Naturalis is participating in the European PolliConnect project. This international initiative aims to restore biodiversity, with a particular focus on pollinating insects such as bees, hoverflies and butterflies. This is being achieved through a focus on adapted, nature-friendly roadside and grassland management, as well as the creation of better living conditions for pollinators. Co-financed by the Interreg North-West Europe programme, PolliConnect brings together science, practice, education and collaboration to combat the decline of pollinating insects.
Projectsummary
Northwestern Europe is experiencing a worrying decline in the biodiversity of wild pollinators. This threatens both nature and food production, since many plants, including agricultural crops, depend on insects for pollination. The PolliConnect project aims to reverse this decline by improving the connectivity of natural habitats and implementing innovative management strategies. The project will establish eight 'living labs' across five countries to test methods for developing pollinator corridors and the effectiveness of new mowing and monitoring techniques.
Goals of PolliConnect:
- Increase the abundance and diversity of pollinating insects by 20% in the pilot areas.
- Develop and trial new insect monitoring methods, such as the AI-driven Diopsis insect camera (DIOPSIS Insect Camera | Naturalis).
- Provide governments, farmers, residents and other stakeholders with practical advice on pollinator-friendly design and management.
- Strengthen policy development by providing practical examples and applicable knowledge.
Who is workingon this project?
Partners:
The project is coordinated by the Flemish Land Agency (VLM) in Belgium and involves thirteen partners from five countries:
- Belgium: Flemish Land Agency (VLM), Brussels Environment, Ghent University, Province of West Flanders
- The Netherlands: Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Province of Friesland, Municipality of Middelburg
- France: Department of Pas-de-Calais, PLANETE Vegetables, Flowers and Plants, EFREI University of Paris
- Germany: Ministry for Environment, Climate and Science - Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, INOVA DE
- Ireland: Ballyhoura Development CLG
Our team:
What doesNaturalis do?
Naturalis is responsible for monitoring pollinating insects in two living labs in the Netherlands: one in the municipality of Middelburg and one in the province of Friesland. Here, the effect of adapted management measures on pollinator diversity is being tested using two AI-driven insect cameras and traditional transect monitoring.
