Last summer, Uhlmann trainees painted and filled an insect hotel together with the participants of the summer holiday program. We have taken this campaign as an opportunity to further support biodiversity in Laupheim. As a result, the corporate sustainability department launched a participatory campaign to promote biodiversity. Employees were able to send in their personal contribution to the topic and win great prizes.
Why is biodiversity so important?
Biodiversity – alongside the two components social and governance – is included under the “E” (Environmental) in ESG and is therefore a relevant topic in the environment. Biodiversity describes the variety of plants, animals and microorganisms in our ecosystem. This variety of species is important for all ecosystems, as it ensures fertile soils, clean water, pollinated plants and a stable climate. A loss of biodiversity therefore has an impact on all life on earth.
Our participatory campaign was about collecting and sharing inspiring ideas. Three entries particularly impressed us with their influence and creativity. We evaluated all the entries submitted in the categories of creativity and innovation, environmental impact, sustainability, and reach and engagement.
The winners are:
1st Place
„A very special parcel of land”
Thomas Geiselmann (UCS3)
2nd Place
„Upbringing of an Antlion”
Matthias Fischer (UOL)
3rd Place
„Promoting biodiversity through school projects”
Jürgen Lauber (UFC)
1. Platz:
„A very special parcel of land“, Thomas Geiselmann (UCS3)
A few years ago, Thomas Geiselmann and his wife took over a parcel of land from his grandparents. He has transformed the 3,500 m2 area piece by piece into a paradise of biodiversity.
Thomas, what changes have you made to the area?
We have converted the leased agricultural land back into meadow in order to extend the existing fruit trees to the entire area. In addition to the trees, we have installed a number of nesting boxes and planted 16 meters of different berry bushes, paying close attention to sustainability.
What other measures have you taken for biodiversity?
Part of the area will also be grazed by sheep in the coming year. In addition, my wife and I are currently taking an annual course at the Biberach Agricultural Office to become fruit and garden specialists. We are particularly proud of the fact that we can partly carry out the training on our own plot of land and that this is also available for training other tree wardens in the district of Biberach.
2. Platz:
„Upbringing of an Antlion“, Matthias Fischer (UOL)
From the very large area to our little helpers and useful insects: Matthias Fischer and his son Louis have raised an ant midge together. This exciting project naturally aroused our curiosity and we spoke to Matthias about it.
Matthias, we particularly noticed your enthusiasm for the little inhabitants in the garden when you submitted your entry. Where did you get the idea from?
Our son Louis followed the development of the ant midge from larva to egg laying for over a year and developed a special bond with this fascinating insect. In the end, it even felt like a pet to our son Louis.
How has this experience influenced you?
Thanks to Louis’ enthusiasm, we became insect sponsors as a family. Since then, we have been actively promoting natural habitats, for example by planting wildflowers, rose hips and lilac bushes. We also support the survival of insects and birds by building insect hotels and nesting boxes. This topic also plays an important role in the education of our children. Sustainability, a respectful approach to nature and the joy of being outside and exploring are important values for us that we want to pass on.
3. Platz:
„Promoting biodiversity through school projects“, Jürgen Lauber (UFC)
Even the smallest can achieve great things through community. For example, Jürgen Lauber and his son built bird and insect houses with great dedication in the fall and in recent months.
How did you come up with the idea of building bird and insect houses?
Our children’s school is very active in the areas of sustainability and biodiversity and has already been recognized by the Tübingen administrative district for various initiatives. My son was enthusiastic about the activities in several “green projects” and I was automatically involved. In the fall and in recent months, we have built various little houses together to provide a safe habitat for birds and insects.
Where did you build the houses and in which projects were you active?
On the one hand, we did handicrafts at home, but the focus was on the school projects described above. Biodiversity was improved on site in working groups, project days and additional hands-on activities on sustainability, insects, gardens and plants.
How colleagues support biodiversity – and how you can do it too
Our environment is constantly changing, but everyone can do something to protect biodiversity. It doesn’t matter whether you have a lot or a smaller area available. Here are some ideas and pictures from participants in our hands-on campaign on how you can contribute to a balanced biodiversity:
- Building insect hotels and birdhouses – an entry by Verena Schuster
- Planting insect-friendly plants – an entry by Dietmar Jerg
- Planting fruit trees and flower meadows – an entry by Heinz-Peter Leuther
- Stone piles and deadwood for hedgehogs and lizards – an entry by Manuel Eiberle
- Flowering clematis with nesting boxes – an entry by Thomas Sievers
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you once again for all the submissions and participants in our interactive campaign. We are delighted with the commitment to preserving and promoting biodiversity in Laupheim and the surrounding area and look forward to further campaigns.
Help us improve.
Please rate this article:
Loading...Don't miss any stories!
Subscribe to the pactuell newsletter now to receive information on new articles directly in your inbox:
You can find more about the subscription and data protection here.