The biodiversity project by REWE Group, NABU and farmers is celebrating its anniversary: Since 2010, REWE Group has been working with NABU and numerous farms to preserve biodiversity in conventional fruit and vegetable cultivation in Germany.
The collaboration has developed into the largest partnership of its kind in Germany - and shows how targeted measures directly on agricultural land contribute to the promotion of biodiversity.
Marcel Weber, management of REWE Group's national and international private label goods, emphasises the protection of biodiversity as a shared responsibility
„Sustainability needs strong alliances. The long-standing partnership between NABU, farmers and REWE Group is based on trust, shared values and the common goal of preserving natural habitats along the entire supply chain.“
To mark its 15th anniversary, NABU is publishing concrete results of the partnership: almost 500 farms are implementing nature conservation measures in conventional farming together with over 20 advisors. Over 17.5 million square metres of flowering areas, around 89,300 shrubs and more than 26,900 nesting aids have been created. The measures promote beneficial insects, strengthen crops - and are having an effect: for example, the number of wild bee species at Lake Constance has doubled since 2010.
Scientific monitoring at Lake Constance accompanies the project and provides meaningful data on the development of biodiversity: while 56 wild bee species were still detected in 2010, there were already 112 in 2021 - including 26 endangered species on the Red List
The protection of biodiversity is one of the central building blocks of REWE Group's comprehensive sustainability strategy
REWE Group is committed to protecting the environment and climate, promoting more sustainable product ranges and striving to contribute to a sustainable society. By joining the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the company is committed to science-based climate targets in line with the 1.5-degree pathway of the Paris Climate Agreement. The aim is to achieve net-zero emissions across the Group by 2050 - by reducing emissions both in our own Business Areas and along the supply chains. Climate protection and the preservation of biodiversity are closely linked: Intact ecosystems stabilise the climate, and a stable climate protects the diversity of life.
andreas Teichmann Photography
Since it was founded in 2015, Blühendes Österreich has supported more than 300 partners in restoring and improving over 13 million square metres of biotopes of conservation value. Over 60 protected areas have been co-financed in project implementations throughout Austria. in 2022, Blooming Austria was honoured with the prestigious NATURA 2000 Award from the EU.further information can be found here.
The current progress report shows how REWE Group implements Sustainability - including the commitment to more biodiversity (pages 25-26) - in an effective and practical manner.