An insect scout campaign for six-legged friends at NABU’s “Insect Summer” in Germany
Insects, in all their diversity, are not only an irreplaceable food source for brids, bats, and many other animals, but also essential pollinators of both wild and cultivated plants.
To raise awareness of the dramatic decline in insect populations and highlight their enormous importance to people and the environment, NABU launched and interactive campaign called “Insect Summer”.
Anyone interested, including both NABU members and external insect enthusiasts, can apply to become an insect scout and support local NABU groups on a voluntary basis. The main tasks of the insect scouts are to inspire participants to explore the fascinating world of insects, support NABU in identifying insect species, and represent the organization in media and press inquiries related to the campaign. As approachable ambassadors for the insect world, they help spread awareness and encourage greater engagement with the topic.
The project also aims to build a network of people interested in insects and nature conservation and strengthen their connection with NABU. Ideally, this will result in a long-term community of dedicated individuals working to support insect conservation within the organization.
In 2021 and 2022, a total of 32 people, two from each federal state, were scheduled to receive training. Four two-day workshops, each attended by eight participants, were planned. During these workshops, prospective insect scouts were introduced to the Insect Summer project and, together with an entomologist, learned how to observe and identify insect species. The training also covered the role of insects in ecosystems and the issue of insect decline. In addition, participants received basic media and communication training from an expert and practiced giving interviews and leading excursions through role-playing exercises
