FAO Opens First Global Pollinator Conference to Step Up Protection of Pollinators
The first Global Pollinator Conference, organised by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has opened in Rome. FAO's chief called for moving from commitments to concrete action to protect pollinators.
The first Global Pollinator Conference has opened at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome. The organisation is calling for stronger international action to protect bees and other pollinators, which matter for food production, biodiversity and rural livelihoods. The conference runs through 6 November.
Dependence on pollination
FAO Director-General QU Dongyu told the opening that pollinators are fundamental to agrifood systems. He said about 75 percent of the world's most important food crops rely on pollination for the quantity, quality and diversity of food.
Pollinators face habitat loss, the climate crisis, invasive species, diseases and unsustainable agricultural practices. The Director-General said international commitments must give way to concrete actions with tangible results on the ground.
Global Pollinator Platform
FAO Members, through the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, have given a clear mandate to work towards a Global Pollinator Platform. The proposed platform would connect existing initiatives, facilitate knowledge exchange, promote innovation and reinforce action at national level. It would build on years of work by FAO and its partners, including support to the International Pollinator Initiative under the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Participants will also discuss locally led action and the role of Indigenous Peoples, local communities, farmers, women and youth in safeguarding pollinators.
Investment and partnerships
Qu said greater coordination must be matched by sustained investment, stronger partnerships and practical solutions for farmers, producers and local communities. Governments, development partners, financial institutions, researchers, civil society and the private sector all have a role in mobilising resources and expertise.
The conference also recognises the leadership of Slovenia's government in promoting pollinator conservation. Nataša Pirc Musar, President of Slovenia, and Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, addressed the opening session by video message, alongside Bertie Gregory, National Geographic Explorer and wildlife filmmaker.
