CERTIFIED BIODIVERSITY AT HALFAR

At Halfar, we are committed to preserving biodiversity and species diversity. To this end, we have converted a significant number of suitable areas at our locations into biotopes. Two years ago, some of our biotopes were officially certified by Insect-Respect. The certification confirms that the areas actively promote local biodiversity and make a valuable contribution to environmental protection. The compensation areas provide insects with the necessary retreats, offering food, hiding places and hibernation possibilities. 

The newly planted areas have recently been inspected to ensure that they have been properly maintained and continue to provide a valuable habitat for insects. Following a tour of the site and an assessment of the green roof, we are delighted to have been re-certified. We view the award as a confirmation of our ongoing commitment to the creation and maintenance of our biodiverse green spaces.

Why are we so committed to preserving biodiversity?

We are aware that our business activities have an impact on the environment. That is why we consider the economic and social as well as the ecological perspective in our decisions. It is our responsibility to minimize the negative impact of our business activities and to actively participate in the transformation process towards greater sustainability. In addition to avoiding and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, we are therefore particularly committed to preserving biodiversity. 


Natural habitats and species provide us with a variety of resources, including food, drinking water and raw materials for medicines in numerous ways. Furthermore, they regulate the climate, thereby safeguarding us from flood for example. It is also worth noting the importance of insects maintaining an intact ecological balance. They play a significant role in the food chain, contribute to soil fertility and support agriculture through pollination. It is challenging to quantify the precise economic value of insects, for instance in terms of their role in pollination. However, numerous studies demonstrate the significant (also economic) importance of insects and estimate it at many billions worldwide. The German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMELV) estimates the economic value of insect pollination at approximately 70-100 billion euros globally and around 2.5 billion euros in Germany.¹ In addition, a recent meta-study based on global data indicated that the number of terrestrial insects is declining by approximately 9 % every decade.²

What measures have been taken to protect local species diversity and biodiversity?

The decline in biodiversity is particularly evident in agricultural areas, where insects are facing significant threats. Therefore, we have transformed suitable areas at our sites into biotopes. These have been specifically designed to promote regional biodiversity and thereby contributing to the preservation of biological diversity. Given the complexity and extraordinary importance of biodiversity, we collaborate with various experts, such as the Insect Respect initiative, in the design and implementation of nature-orientated areas.

Following the initial greening of a 400 m² section of the roof in 2013, another suitable section of the company's roof was converted into a biodiverse green roof in 2019. The area was designed with the input of Halfar employees, incorporating insect-friendly planting, water features and piles of dead wood to provide structure. In 2020/21, we created the first of what is now a series of six different biodiverse green spaces on our company premises. From sunny to shady, these biodiverse areas demonstrate the impressive diversity of flora and fauna to visitors and employees alike, fostering dialogue and engagement.

The knowledge gained from these projects also allows us to maintain and further develop the green spaces in accordance with local conditions. Furthermore, we have also developed an environmental concept for the outdoor areas of our logistics centre, which provides 1,500 m² of habitat for plants, birds and insects. The combination of rough grassland, piles of dead wood and stones, water features, wild plants, old apple varieties, herbs and grasses provides food and shelter for a wide variety of animals and insects. This area, situated amidst industrial and agricultural land, makes an important contribution to the preservation of biodiversity.
Sources:
¹Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft (2020): Bedeutung der Bienen ist enorm – für Artenvielfalt und Volkswirtschaft. BMEL - Pressemitteilungen - Bedeutung der Bienen ist enorm – für Artenvielfalt und Volkswirtschaft
²Van Klink, R., Bowler, D. E., Gongalsky, K. B., Swengel, A. B., Gentile, A., & Chase, J. M. (2020). Meta-analysis reveals declines in terrestrial but increases in freshwater insect abundances. Science, 368(6489), 417-420.

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