BRUSSELS,The European Commission has raised urgent concerns over the survival of wild pollinators, warning that mounting environmental pressures are pushing many species toward extinction. In a new report released this week, the EU highlights habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and invasive species as key threats to bees, butterflies, and other vital pollinators.
Pollinators play a critical role in maintaining biodiversity and food security, yet their populations are plummeting across Europe. The report reveals that one in three bee and butterfly species is in decline, with nearly one in ten facing extinction.
Call for Coordinated Action
The Commission is urging member states to intensify efforts under the EU Pollinators Initiative, which aims to reverse pollinator decline through habitat restoration, pesticide reduction, and better monitoring. Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, emphasized that “pollinators are essential to our ecosystems, agriculture, and well-being. Their loss would be catastrophic.”
Key Recommendations Include:
- Strengthening national pollinator strategies.
- Enhancing data collection and research.
- Promoting pollinator-friendly farming practices.
- Raising public awareness and citizen engagement.
Next Steps
The EU plans to integrate pollinator protection into broader biodiversity and climate policies, including the Nature Restoration Law and the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. The report also calls for increased funding and cross-sector collaboration to safeguard pollinator habitats.
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