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Pollinators in Decline — What Can Be Done?
Policy and Management
Threats to pollinators are pervasive. Researchers have presented evidence that pollination systems have been disrupted and some pollinator populations are diminishing. For example, recent evidence suggests that global climate change could have a serious detrimental effect on flowering plant species and their pollinators (20, 24). Clearly, measures must be taken to document the actual extent of pollinator declines, especially among the poorly studied native insect pollinators. Concurrent steps should be taken to avert a potential pollination crisis. While no national strategy currently exists to deal with the pollinator declines (16), steps can be taken to strengthen and maintain efficient pollination systems. Some of the more notable approaches include (14):
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Improving agricultural practices and regulations that encourage, for example, targeted rather than broad-spectrum pesticides and the use of buffer strips |
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Restoring habitat and species through effective land use planning policies |
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Reintroducing native plants and pollinators coupled with the removal of alien pollinators |
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Valuing native diversity and promoting native gardens |
