On the ‘Bee Path’ – Europe progresses towards halting pollinator declines - Buglife
The European Commission has reported on their work under the EU Pollinator Initiative.
There has been good progress on most of the actions set out by the EU in 2018 to help stem the decline in bees, hoverflies, moths and other pollinators. In particular there has been:
- substantive new advice produced for local authorities and others to help them to improve habitats for pollinators,
- development of a new EU wide monitoring scheme for pollinator abundance,
- the launch of Pollinator Park, an artificial reality application that explains the risks of pollinator loss to food production and biodiversity,
- initiation of a red list review of hoverfly status,
- several scientific projects investigating pollination services, and
- new commitments to reduce pesticide use and restore biodiversity.
On the other hand the report recognises that progress has been insufficient on incorporating pollinators into national plans, making the Common Agriculture Policy pollinator friendly and ensuring that the pesticide approval process is updated to take into account the risks to pollinators.
The report concurs with the European Court of Auditors findings of 2020 that halting pollinator declines in Europe demands a step up in dedicated resources, including directed action to save red listed pollinator species, and greater commitment and coordination across Member States and EC directorates, particularly in relation to agriculture.
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Posted On: 01/06/2021