Biodiversity is threatened
Biodiversity, the diversity within species, between species and the diversity of ecosystems,
forms the existential basis for human life and the possibility of economic, sociologic and
cultural development.
Biodiversity is threatened. All over the world almost two thirds of all ecological systems and
animal and plant species are classified as “threatened”. In addition to that there is a great
loss of genetic diversity with unforeseeable effects to future generations (e.g. food and
health). In Germany are more than 70 percent of the natural habitats endangered.
The national and international efforts to decelerate or to stop the loss of biodiversity were
yet inadequate. Therefore it is necessary to increase efforts from all actors on all levels to
preserve biodiversity.
Cities and municipalities have a special position, because they represent the political level
which is closest to the people. Their broad tasks in plan, administration and politics and the
decisions involved play an important role for preserving the local biodiversity and they have
the possibility to raise public awareness in issues of biodiversity at communal level.
Moreover actions at a communal level lead to concrete results, which can be used as
examples for other actors and which can send important momentum to higher political
levels.
Municipalities for Biodiversity
The commitment to preserve biodiversity is a current challenge for cities and municipalities
and has a high importance for the decision-making-processes of the signatory local
authorities. On the occasion of the international year of biodiversity, the signatory
municipalities accept the challenges and the need to strengthen local biodiversity.
Aspects of biodiversity will be taken into consideration during the urban development. The
requirements, which are demanded while preserving local biodiversity, will be included
while making decisions at the communal level. But the cities and municipalities can only
pursue these targets, given to their financial situation, with support from federal and state
levels and therefore they emphasize a co-operative approach. The signatory municipalities
work towards the implementation of financial frames and basic knowledge in order to
maintain biodiversity systematically. With their signing of the declaration the municipalities
dedicate themselves, within their capabilities, to preserve and to strengthen local
biodiversity. Proposals for action have been formulated for the following areas:
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I.
Green and open spaces in settlement area
 Development of intelligent urban planning concepts which integrate compact
constructions such as an appropriate population density and urban greening in the
environment of settlement areas.
 Development of regulations to limit the expansion of settlement areas, soil and openspace planning by communal and intercommunal floor-space management. Reactivation
of disused land considering their importance of nature conservation to limit the
expansion of settlement areas on “greenfield sites”.
 Preserving of semi-natural areas in settlement areas and the use of existing potential to
establish semi-natural areas and areas where people can experience nature. These
measures are also important with regards to the climate change.
 Organic maintaining of public green areas inter alia with the greatest possible
relinquishment of pesticides and fertilization and the reduction of cut-off frequency.
 Exclusive use of native and regional specific species in semi-natural areas in settlement
areas.
 Combination of flood protection, nature conservation and recreational functions e.g. by
measures for water-retention (retention areas).
II.
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Species and biotope protection
Involvement in the development of biotope connection systems (corridors) and
protected areas.
Concrete contributions for protection of species and the preservation of genetic
diversity of species in a communal species conservation programme.
Protection of ecologically sensitive areas from the influence of genetically-modified
cultivated plants and pollutants.
Improvement of existing stream morphology e.g. by renaturation of flowing waters
and reconstruct of water flow.
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III.
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Promotion of environmentally compatible forms of agriculture and forestry.
Development of concepts for the sustainable use of renewable raw materials on a
regional level which are compatible with the requirements of nature conservation.
Prevention of water pollution e.g. by the establishment of adequate buffer strips
along waters.
Development of intelligent public transport concepts to avoid the extension of traffic
areas and the associated fragmentation of natural areas which are close or within
settlement areas.
IV.
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Sustainable use
Raising awareness and cooperation
Promotion of sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism concepts.
Support of communal sustainability programmes and processes, respectively
participation of the citizenship in measures for nature conservation and climate
protection.
Strengthening of educational work and the range of information for local biodiversity
e.g. forest kindergartens, school gardens and natural trails in urban green spaces.
Strengthening of intercommunal cooperation for the protection and the sustainable
use of local biodiversity.
Supra-regional and European cooperation between partner regions in order to
strengthen biodiversity.
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Alliance for biodiversity
The signatory Cities and municipalities intend to join together in an „Alliance for
Biodiversity“. Together they will search for possibilities to preserve biodiversity. In this
alliance they can exchange experiences and strategies. Moreover they can search and
explore new methods to raise public awareness.
The „Alliance for biodiversity” will give the opportunity to the signatory cities and
municipalities to make the crucial step on preserving biodiversity.
Signed by an authorized representative of the municipality
Name of the municipality: ___________________________________________________
Function of the signatory: ___________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Place, date, signature
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