New EU-Funded Project to Combat Chemical Pollution and Safeguard Biodiversity: PollinERA
BeeLife European Beekeeping Coordination is thrilled to announce its participation as a partner in PollinERA, a pioneering EU-funded project that aims to address the harmful effects of chemical pollution on biodiversity.
PollinERA is dedicated to reversing the decline of pollinator populations and mitigating pesticide impacts through comprehensive toxicological testing and predictive modelling. PollinERA aims to equip European bodies with practical tools for sustainable beekeeping practices by engaging stakeholders and developing unified risk assessment frameworks.
In a groundbreaking move, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has called for a revolutionary shift in environmental risk assessment (ERA) methods, particularly concerning honey bees. This visionary strategy urges a departure from traditional laboratory-based studies to embrace a holistic systems approach. This forward-thinking concept is now extending to the broader realm of environmental risk assessment for insect pollinators, spearheaded by EFSA's IPol-ERA project.
At the heart of this transformative approach is recognising the intricate interplay between pesticides and pollinators within their ecological contexts. By understanding the dynamic relationships between plant protection products (PPP) and various pollinator species, such as bees, butterflies, moths, and hoverflies, it becomes possible to devise more environmentally friendly pesticide schedules across the EU.
Yet, transitioning to a systems-based ERA presents its share of challenges. Enter PollinERA, an ambitious project poised to tackle these obstacles head-on. With a mission to bridge ecotoxicological data gaps and develop predictive models for pesticide impacts on pollinators, PollinERA aims to revolutionise pollinator ERA beyond honey bees.
This groundbreaking project brings together a consortium of 11 partners spanning eight European countries. From Denmark to Slovenia, these collaborators are committed to driving positive change in pollinator conservation and sustainable agriculture practices.
PollinERA's multifaceted approach includes developing co-monitoring schemes, refining toxicological models, and implementing population-level risk assessments. By integrating cutting-edge simulation technologies and leveraging insights from previous projects like EcoStack and PoshBee, PollinERA is poised to deliver a comprehensive toolkit for addressing pollinators' complex challenges.
Through PollinERA, BeeLife and its partners are shaping the future of pollinator conservation. By embracing innovation and collaboration, they aim to pave the way for a more sustainable and harmonious relationship between agriculture and the environment.
For more information, please visit:
PollinERA website (coming April 2024) / PollinERA X profile / PollinERA LinkedIn profile
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