On 4 September 2018, Naturefriends Switzerland together with the Swiss beekeepers’ association apisuisse, Dark Sky Switzerland, and the Swiss Farmers’ Union launched the petition “Shedding light on the decline in insect populations”. In the petition, they demand the immediate implementation of action plans (pesticides, bee health, biodiversity), awareness-raising among the population as well as the instigation of further effective measures.

Several events helped to raise public attention. The petition was a great success: gathering 165,512 signatures, it became one of the most successful Swiss petitions to date! The cause of the petition has already been taken up by the Committee for the Environment of the National Council – so things are progressing! Naturefriends Switzerland are happy with this success and are considering further petitions and initiatives.