Citizen Science project: NABU's "Insect Summer" encourages insect counting

NABU's "Insect Summer" invites citizens to contribute to insect conservation efforts by counting insects in their surroundings, providing valuable insights into insect trends and population declines.

**Germany's Nature And Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) has initiated its seventh annual "Insect Summer," a citizen science project that encourages people to spend an hour counting the insects they see within a 33-foot radius.** The project aims to raise awareness about insects, their importance in ecosystems, and the ongoing decline in their populations.

**Insects play a crucial role in ecosystems, serving as pollinators, food sources for other animals, and contributors to soil productivity.** However, human activities, such as the use of harmful chemicals, habitat destruction, and climate change, have led to a significant decline in insect populations in recent decades.

**NABU's "Insect Summer" project seeks to gather data on insect populations and trends.** While not intended to provide precise scientific data, the project allows researchers to gain insights into insect distribution, abundance, and the effects of human activities on their populations.

**Participants in the project can use a provided form or mobile app to identify and report their insect sightings.** The project is open to anyone with an interest in insects, and no special equipment is required.

**The project's organizers hope to foster a greater appreciation for insects and their importance in the environment.** By engaging citizens in insect counting, NABU aims to raise awareness about the threats facing insects and the need for conservation efforts.

**In previous years, the project has yielded valuable insights into insect populations and trends.** For example, experts have observed a northward expansion of certain insect species, such as the violet carpenter bee, which is a sign of advancing climate change.

**The "Insect Summer" project is part of NABU's broader efforts to promote insect conservation.** The organization advocates for sustainable agricultural practices, the reduction of pesticide use, and the protection of natural habitats.

**Citizen science projects, like NABU's "Insect Summer," play a vital role in insect conservation by providing valuable data and raising awareness about these important creatures.** By engaging the public in insect counting, NABU hopes to contribute to the conservation of insects and the ecosystems they support.

**The project's organizers encourage everyone to participate in the insect counts, which will be held from May 31 to June 9 and August 2-11.** Participants can choose any location, such as gardens, balconies, fields, or parks, and spend an hour counting the insects they see.

**The data collected during the "Insect Summer" project will be used by NABU researchers to inform conservation efforts and advocate for policies that protect insects and their habitats.** By participating in the project, citizens can contribute to the understanding and conservation of these vital creatures.