Insects are completely underestimated - but they are of great benefit to society, e.g. in foodproduction and in the decomposition of organic material. At the same time, they sometimescause damage. How can you control insects and promote these animals at the same time?Reckhaus is the only company in the biocide industry to have faced up to this contradiction, examined its effects on biodiversity and developed INESCT-RESPECT, the first quality labelfor insect control and repellents with ecological added value.

Because insects are of great benefit to society, the principle is:

1. avoidance and reduction

2. ecologization and

3. compensation for insect control.

To this end, INSECT-RESPECT creates public awareness, especially among consumers(publications, films, events, exhibitions, augmented reality, community building, NGO cooperation), as well as insect-friendly habitats.

A scientific model is used to determine the insect loss caused by products and what measuresare needed to compensate for it. INESCT-RESPECT then establishes compensation areas on flat roofs that give back space for insects in urban areas. INSECT-RESPECT created theworld's first insect compensation area in Bielefeld in 2012 and Switzerland's first in Gais in 2015. Research is carried out on the areas in collaboration with scientists. The biotopes increase local insect biodiversity through different substrate types and layer thicknesses, among other things. Products with the quality label do not contain insecticides or water-polluting substances. Buyers receive information about insects, prevention and the respective compensation area.

INSECT-RESPECT is the only quality label in the world that stands for a holistic rethink in the biocide industry. The compensation concept can be applied to all (insecticide-free) insectrepellents. Retailers and biocide manufacturers can label their products with the quality labeland offset the impact of their products. INSECT-RESPECT thus offers a sustainable business model that earns money with ecological services.

In order for people to use fewer biocides (reduction target), a change in awareness must takeplace in society. INSECT-RESPECT is actively contributing to this change in thinking: Through numerous awareness-raising measures such as the “Saving flies in Deppendorf” campaign, the specially developed animated film “Little Giants” about the value of insects, with the book “Why every fly counts” by Dr. Hans-Dietrich Reckhaus (initiator of INSECT-RESPECT), lectures, events, exhibitions with augmented reality elements, insectidentification, as well as more than 100 fact sheets and information on environmentallyfriendly infestation prevention to download from the website. As a lobby for insects, INSECT-RESPECT actively promotes the networking of committed stakeholders. Every twoyears, INSECT-RESPECT organizes the Day of Insects, bringing together participants from a wide range of social, economic and scientific fields to send a strong signal for the preservationof biodiversity and against species extinction.

INSECT-RESPECT is strongly committed to promoting insects and biodiversity - preciselybecause the Reckhaus company comes from an industry that hardly ever deals with the ecological consequences of its business models. At Biodiversity in Good Company, INSECT-RESPECT can exchange ideas with like-minded people, learn from pioneers in otherindustries and jointly create visibility for this commitment.

www.insect-respect.org