Hello Lykkers, do you have an idea of how important is the impollination? Pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, are essential for the fertilization of plants, supporting the reproduction of many plant species and contributing to agricultural productivity.

Over 40% of invertebrate species, particularly pollinators, face the risk of extinction, with Europe being home to 9.2% of endangered bee species (IUCN, 2015).

The disappearance of these pollinators would lead to the extinction of numerous plant species and would require artificial pollination at a high cost to maintain current levels of agricultural production.

The Impact of Pollinators on Agriculture

Pollinators, particularly domestic and wild bees, account for approximately 70% of the pollination of all plant species globally, contributing to about 35% of global food production. In the last 50 years, agricultural productivity has increased by around 30%, largely due to the activity of pollinators.

Globally, over 90% of key crop species benefit from visits by pollinators, with bees being the most common pollinators, followed by flies, which visit around 30% of crops. Pollinators contribute significantly to agricultural productivity, with an estimated annual global increase of €260 billion due to their services (Lautenbach, 2012). In Europe, around 80% of cultivated species rely on insect pollination (EFSA, 2009).

Role of Wild Pollinators

Wild pollinators play a crucial role in the ecosystem. It is estimated that 87.5% of the world's flowering wild plants depend on animal pollination to reproduce, with this figure varying from 94% in tropical communities to 78% in temperate regions (IPBES, 2017).

Among the 20,077 known species of Apoidea (bees), most are wild, with only a few species being domesticated, such as the Western honeybee (Apis mellifera) and the Eastern honeybee (Apis cerana).

Decline of Pollinators and Its Causes

The decline of pollinators, particularly wild species, is attributed to several factors. Modern agricultural practices, such as monoculture, habitat destruction, pesticide use, and fragmentation of natural areas, have created environments that are hostile to many pollinators.

This has led to a significant reduction in the populations of wild pollinators, making domesticated species like the honeybee increasingly important for crop pollination.

In Europe, nearly half of insect species are in decline, with a third at risk of extinction. Habitat changes and environmental pollution are among the main causes of this decline. The intensification of agriculture over the past six decades and the widespread use of synthetic pesticides have been major contributors to the reduction in pollinator populations and biodiversity.

Consequences of Pollinator Decline

If current trends continue, pollinators could face extinction within a few decades, leading to severe consequences for ecosystems worldwide. Insects are the structural and functional foundation of most ecosystems on Earth, and their loss would disrupt food chains and biodiversity.

Restoring Pollinator Habitats

To protect pollinators, it is crucial to restore natural habitats, reduce agro-chemical inputs, and redesign agricultural practices. Measures such as planting hedgerows, creating field margins, and rotating crops with legumes can help increase pollinator abundance and diversity.

These ecological engineering practices not only benefit pollinators but also help preserve natural pest control systems, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

The Role of Ecological Engineering

Ecological engineering, such as planting flower strips or hedgerows along field edges, can boost the populations of wild pollinators. Crop rotation with legumes can also promote a greater diversity of pollinators, such as bumblebees, which can enhance crop yield and farm profitability. Additionally, these practices support natural pest control agents, reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides.

Reducing Pesticide Use

For these restorative measures to be effective, it is crucial to minimize the use of pesticides, particularly insecticides and fungicides, which harm pollinators and disrupt natural pest control services. Reducing chemical inputs will allow pollinator populations to recover and ensure the continuation of their essential role in maintaining biodiversity.

The Economic Value of Biological Control

In many agricultural systems, biological control remains an underutilized yet economically effective and environmentally friendly method for managing crop pests. This approach helps preserve biodiversity both within and outside agricultural areas, supporting sustainable farming practices.

Protecting pollinators is crucial for maintaining agricultural productivity and the balance of natural ecosystems. Immediate changes in agricultural practices are necessary to prevent further declines in pollinator populations. By restoring habitats, reducing pesticide use, and implementing ecological engineering practices, it is possible to ensure the continued availability of pollinators and safeguard food production for future generations.