Invertebrates play a central role in ecosystem functioning and provide valuable ecosystem services to humans, such as pollination (by bees, flies and beetles) for agricultural purposes (particularly fruits and vegetables), soil formation (by earthworms and other soil organisms) and removal of carrion and dung (by carrion beetles and dung beetles). Furthermore, they provide an important food source for many other species (including birds and mammals). 

A total of 1.4 million invertebrate species have been described by science so far. However, it is estimated that between 8 and 20 million species exist on our planet. In addition to this large number of undescribed species, we have very little knowledge about those species that have names. Many species are only known from the type material that has been collected at a single locality - often decades ago - to describe the species, and have not been documented since. Many species may have gone extinct unnoticed. It is estimated that between 11,000 and 36,000 species go extinct each year. This knowledge is based on biogeographical rules (species-area-relationship), but we have no knowledge which species are affected or which consequences for the environment or humans are associated with these extinctions. 

Humankind is aware of the major challenge of biodiversity loss and has agreed upon several international conventions to cope with these threats, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These goals can only be reached if we massively increase our efforts to preserve the mos species-rich animal groups on Earth, particularly the invertebrates. Furthermore, we must establish interfaces between science and practice to link the theoretical knowledge on biodiversity conservation with practical conservation action. This includes knowledge transfer and capacity building in species-rich countries that often lack scientific expertise as well as information of the public and politics.