The critical role of bees
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The best-known pollinating insects are bees, especially the honeybee (Apis mellifera), but other Apis and non-Apis bees (e.g., bumblebees) are also excellent pollinators. Pollinator activity supports the vegetation-rich environments that make up most terrestrial ecosystems. The proper functioning of these habitats and their benefits are essential for maintaining all life forms on the planet. One of nature's most important contributions to people is the pollination of various crops fundamental to human consumption and the economies of many regions. However, natural pollination services are declining in different parts of the world because there are fewer pollinators or less diversity in their communities. When there is a deficit in this area, the typical response to the resulting low agricultural yields is to expand the area under cultivation and apply inappropriate farming methods. This is a common approach in conventional intensification and creates environmental pressures that lead to further losses of natural resources, harming even more pollinator communities.
Our approachApimondia is working to develop theoretical and practical knowledge on topics such as the biology of different pollinator species, behavioural traits, the ecology of pollinator communities, the tangible and intangible value of their services in cultivated and natural environments, pollinator-friendly practices, and producer perceptions, among many others. Thanks to this research, the value of different pollinator communities for crop pollination has been increasingly recognized, demonstrating the estimated extent of their loss and facilitating the quantification of costs and benefits of pollinator-friendly practices. The importance of preserving natural pollinator habitats and increasing biodiversity to reduce synthetic inputs and create a healthy and resilient agroecosystem is also a key area of research.
We are making progress in understanding the causes and consequences of bee mortality. This task is accomplished through studying bee nutrition and toxicology, surveying different regions, establishing beekeeping consortia, and developing research projects. All this information is a valuable tool for designing and implementing management plans that promote the presence of pollinators in natural and productive environments. For example, the Apimondia has contributed to developing FAO guidelines and protocols for the socio-economic assessment of pollinator-friendly practices and launched several initiatives in small family farms from developing countries. We also participate in intergovernmental platforms, working with civil society associations, and liaising with political actors to discuss pending policies and to bring the needs of producers, beekeepers, and consumers closer to the discussion forums. Some of the main activities include participation in symposiums, drafting beekeeping regulation bills, and developing reports for policymakers that give an idea of the current situation of pollinators worldwide. |
