The level of public response to a European Union pollinator initiative consultation is thought to be the fourth highest ever for an EU environmental consultation.
In total 66,579 public replies from across the European Union were received.
Scientists estimate 84% of EU crop species and 78% of wildflower species rely on insect pollination. The ecosystem service provided to the EU by pollinators is valued at €22 billion per year.
As well as the mass public response, 29 wildlife organisations from across Europe made a joint submission to the pollinator initiative consultation, put out by the 28 member European Union.
The main area of common ground is developing a full EU Pollinator Strategy in collaboration with Member States to deliver:
- Remaining areas of wild flowers, semi -natural meadows and existing High Nature Value agriculture maintained, supported and promoted.
- B-Lines/BeeLines enabling pollinators and other wildlife to disperse effectively and providing the conditions for populations to recover.
- Agri-environment schemes successfully deliver habitat for priority pollinator species.
- Pollinator species and habitats listed in the Habitats Directive in FCS.
- EU pesticide approval process and subsequent risk management ensures pollinator safety.
Full list of signatories include: Buglife – The Invertebrate Conservation Trust, Butterfly Conservation Europe, Friends of the Earth Europe, Vlinderstitchting (Dutch Butterfly Conservation), Environmental Justice Foundation, River of Flowers, Conchological Society, Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Freshwater Habitats Trust, Wildlife Trusts, Client Earth, Wildfowl and Wetland Trust, Mammal Society, Save Butterfly World, Pollinis, A Rocha, Edinburgh Entomological Club, People’s Trust for Endangered Species, Plantlife, British Arachnological Society, RSPB, Bijenstichting (Dutch Bee Conservation), Badenoch & Strathspey Conservation Group, Amateur Entomologists’ Society, SOS Polinizadores (SOS Pollinators), Federation of Irish Beekeepers’ Associations, Vilde bier i Danmark (Danish Association for Native Bee Conservation), British Dragonfly Society, Butterfly Conservation.
Article originally appeared on Horticulture Week
The Institute cannot confirm the accuracy of this story or confirm that it presents a balanced view. If you feel this is inaccurate we would welcome your perspective and evidence that this is the case.
