A recent study indicates that the European Union’s current biodiversity strategy for species protection may be insufficient to sustainably safeguard vital pollinators like wild bees, bumblebees and butterflies. The findings, released Tuesday by the University of Freiburg and published in the journal “Science”, highlight a critical gap between existing EU targets and the actual needs of pollinator populations.
Researchers involved in the international study determined that stable pollinator populations require between 16% and 37% of natural or semi-natural areas within agricultural landscapes. This substantially exceeds the EU’s stated goal of 10%. The specific needs vary by pollinator group; wild bees and bumblebees necessitate 16% to 18% of near-natural habitats, while butterflies require a considerably higher 37%.
Furthermore, the study emphasizes that habitat quality is as important as area size. The researchers suggest that farmers should be financially incentivized to create and maintain these natural habitats, ideally with long-term commitments – spanning at least 20 years – to ensure pollinators have consistent access to food sources and appropriate nesting sites. This sustained support would contribute to establishing permanent and reliable habitats.
