Associations call for the preservation of biodiversity in Leipzig

Multiple environmental associations are concerned about biodiversity in Leipzig in light of numerous construction projects. In a joint statement, they call on the city council to vote in favor of the biotope network concept. Leipzig should be a "municipality of biodiversity". However, native species are losing more and more habitat.

Leipzig is shrinking for animals and plants

"Leipzig is growing due to construction projects with no regard for urban nature. Leipzig is shrinking for animals and plants. Not only are habitats for native species being lost along with the green spaces, but the urban climate and human health are also suffering, as the sight of greenery and the song of birds has been proven to be an essential factor for well-being," it said.

Leipzig threatens to become a heatwave city without nature

The senders are the regional associations of the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU), the Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND) and the Ökolöwe association. They point out that nature also has a function for the urban climate, which will also be lost with reckless development. "Leipzig is becoming a heat city, and human health is also suffering as a result."

Connecting habitats is crucial

According to the associations, the loss of urban nature is going largely unnoticed. Therefore, any measure that counteracts this at least to some extent is welcome. The biotope network concept is an important first step in this direction. In the long term, the measures must be implemented step by step in order to ensure the permanent preservation and networking of habitats for animal and plant species in the urban area and to effectively counteract the further loss of species and habitats.

Leipzig has one of the largest inner-city alluvial forests in Europe, covering an area of around 2,000 hectares. It is considered an important habitat for numerous plants and animals.