In Pursuit of Diversity
Since 2023, the Hilti Foundation has been promoting biodiversity in the country with the “supergut” initiative. On May 22, International Day for Biodiversity, local and international participants were invited to Vaduz to present existing projects and inspire new ones at the “Tatort Biodiversität” event.
When it comes to a sustainably healthy environment, biodiversity is often quickly mentioned. It refers to the variety of species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity—one of the most essential life foundations we have. However, this precious resource is increasingly threatened in Liechtenstein as well. In the past 40 years alone, biological diversity here has declined by more than a third.
We aim to counteract this with the “supergut” initiative.
“Our goal is not only to raise awareness about this important issue but also to motivate people in the country to take action themselves,” summarizes Foundation President Michèle Frey-Hilti. “Additionally, it’s about making the many dedicated individuals and existing initiatives in the country more visible, connecting them, and ultimately providing them with a common platform.”
Tatort Biodiversität
On May 22, 2024, the Hilti Foundation hosted an event for more biological diversity for the first time. Under the title “Tatort Biodiversität,” moderator Peter Beck and personally committed Tatort inspector Stefan Gubser welcomed around 200 guests to the Ballenlager in Vaduz. The event title “Tatort Biodiversität” was not only inspired by the popular TV inspector but also symbolized the situation: on the one hand, the crimes we humans commit daily against biological diversity, and on the other hand, the possibility that Liechtenstein can be a place where personal initiatives, bold ideas, and concrete projects can counteract the loss of biodiversity. By every individual and even outside the so-called “Green Bubble.”
Crime scene inspector Stefan Gubser and moderator Peter Beck.
Stefan Gubser was also impressed by one fact: “I find it just great that the Hilti family is so committed to the topic of biodiversity, making such an event possible.” The fully occupied Ballenlager additionally proved how much the Liechtenstein population is interested in biodiversity.
The twelve short presentations were as diverse as the topic itself, ranging from projects transforming sealed areas into green oases to biodiverse architectural approaches and the “shrub exchange campaign” to replace harmful neophytes with native plant species.
How fresh and modern biodiversity topics can be conveyed was also demonstrated by two real social media stars. First, 20-year-old Quentin Kupfer provided insights into his work. Under the name @bee.steez, he has built a huge following with short video clips as a bee, bird, and nature lover on various social media channels. On TikTok alone, the native Bavarian has around 1.4 million followers.
Similarly successful on social media is Cedric Engels, better known as Doktor Whatson, who spoke as a keynote speaker at the event. With over 330,000 followers on YouTube, he masterfully brings various scientific topics closer in a simple and understandable way and conveys even complex content on biodiversity well.
In the short closing talk with Stefan Gubser, Doktor Whatson, ecologist and environmental educator Jürgen Kühnis, and communication expert Joëlle Loos, the focus was mainly on proper communication. Despite different approaches, there was consensus that biodiversity efforts must also address less nature-oriented social circles beyond the so-called “Green Bubble.” Clear facts should be provided, but without scaremongering and finger-wagging. The topic of biodiversity even has the potential to be positively experienced and spark curiosity across all age and social groups.
The successful evening concluded with a tasty aperitif from the AckerKüche of the Liechtenstein association Ackerschaft, serving exclusively regional and seasonal delicacies. This gave the participants and guests plenty of time for what is particularly important in a complex topic like biodiversity: networking ideas and projects, getting to know each other informally, and exchanging personal experiences.
Supergut continues
“We see this event as a milestone to give the topic of biodiversity more space and attention in the country. And hopefully also as an initial spark and starting point for many more projects and actions,” summarized Managing Director Michelle Kranz. “And those who want to know more about the topic itself, the event, or future activities can stay updated via our website supergut.li.”
One thing can already be revealed: This year, the Hilti Foundation is planning a specially created escape room where families, school classes, or groups of colleagues can approach the topic of biodiversity in a playful way.
More details about the event can be found on the supergut website.
Initiative “supergut”
Goal: Promoting biodiversity in Liechtenstein
Accompanying Experts:
- Flurin Camenisch (Zoologist and museum educator)
- Monika Gstöhl (Biologist and project manager at LGU)
- Jürgen Kühnis (Ecologist, educator, expert in environmental and biodiversity education)
- Claudia Ospelt-Bosshard (Gardener, mediator for natural gardens and native plants)
- Rudolf Staub (Biologist)
Further information: