’Healthy Ecosystems Are Fundamental to Human Welfare’

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Roß-Nickoll
Roß-Nickoll
 

On November 8, RWTH will host the 20th annual RWTH Science Night. Biologist Martina Roß-Nickoll will lead visitors on an engaging exploration of meadow ecosystems.RWTH Science Night has grown into one of the most popular events in Aachen and the surrounding area, drawing thousands of attendees each year. On Friday, November 8, 2024, the University invites you to the 20th annual "5 to 12" RWTH Science Night. This year, Professor Martina Roß-Nickoll from the Institute for Environmental Research returns with a lecture on the often-overlooked ecosystem of meadows and their critical role in supporting biodiversity and mitigating climate change - even in urban environments. In a recent interview, the biologist discusses the importance of meadows and why communicating scientific research to the public is essential.

Professor Roß-Nickoll, you will be discussing the significance of meadows in promoting biodiversity and climate resilience at Science Night. What roles do meadows play in this regard?

Roß-Nickoll: Meadows are incredibly diverse ecosystems that support high levels of biodiversity. Unfortunately, this diversity is increasingly lost due to overfertilization and excessive land use. In urban settings, we often see ornamental lawns that are poor in species. Through our FLIP project, we aim to enhance the ecological quality of intensively used urban lawns, field margins, and grasslands, transforming them into species-rich meadows. A well-managed, near-natural meadow can support a vast array of life. For instance, a single plant species in a meadow can provide a habitat for eight to ten insect species. So, our focus is on creating a thriving ecosystem and promoting insect diversity, rather than simply showcasing colorful flowers. Meadows also play an important role in carbon sequestration and water retention, making them crucial to building climate-resilient urban landscapes.

You mentioned that a ’properly managed meadow’ requires human intervention. Can you elaborate on this?

Roß-Nickoll: Absolutely. Without regular maintenance, such as mowing once or twice a year or through controlled grazing by animals like sheep, meadows would be overtaken by pioneer species of trees and shrubs. To keep meadows as open land, ongoing management is essential. Meadows can have very long lifespans - up to 100 years in stable conditions. Through the FLIP project, we have already restored or created over 16 hectares of meadowlands in the region. It’s also important to monitor these areas to observe their development. For example, the meadow atop the Eurogress parking garage on Monheimsallee, has grown into a beautifully restored habitat with rich biodiversity.

Why is taking part in RWTH Science Night important to you?

Roß-Nickoll: Communicating ecological concepts in ways that are both accessible and impactful is essential. After all, healthy ecosystems are fundamental to human welfare. A key component of our project is public outreach and education, alongside research on public perception. Not everyone sees the value in insects and spiders or even finds them cute as they might with honeybees or ladybugs, but biodiversity is critical to maintaining a healthy ecosystem. It is only through understanding that people can truly appreciate and support these natural systems, which is why education is a core part of our mission. Science Night provides a great platform to engage directly with the public, fostering that understanding. As part of the FLIP project, we also collaborate with schools and daycare centers, offering educational materials and hands-on learning experiences.

What can attendees expect from your presentation?

Roß-Nickoll: During Science Night on November 8, I’ll provide an inside look at the role of biodiversity in urban environments. The FLIP project will be a central part of the discussion, showcasing why biodiversity matters and how meadows can become incredibly species-rich when managed in a more natural way rather than being excessively exploited by humans.

For more details and the full event program, visit the Science Night webpage.