Prof. Dr. Inga Schleip from the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE) has been elected deputy chair of the Scientific Advisory Board for Biodiversity and Genetic Resources (WBBGR). The committee reconstituted itself at its second meeting for the 2025–2028 term of office.

The 18 members elected Prof. Dr. Maria Finckh (University of Kassel) as chair. Prof. Dr. Jana Zscheischler (University of Göttingen) and Prof. Dr. Inga Schleip (HNEE) were also elected as deputy chairs.

The meeting also focused on the presentation of the advisory board's first statement in the new term of office, entitled "Effective soil protection: Recommendations for implementing the goals of the coalition agreement". In it, the WBBGR formulates key recommendations for political and administrative measures for the sustainable use of soil in agriculture. Among other things, incentive systems, advisory services and digital procedures to support agricultural businesses are discussed. In the joint discussion, Federal Minister Alois Rainer emphasised the importance of soil as a non-renewable economic basis for agriculture and forestry.

The WBBGR provides independent scientific advice to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (BMLEH) on fundamental issues relating to the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and genetic resources at national, European and international level. In the coming months, the advisory board will focus in particular on the Common Agricultural Policy and the EU Restoration Regulation.