The EU Pollinators Initiative aims at addressing the decline of wild pollinators. The Communication outlines strategic objectives and actions for both the EU and its Member States to combat this decline and contribute to global conservation efforts. It establishes a framework for an integrated approach to pollinator conservation and encourages more effective utilization of existing tools and policies. The initiative sets long-term objectives and short-term actions under three priorities: (I) improve knowledge of pollinator decline, its causes and consequences, (II) improve pollinator conservation and tackle the causes of their decline, and (III) raise public awareness, mobilize society and promote strategic planning and cooperation at all levels. Pollinators and their habitats will be monitored and regularly assessed through the EU-wide monitoring scheme providing data for the assessment of their status and trends. A pilot project on monitoring the presence of pesticides in the environment through honeybee products will be launched to assess the feasibility of using this innovative approach to inform about the exposure of pollinators to pesticides. Resources will be mobilized under the EU research and innovation programmes to fill in the gaps in knowledge about the decline of pollinators, its causes and consequences on society and the economy. Appropriate conservation measures will be identified and implemented for endangered pollinator species and their habitats. Measures relevant for pollinators will be fully integrated into the common agricultural policy and cohesion policy, and Member States will make full use of the opportunities to maintain and restore pollinator habitats in rural and urban areas. Pollinators will be protected from the impacts of pesticides and invasive alien species. Awareness of the importance of pollinators and the urgent need for action to stop their decline will be raised in society-at-large. Businesses will be incentivized to contribute to the conservation of pollinators, in particular in the agri-food sector. EU ecolabel will be applied to products that support pollinator conservation. Pollinator conservation considerations and measures will be integrated into EU supported policies, plans and programmes in developing and neighbouring countries, in line with the objectives of the International Pollinators Initiative which is led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
2018-06-01