World Nature Conservation Day: Pollinators Matter

There’s a ?saying, “Life is an echo, what you do, comes back to you.” This is the condition of humans in the present. If you take a look at the immense work we have done to improve our living, it is incredible but this has also led to a lot of harm to other species. And today, it is indirectly affecting us. According to a study, half a million people are dying currently due to a major decline in the global insect pollinator population. This is because pollinators are a major part of food security globally and are the reason we can enjoy good quality food. But, due to unsustainable practices like intensive agriculture, pollution and climate change, there has been a decline in their numbers and diversity. This will affect us now and will also have an impact on future generations. This World Nature Conservation Day, we are going to discuss biodiversity conservation in agriculture with a special emphasis on pollinators.

Importance of pollinators

Pollinators are an integral part of our food system. They aid in pollination by collecting different resources for themselves and their colony. Different animals participate in pollination, ranging from insects like honeybees, houseflies, and weevils to birds like hummingbirds and also small reptiles like lizards. According to the IPBES 2016 report on The assessment of pollinators, pollination, and food production, 75% of our food crops, which include vegetables, cereals, fruits, nuts, and oil seeds depend on animal pollination to some extent and require a diverse variety of wild pollinators, even in the presence of managed pollinators. The amount of yield that we can get out of the crop and also the quality of the crop depends on the diversity and the abundance of the pollinators.

Why Worry About It?

The number of pollinator-dependent food crops has increased by 300 % in the last 50 years. But, globally several species of bees and butterflies are under threat. According to the IPBES 2016 report on pollinators, in Europe alone, 9% of bees and butterflies in Europe are threatened. This decline is affecting the food system and reducing the yields of crops. According to a new modeling study by Environmental Health Perspective in 2022, there is a loss of 3% - 5% of fruit, vegetable, and nut production due to insufficient pollination, which has led to an estimated 427,000 more human deaths annually. This is due to less availability of healthy food and associated diseases.

What Is Causing Pollinator Decline?

A range of factors, including loss of habitat, pesticide use, pests and diseases, pollution, and climate change are responsible for causing this decline in pollinators. When these factors come together, it can lead to severe species loss.

Habitat Loss - Human activities like intensive agriculture, urbanization, and industrialization, are primarily responsible for pollinator population declines. Some bees can tolerate moderate changes but most experience negative effects from habitat loss. The negative changes will be reduced nesting sites and flowering plants which reduce pollen and nectar sites. But, this can also include competition from the non–native species which attract pollinators towards them.

Pesticides – Pesticides used in agriculture, particularly insecticides, adversely affect pollinators. Insecticides like neonicotinoids cause Colony Collapse Disorder in honey bees. They affect their foraging behavior and also reproduction, causing population decline. Their long-term presence in the environment can also affect multiple generations of the pest.

Climate Change – Pollinators are very sensitive to temperature and humidity and due to this reason, the ongoing climate change is affecting them adversely. Climate change can lead to changes in the distribution of pollinators and also change the sync between plant flowering and the pollinator life cycle. Overall, climate change is the most significant and complex threat to pollinators, impacting their resources, health, and distribution, and potentially leading to food security issues.

Pests & Diseases – Bee colonies are severely affected by many insects, mites, fungi, bacteria, nematodes, and viruses. These diseases are also the main reason for annual colony losses. The study also says that the managed colonies are capable of transmitting these diseases to the wild ones.

Pollution – Soils and pollen contaminated with heavy metals, gases like nitrogen, and particulates like diesel can cause health issues and disturb the overall well-being of bees. Electromagnetic radiations like visible light can affect the foraging habits and the behavior of pollinators.

Pollinators Matter

To ensure their survival, we must adopt comprehensive strategies and take proper action. Here are some of the key steps we can take to preserve pollinators and ensure a better future for them and us.

Reduce Pesticide Use

Before applying any pesticide, it's crucial to assess if it's truly necessary. If treatment is unavoidable, choose the least harmful options and adhere strictly to application guidelines. Importantly, we should never apply pesticides to plants while they are flowering to avoid harming pollinators.

Sustainable Practices

Sustainable farming practices are essential to reduce the impact of the environment on pollinators. Practices such as crop rotation, organic farming, and the use of cover crops help maintain soil health and reduce the need for chemical inputs. By integrating these methods into agriculture, we can create a more balanced and supportive environment for pollinators.

Integrated Pollinator Management

Integrated Pollinator Management (IPM) strategies are designed to protect pollinators and to optimize crop yield. These strategies are designed in such a way, as to manage both the natural habitat for the pollinators as well as the farm. IPM practices ensure ecological balance and long-term sustainability, benefiting both pollinators and farmers.

Mitigate Adverse Effects of Managed Bees

Managed bees, such as honeybees, can sometimes negatively impact wild bee populations by transmitting pests and diseases. To mitigate these effects, it's important to manage bee populations carefully and adopt practices that support wild pollinators.

Combat Climate Change

Climate change poses the most significant and challenging threat to pollinators. Rising temperatures, changing rain patterns, and extreme weather events can disrupt pollinator life cycles and reduce the availability of flowers and hence pollen and nectar. Continued efforts to combat climate change are essential to protect pollinators and secure food production. Public education and advocacy are key to driving action on this critical issue.

Research and Development

Research regarding alternative pest control methods and new agricultural practices that are safe for pollinators is essential. By investing in the development of eco-friendly solutions, we can reduce our reliance on harmful chemicals and create a safer environment for pollinators.

Conclusion

Biodiversity conservation in agriculture is crucial for ensuring quality and optimal yield. Pollinators, being a vital part of the agricultural ecosystem, are often neglected. Their diminishing numbers can drastically affect the food system. To conserve them, we need to take collective action and practice more sustainable ways of living. Preserving pollinators requires an integrated approach that includes reducing pesticide use, habitat management, combating climate change, and research and development of eco-friendly solutions. Through these steps, we can ensure a better future by ensuring the safety of pollinators and food security.

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