Reference

FA COST Action FA1307

Project Type

Internacional / Público

Financial Program

COST - European Cooperation in Science & Technology

Type of project

Research Project

Principal Investigator

Maria Alice Pinto

Start

2014-01-01

End

2018-12-31

More info

http://www.cost.eu/COST_Actions/fa/FA1307?management

Description

SUPER-B will bring together scientific and societal communities involved in the conservation and sustainable management of ecosystem services mediated by pollinators. >70% of our crops need insects for optimal pollination; these include many fruits, nuts, oil crops, fibres and vegetables with some producing no yield without insect pollination. The direct economic value of crop pollination by insects in the EU is >14 billion euro annually. Moreover, >80% of wild plant species benefit from animal pollinators for fruit and seed production, making pollination a key service for ecosystem and biodiversity maintenance. SUPER-B will combine scientific evidence (existing and new knowledge) and social feedback for developing conservation strategies for pollinators. Specifically, the Action will (1) identify the role of insect pollination in agriculture and other ecosystems; (2) clarify best practices for mitigation of pollination loss, and (3) compare and contrast important drivers of pollinator loss (wild and managed species). SUPER-B will contribute towards maintaining natural ecosystems and achieving sustainable use of pollinators in agricultural production. Its results are relevant to all European countries and will be disseminated to a wide community of beneficiaries (scientists, farmers, beekeepers, industry, policy-makers, NGOs and the public).

Project Team

Maria Alice Pinto

Project Partners