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Brown et al. PeerJ 2016.pdf (1.18 MB)

A horizon scan of future threats and opportunities for pollinators and pollination

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posted on 2023-06-09, 03:00 authored by Mark J F Brown, Lynn V Dicks, Robert J Paxton, Katherine C R Baldock, Andrew B Barron, Marie-Pierre Chauzat, Breno M Freitas, Dave GoulsonDave Goulson, Sarina Jepsen, Claire Kremen, Jilian Li, Peter Neumann, David E Pattemore, Simon G Potts, Oliver Schweiger, Colleen L Seymour, Jane C Stout
Background. Pollinators, which provide the agriculturally and ecologically essential service of pollination, are under threat at a global scale. Habitat loss and homogenisation, pesticides, parasites and pathogens, invasive species, and climate change have been identified as past and current threats to pollinators. Actions to mitigate these threats, e.g., agri-environment schemes and pesticide-use moratoriums, exist, but have largely been applied post-hoc. However, future sustainability of pollinators and the service they provide requires anticipation of potential threats and opportunities before they occur, enabling timely implementation of policy and practice to prevent, rather than mitigate, further pollinator declines. Methods.Using a horizon scanning approach we identified issues that are likely to impact pollinators, either positively or negatively, over the coming three decades. Results.Our analysis highlights six high priority, and nine secondary issues. High priorities are: (1) corporate control of global agriculture, (2) novel systemic pesticides, (3) novel RNA viruses, (4) the development of new managed pollinators, (5) more frequent heatwaves and drought under climate change, and (6) the potential positive impact of reduced chemical use on pollinators in non-agricultural settings. Discussion. While current pollinator management approaches are largely driven by mitigating past impacts, we present opportunities for pre-emptive practice, legislation, and policy to sustainably manage pollinators for future generations.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

PeerJ

ISSN

2167-8359

Publisher

PeerJ

Volume

4

Page range

1-20

Article number

e2249

Department affiliated with

  • Evolution, Behaviour and Environment Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2016-09-22

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2016-09-22

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2016-09-21

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