Biodiversity referendum – Living democracy to protect our environment
Have you ever wondered why these days, even after a car ride lasting several hours, there isn't a single insect clinging to your windshield? Or why there are hardly any butterflies in your living room, even though the light is on and the balcony door is open? That's right: The decline in insects isn't the figment of the imagination of "unshaven nutritionists" but rather a bitter reality. The team from the " People's Initiative for Biodiversity " has set itself the task of reversing this trend. To this end, they have drafted a piece of legislation that will be enacted into law through a people's initiative, essentially bypassing the CSU. A very exciting, albeit rocky, road. But hear for yourself in our interview with one of the initiators, Dr. Maiken Winter: 
Dr. Maiken Winter, co-initiator of the biodiversity referendum
Hello Maiken, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Who are you and how did you get involved in the referendum?
"I studied biology and then earned my doctorate in the US. My research topic was the impact of landscape fragmentation on bird populations. After 14 years in the US, I moved back to Germany and, via a roundabout route, came to the referendum. I'm currently working full-time for the referendum."
Then please first explain to me what exactly that is: a referendum.
"A referendum is the most important building block of direct democracy in Germany. To conduct a referendum, the first step is to draft a bill. Then, you must collect enough valid signatures —in Bavaria, this currently amounts to 25,000—to be able to submit an application for approval to the Ministry of the Interior. If the application is approved, the actual referendum process begins. Within a certain period of time—in Bavaria, for example, two weeks—10% of eligible voters (this number also varies by state) must go to their town hall and vote. Since no voting notifications are sent out, a lot of publicity must be done during this phase. If at least 10% of citizens vote, and half of them vote in favor ( a simple majority ), parliament is forced to consider the bill. Only if parliament rejects the bill can the initiators call for a referendum. Now, the citizens are asked to vote (again) on the bill. Here, however, voting notifications are sent out, and a "normal" election takes place on a weekend day. There is currently no quorum in Bavaria (exception: constitutional amendments), meaning: voter turnout is irrelevant. The majority of voters decides. If they vote in favor, the draft law automatically becomes law.
Wow, that's a long road. Are there any examples of successful referendums?
"Absolutely, some of them. Since 1946, 14 referendums have been held in Bavaria alone. Most recently, in 2010, the non-smoking law was passed by citizens."
What exactly is your bill about?
"Fundamentally, we want to stop species extinction and preserve biodiversity. To achieve this goal, our draft legislation includes various measures. One is the expansion of organic farming to 30% by 2030. This will reduce the burden on the soil and reduce the amount of pesticides released into nature. Animal welfare will also be promoted.
Another component is reducing light pollution, which poses a major problem for insects. Our law contains requirements and prohibitions in this area.
A third, important point is the interconnectedness of biotopes. Island populations have less genetic diversity, making them more susceptible to disease and less adaptable to environmental and climate change. A flagship project in this area is the " Green Belt ," which we must absolutely push forward in Bavaria.
The fourth pillar of the law concerns education. We want to ensure that the topic of biodiversity gains greater importance in education. After all, what is unknown cannot be protected. For example, many people notice an old, original VW Beetle precisely because it is familiar but rare. But fewer and fewer people are happy about (or recognize) a stag beetle. We want to raise awareness of our natural world here.
A fifth important point revolves around our desire to keep a close eye on policymakers. Our law would require politicians to produce an annual report and a longer report on the state of nature at least once per legislative period. Because only if the success of measures is sustainably measured can they be improved and promoted. There are also other important changes that will significantly improve biodiversity in Bavaria.
Exciting! Maiken, thank you so much for your time. I keep my fingers crossed that you overcome all the hurdles and that biodiversity in Bavaria is preserved!
