We Aim to Empower Research on the Root Causes of Pollinator Decline.
In recent years, pollinator decline has come about the front pages of global conversations. However, this increased attention has given rise to controversy. Honey bees, for example, are often antagonized for being an aggressive invasive species that harms native bee species. Because of this, some have even opted for the complete removal of honey bees. A radical action like this would likely bring devastating ecological consequences, but it remains an ‘obvious’ solution to some.
Nothing Lives in Isolation
Every living organism exists in a ‘system’. In these systems, species form relationships and coexist with each other in order to survive. Sea anemone, for example, clean itself by sheltering nearby clownfish. If the clownfish was removed from the equation, the sea anemone would have a much more difficult time preserving its livelihood. An uncountable number of species depend on each other for survival, and the disappearance of just one cog in a system could harm all the others. So what would happen if a honeybee is subtracted from its local system? We don’t know. Because pollinator systems are so heavily understudied, we’re left guessing the what consequences are associated with removing certain species from a pollinator system. This is what makes attempting to ‘save the bees’ through brute force so dangerous.
Why Will Research on Pollinator Systems be Meaningful?
Once we familiarize ourselves on the interactions that take place within these pollinator systems, we can identify what relationships are sustaining the vitality of bees – and more importantly which ones are harming them. Then, if we isolate these variables, we can gauge the precise effects of bees on their local system. This way, we’ll be able to formulate a step-by-step blueprint on how we can help reverse pollinator decline and foster environments where they can thrive without causing harm to other animal species. Much more empirical evidence will be given on which factors are positively and negatively contributing to pollinator health, so we can refocus the efforts of environmental scientists/activists on the root sources of pollinator decline. Of course, nothing is ever as easy as it seems. This is why we’re aiming to empower ways of fund this research: to find out what works and what doesn’t.
Here’s Our Plan.
In the coming year, The Pollinator Project will be working closely with eminent members of the scientific community to develop a plan to empower this field of research.
Identify the Necessary Resources Needed for Pollinator Systems Research
We will continue to work with environmental scientists to identify what resources (such as access to certain plants, pollinator species, and tools) will be needed to conduct effective pollinator systems research.
Look into the Construction of a Dedicated Research Facility
By creating model research facilities, we will identify which kind of work environments pollinator systems research can thrive in.
Campaign for Change
We will ensure that the findings of this undertaking are practically integrated by city planners, environmentalists, and the scientific community.
Stay Tuned for More information!
Unfortunately, this initiative is still quite early in the developmental stages. In the mean time, find out about what else we’re doing to protect the pollinators.
Interested in helping us empower pollinator systems research?
Let’s start a conversation!