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23 March 2022

"Multifaceted insects": Travelling exhibition opens in Hamburg

Prof. Dr. Bernhard Misof, Generaldirektor LIB; Sabine Riewenherm, Präsidentin des Bundesamtes für Naturschutz (BfN); Katharina Fegebank, Zweite Bürgermeisterin und Senatorin für Wissenschaft und Forschung Hamburg; Dr. Martin Husemann, LIB-Insektenspezialist und Projektleiter der Ausstellung
Opening of the exhibition "Multifaceted Insects": Prof. Dr Bernhard Misof, Director General LIB;
Sabine Riewenherm, President of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN);
Katharina Fegebank, Second Mayor and Senator for Science
Museum of Nature Hamburg Press release Knowledge transfer

Dazzlingly beautiful, successful, useful - and endangered. Although insects do a great deal for us humans, we are responsible for their decline. From today, 23 March 2022, the touring exhibition "Multifaceted insects: Diversity I Endangerment I Protection" at the Zoological Museum in Hamburg and then in other exhibition centresexhibition centres in Germany. Among other things, it explores the question of how we can better protect these fascinating animals.

"In order to preserve the diversity of insects and biodiversity as a whole, we need a rethink in our society. The exhibition 'Multifaceted Insects' shows us that with the decline of insects we are not only losing the sight of colourful butterflies, but that our livelihoods are in danger," emphasised Sabine Riewenherm, President of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), in her opening speech. The exhibition is part of the "ProInsekt" project, which is funded by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation with funds from the Federal Ministry for the Environment as part of the Federal Biological Diversity Programme and implemented by the Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change (LIB) in cooperation with NORe (Museumsverbund der Nord- und Ostsee Region e. V.).

"I am delighted to be hosting this exhibition," emphasises Prof. Dr Bernhard Misof, Director General of the Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change (LIB). "It reflects the entire spectrum of research at the LIB and presents it in a way that everyone can understand. At our sites in Hamburg and Bonn and with partners around the world, we analyse the ways in which insects are endangered and why they are disappearing. We are intensively looking for solutions to protect insects and are engaging in dialogue with politicians and the public."

The decline in insect species has been documented in the Red Lists for many decades. The third volume of invertebrates published by the BfN a few days ago also shows that although the populations of a few insect species have increased, the declines of many species clearly outweigh this. Five years ago, comprehensive studies on the massive decline in biomass made the drastic development the subject of public debate, and a rethink began: In 2019, the German government adopted the so-called "Insect Protection Action Programme", or API for short, the most effective and comprehensive package of measures to protect insects and their diversity. In addition, numerous research and protection programmes for insects were launched. What specific measures are set out in the API and what else is Germany doing to conserve insects - also in comparison to other countries? What do we now know about the lives and habitats of these six-legged creatures - where do we lack information? How effective are measures in agriculture and in the private sector?

The exhibition explores these questions: "Multifaceted Insects" outlines the causes and consequences of the massive decline in insect biomass and insect species. It explains what options are available at a political and private level to stop the decline. Currently collected scientific data from the collections of the NORe museums involved in the development of the exhibition are included and show how the composition of insect communities in northern Germany has changed and which species are currently endangered.

Katharina Fegebank, Second Mayor and Senator for Science and Research: "I am delighted that with 'Multifaceted Insects' we now have an interactive exhibition for young and old in Hamburg that provides exciting insights into our insect worlds and emphasises their relevance for biodiversity. The travelling exhibition makes the multifaceted work of the LIB tangible for everyone in Hamburg and makes an important contribution to explaining the complex issues of our environment to a broad audience and raising awareness of ecological diversity."

Background on insects

Insects are the most species-rich group of animals. With their sophisticated behavioural strategies and diverse physical characteristics, they can be found in almost all habitats on earth. Their numerous abilities make them indispensable for ecosystems and also for our lives: Pollinators ensure good harvests, other insects help break down dung, carcasses and dead plants. They are also an important source of food for many other animals. Accordingly, the decline in insects has serious consequences - including for humans.

"Multifaceted insects" exhibition

"Multifaceted Insects" will be shown in the museums of the NORe network until 2024 and will then travel to other exhibition centres in Germany. The travelling exhibition addresses preconceptions and takes all population and age groups on a journey of discovery into the world of this fascinating group of animals. With many hands-on and media stations, the exhibition is interactive and invites visitors to discover, creatively design, listen and reflect on their own range of action. A varied educational and event programme and an accompanying book complement the exhibition.

The exhibition was developed as part of the "ProInsekt" project and is funded by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) with funds from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) and the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) as part of the Federal Biological Diversity Programme.

The "Diversity" exhibition room not only shows the diversity of insects, but also their importance for us humans and nature.
Here, visitors discovered just how adaptable these six-legged creatures are, inhabiting almost every corner of the earth.
The flat-bellied dragonfly welcomes visitors in larger-than-life size. On a scale of 1:10, we can see every detail and observe the animal closely from all directions.
In the last room of the exhibition, we learn about the dangers to which insects in our natural environment are exposed. Together we find out what we can do about them and how they can be better protected.
Detailed photographs of insects are complemented by texts that point out the dangers to which the six-legged creatures are exposed. Hands-on stations and audio stations make the visit an experience for (almost) all the senses.
Katharina Fegebank, Second Mayor and Senator for Science and Research, emphasises the important contribution of the travelling exhibition in making the complex issues of our environment understandable to a broad public and raising awareness of ecological diversity.
Many insect species are endangered, but the mealworms and grasshoppers from the buffet at the exhibition opening could be the future source of protein for a sustainable diet.
The panel discussion centred on "Insect protection - are we doing enough in Germany?" Dr Martin Sorg, Dr Laura Breitkreuz, Prof Dr Jan Christian Habel and Sabine Riewenherm moderated by Katharina Schmitz (GEO).
The "makers" of the exhibition are delighted with the opening: Frithjof Leopold, Anne Merker, Dr Lioba Thaut and Dr Martin Husemann (from left to right).
The "Diversity" exhibition room not only shows the diversity of insects, but also their importance for us humans and nature.
Here, visitors discovered just how adaptable these six-legged creatures are, inhabiting almost every corner of the earth.
The flat-bellied dragonfly welcomes visitors in larger-than-life size. On a scale of 1:10, we can see every detail and observe the animal closely from all directions.
In the last room of the exhibition, we learn about the dangers to which insects in our natural environment are exposed. Together we find out what we can do about them and how they can be better protected.
Detailed photographs of insects are complemented by texts that point out the dangers to which the six-legged creatures are exposed. Hands-on stations and audio stations make the visit an experience for (almost) all the senses.
Katharina Fegebank, Second Mayor and Senator for Science and Research, emphasises the important contribution of the travelling exhibition in making the complex issues of our environment understandable to a broad public and raising awareness of ecological diversity.
Many insect species are endangered, but the mealworms and grasshoppers from the buffet at the exhibition opening could be the future source of protein for a sustainable diet.
The panel discussion centred on "Insect protection - are we doing enough in Germany?" Dr Martin Sorg, Dr Laura Breitkreuz, Prof Dr Jan Christian Habel and Sabine Riewenherm moderated by Katharina Schmitz (GEO).
The "makers" of the exhibition are delighted with the opening: Frithjof Leopold, Anne Merker, Dr Lioba Thaut and Dr Martin Husemann (from left to right).

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Contact person

Mareen Gerisch

  • Head of Communications and Press, Hamburg

Phone: +49 40 238317 908, mobil +49 160 90853213
E-Mail: m.gerisch@leibniz-lib.de

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