduce the negative influence of the industry, ten certification standards of the ornamental plant industry relevant to the German market were examined in the brochure. The focus of the analysis was on four of the five main drivers of biodiversity loss, which the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) classifies as particularly crucial: Changes in land use, overexploitation of natural resources, pollution and the spread of invasive species. The study shows ways in which biodiversity can be actively protected and promoted – including through training, monitoring, reduction of pesticides, fertilizers and peat, as well as targeted biodiversity action plans.
The English-language publication “Recommendations for Managing and Enhancing Biodiversity in Floriculture Production” from the “Unternehmen Biologische Vielfalt – UBi” project is the first to highlight the ecological challenges facing the sector – and the solutions that already exist. It is primarily aimed at standard setters and certifiers for cut and potted flowers. The publication also contains specific recommendations for producers and retailers.
In summary, the publication shows that decisive action to protect biodiversity in ornamental plant production is essential for nature, the economy and society. This is the only way the industry can fulfill its ecological responsibility and secure its future viability.
Author/Contact:
Annekathrin Vogel, projekt manager
Lake Constance Foundation
Dipl.-Ing. Agrarwissenschaften, Fritz-Reichle-Ring 4, 78315 Radolfzell, Deutschland