Caring for Pollinators - Bundesamt für Naturschutz

Steffan-Dewenter Pollinator declines and loss of pollination services
4.2 Pollinator declines and loss of pollination services: research in
the framework of the EU-project ALARM
by Ingolf Steffan-Dewenter, University of Bayreuth
Introduction
The International Convention on Biological Diversity specifically cites pollination as a key
ecosystem function that is threatened globally. This ecosystem service is not only essential
for the pollination of approximately 80% of wild plant species but also ensures the production
value of crops. Pollinator diversity and consequently pollination services are at risk due to
the destruction and fragmentation of natural or semi-natural habitats, increasing land use
intensification, pesticide use, environmental pollution, invasive species and climate change.
However, the relative importance of these risk factors and in particular there combined
effects on plant-pollinator interactions are mainly unknown. Furthermore, risk factors may
vary between different habitat types, landscapes and biogeographical regions. In the
following I will briefly describe the structure, aims and key results of research performed in
this context in the framework of the EU-project ALARM (www. alarmproject.net).
Structure and aims of the “Pollinator loss” module in the EU-project ALARM
The EU-Project ALARM (Assessing large-scale risks for biodiversity with tested methods) is
an Integrated Project (IP) under the 6th EU Framework programme (subpriority 6.3
sustainable development, global change and ecosystems). ALARM started on 1st February
2004 and has a duration of five years. Currently it is the largest EU-funded research program
dealing with environmental risks for biodiversity. The general objectives are to assess and
forecast large-scale shifts in biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The focus is on risks
arising from climate change, environmental chemicals, rates and extent of loss of pollinators
and biological invasions including pathogens and the development of ecological and socioeconomic
risk indicators. Accordingly, the project is subdivided into 5 closely cooperating
modules. The module on loss of pollinators plays an important integrative role in the project
as pollinators are on one side threatened by several environmental drivers while on the other
side pollinator loss itself might trigger future loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services
(Figure 1). The “Pollinator loss” module has the following general objectives in order to
mitigate risks for pollinator diversity and ensure sustainable pollination services in the future:
(1) Quantify distribution shifts of key pollinator groups across Europe, (2) determine the
relative importance of drivers of pollinator loss (land use, climate chance, environmental
chemicals, invasive species), (3) measure the economic and biodiversity risks associated
with the loss of pollination services in agricultural and natural ecosystems, (4) promote the
conservation and sustainable use of pollinators in natural and agricultural ecosystems, and
(5) develop predictive models for pollinator loss and subsequent risks.
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