Birds and Bees: A Nature Based Solution to Sustainable Food Systems

Pollinators keep humanity fed, but they are now in big trouble. How can we protect our pollinators and planet?

A buffet of flowers by Shifa Petiwala

Flowering plants dominate terrestrial ecosystems, with biologists identifying nearly 250,000 species of plants and 750,000 species of insects, which together account for about two-thirds of all known organisms on Earth. These flowering plants rely on pollinators to keep them in business. Pollinators include insects like bees, wasps, butterflies, and birds like hummingbirds, honeycreepers, honeyeaters, and more. This vast diversity of flowering plants highlights the critical role pollinators play in the existence of these plants; indeed, human survival is similarly dependent on a wide array of insect species, not just a few like honeybees.

Over millions of years, flowering plants and their insect pollinators have undergone coevolution, resulting in specialised adaptations that enhance their interactions. The characteristics of flowers—such as their shapes, colours, scents, and blooming schedules—are finely tuned to attract specific pollinator species. In turn, these insects have evolved traits that enable them to effectively interact with particular flowers.Contrary to popular belief, pollinators extend beyond insects to include birds and bats that also rely on nectar and pollen.

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Shown above is a colony of Honey Bees on an artificial hive. Photo by Bianca Ackermann.

Overview of Threats to Pollinators

Pollinators, including bees, butterflies, birds, and bats, face numerous threats that endanger their populations and the essential ecosystem services they provide. A primary concern for pollinators is habitat loss, driven by urban development, agricultural expansion, and land degradation, which fragments and reduces the natural environments essential for pollinator survival. Additionally, pesticides pose a significant risk; they can kill pollinators directly and disrupt their navigation and foraging abilities, even in sub-lethal doses. Climate change further complicates their survival by altering habitats and seasonal behaviours, creating mismatches between the timing of flowering plants and pollinator activity.

The introduction of non-native plant species can degrade local ecosystems, while diseases and parasites affecting managed pollinator populations exacerbate declines in both wild and domesticated species. Recent studies reveal alarming trends, with many bee populations experiencing significant reductions in abundance and diversity, and some species facing extinction. The combined effects of these stressors create a precarious situation for pollinators worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these vital species and safeguard ecosystem health.

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Hummingbirds drinking nectar from flowers. Photo by James Wainscoat.

Pollinators as a Nature-Based Solution

Pollinators facilitate the transfer of pollen between flowering plants, enabling fertilisation and the production of seeds and fruits. This process is crucial for the reproduction of about 90% of wild flowering plants and over 75% of global crops. The role of pollinators extends beyond plant reproduction; they are essential for maintaining biodiversity and supporting various ecosystem services. By promoting plant diversity, pollinators help stabilise ecosystems, enhance soil fertility, and contribute to carbon sequestration. Their activities also support food webs by providing resources for other wildlife. Economically, pollinator-dependent crops contribute billions to global economies.

In ecosystem restoration, pollinators re-establish plant communities and enhance ecological resilience. Effective restoration strategies often involve planting native flora that attracts pollinators, fostering a more diverse and stable ecosystem. Studies emphasise that successful restoration must consider both plant and pollinator dynamics to ensure the persistence of ecological functions like pollination. By restoring habitats that support pollinator populations, we enhance biodiversity and improve agricultural productivity, which is essential for human well-being.

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Cost Advantages of Pollinators in Addressing Food Insecurity

The economic impact of animal pollination on Indian agriculture is significant, estimated at around ₹112,615.73 crores (approximately $22.52 billion) each year, representing about 8.72% of the total agricultural output. This underscores the critical role pollinators play, as 51.2% of crops depend on them for optimal yields. For example, crops like rapeseed and mustard are particularly reliant on pollination, with the economic benefit from this process alone amounting to ₹19,355.70 crores.

Compared to other agricultural methods, leveraging pollinators is a cost-effective way to enhance crop yields and quality. Manual pollination techniques can be labor-intensive and expensive; this is evident in China, where farmers resort to hand-pollination due to declining bee populations. Encouraging pollinator-friendly practices within agricultural systems can also boost biodiversity and improve ecosystem health. For instance, organic farming methods that minimise pesticide use benefit pollinators and enhance crop resilience against pests and diseases. This fosters a sustainable cycle that improves both agricultural productivity and environmental health.

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Role of Pollinators in combating climate change

The economic effects of pollination extend beyond immediate crop yields; they also have long-term implications for food security strategies. By investing in pollinator conservation and incorporating them into agricultural planning, India can help alleviate some of the negative impacts of climate change and habitat loss on these crucial species. This strategy not only supports farmers' livelihoods but also enhances national food security by ensuring a steady supply of essential crops.

In contrast, reliance on seed engineering and pesticides incurs substantial financial costs and environmental risks. Seed engineering requires significant investments in research and development and faces regulatory hurdles that can delay implementation. Moreover, increased pesticide use raises production costs and poses risks to pollinator health, further threatening the very systems that support crop production.

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Case Studies of Successful Pollinator Initiatives

One notable project in Brazil focused on restoring pollinator communities by identifying priority plant species that maximize bee visitation rates. Researchers found that selecting phylogenetically diverse plant families significantly improved the stability and functionality of restored plant-pollinator networks. This approach allowed restoration practitioners to optimize their efforts in areas with limited ecological data, resulting in improved recovery of bee populations and enhanced pollination services in degraded landscapes.

In southern Michigan, a large-scale pollinator habitat was established on 26 acres of marginal farmland through the National Resource Conservation Service's Environmental Quality Incentives Program. The initiative aimed to create a healthy environment for both honey bees and native bee populations. By selecting appropriate local plant species and collaborating with restoration experts, the project successfully transformed the land into a thriving pollinator refuge. This effort not only promoted biodiversity but also served as a model for similar restoration initiatives, highlighting the potential of federal programs to support ecological health.

Conclusion

The joint dominance of flowering plants and insects is not coincidental; it stems from a long history of coevolution, where species adapt to one another, creating complex ecosystems. This interdependence is crucial for human survival as well; many food crops rely on these pollinators for successful reproduction. Therefore, it is imperative for humanity to recognize and support the often-overlooked role of pollinators and the myriad plant species that depend on them. By doing so, we can help maintain the delicate ecological fabric that sustains both natural ecosystems and agricultural systems essential for food security.

References

Chaudhary, O. P., & Chand, R. (2017). Economic benefits of animal pollination to Indian agriculture. The Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 87(9). https://doi.org/10.56093/ijas.v87i9.73903

The forgotten pollinators. (n.d.). Google Books. https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=YWTZs5fSqb8C&oi=fnd&pg=PR5&dq=pollinators&ots=qEG2rS0TLP&sig=U7Z9EWJ0IAHwqOYCEMCyCzHrwxM&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=pollinators&f=false

Threats to pollinators. (2024, February 28). Pollinator.org. https://www.pollinator.org/threats#:~:text=Many%20pollinator%20populations%20are%20threatened,pollinator%20populations%2C%20particularly%20insect%20pollinators.

Vanbergen, A. J., & Initiative, T. I. P. (2013). Threats to an ecosystem service: pressures on pollinators. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 11(5), 251–259. https://doi.org/10.1890/120126

Fahad Nahvi, & Fahad Nahvi. (2023, May 15). To protect India’s bees, we need to understand their impact on agricultural practices. Down to Earth. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/agriculture/to-protect-india-s-bees-we-need-to-understand-their-impact-on-agricultural-practices-89333

Burns, R. (2024, July 22). Declining bee population: A major threat to food security. give.do. https://give.do/blog/declining-bee-population-a-major-threat-to-food-security/

Van Der Sluijs, J. P., & Vaage, N. S. (2016). Pollinators and Global Food Security: the Need for Holistic Global Stewardship. Food Ethics, 1(1), 75–91. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41055-016-0003-z

Heather Chapman and Meghan Milbrath, Michigan State University, Department of Entomology. (2022, September 27). A refuge for pollinators: A case study of establishing large-scale pollinator habitat on marginal farmland using federal funds. Pollinators & Pollination. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/a-refuge-for-pollinators-a-case-study-of-establishing-large-scale-pollinator-habitat-on-marginal-farmland-using-federal-funds

Campbell, A. J., Carvalheiro, L. G., Gastauer, M., Almeida-Neto, M., & Giannini, T. C. (2019). Pollinator restoration in Brazilian ecosystems relies on a small but phylogenetically-diverse set of plant families. Scientific Reports, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-53829-4