Forget Me Not

This species of forget me not flower (Myosotis rehsteineri), native to the lake and river shores of southern Germany, is highly endangered. Urban development in shore areas of essential habitat areas such as the Bodensee is leading to immense habitat decline which leaves no space for the species to exist. Additionally, increased nutrient entry into coastal habitats is leading to detrimental eutrophication. Changed flooding and drought patterns due to climate change make the survival of the species even more difficult. In the painting, the flower is growing and reaching toward the light – calling for our attention to not forget about the seemingly inconspicuous species of our planet, like this forget me not flower. It is also supposed to remind us how every species deserves to be appreciated in its beauty and to respect its innate right to be protected and preserved. We can all play part in respecting that right either by spreading a little appreciation for all the overlooked species or in directly protecting especially vulnerable habitats like shores and coasts through political activism in development projects or with our own awareness when someday building houses ourselves.

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