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DISCUSSION No. 131 • FSN Forum digest No. 1254
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How can we protect pollinators and promote their role in environmental and agricultural practices?
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until 9 September 2016
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Dear Members,
Today we would like to share with you the new comments received to the discussion
How can we protect pollinators and promote their role in environmental and agricultural practices?.
The contributions received so far provide interesting ideas for measures that could be undertaken to protect pollinators
and, subsequently, to promote pollination, which is crucial for the production of nutritious food.
We look forward to keep receiving your comments, in particular on initiatives aiming to promote pollinator insects that
are already being undertaken in your area. We would also like to know what, according to you, needs to be done to encourage the adoption of pollinator-friendly practices.
Please visit the
discussion webpage to read the contributions received so far, to access background information on the topic, and to post your contribution in
English,
French or Spanish.
Looking forward to your input on this important topic!
Your FSN Forum team
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CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED
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Ricardo
Claro, FAO, Chile
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Ricardo tells us about a progamme developed by the Chilean Forest Institute that aims to increase the amount of flowers
in the country. In addition, two Clean Production Agreements have been implemented in Chile: the first promotes sustainable pesticide application in fruit and vegetable production, the second encourages the adoption of clean production technologies in the
horticultural sector. Ricardo argues that the public needs to be informed about the benefits of pollination and that state and private support will be needed to encourage pollinator-friendly practices.
Read
the contribution
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Romano
De Vivo, Syngenta, Switzerland
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Romano argues that a lack of floral resources in cultivated areas is a key driver of the pollinator decline. He proposes
to create habitat for pollinators in less productive areas of farmlands like field margins. In addition, rich habitats in uncropped areas alongside fields and waterways can create interconnected ecological corridors, which contribute to a healthy landscape.
Read
the contribution
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Mignane
Sarr, Université polytechnique de Thiès, Senegal
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Also Mignane stresses that awareness-raising efforts regarding the importance of pollination are needed, and argues that
farmers should be assisted in controlling the use of pesticides. Specifically with regard to the Sahel, measures should be taken to fight desertification; biological agriculture could for instance play a role in this.
Read
the contribution
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Lal
Manavado, University of Oslo affiliate, Norway
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Lal elaborates on a number of steps that need to be taken to address the pollinator decline. He for instance stresses
the need for further research in the following areas: 1) interaction among indigenous flora and introduced cultivars, and the effects of the latter’s nectar and pollen on pollinators; 2) the optimal mix of indigenous plants and pollinators to improve a local
plant-pollinator network, and 3) identifying crops and wild and decorative plants whose flowering is sequential in a way that ensures an adequate food supply for local pollinators.
Read
the contribution
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