Action for pollinators

Actions in my country

In these country reviews you will find the relevant information and contacts in your and other Member States. This can help you in your work on pollinator conservation or to become a pollinator ambassador yourself.

National strategies and plans

National strategies available for the following countries: Belgium - strategy available in French and Dutch; Germany, Ireland, Finland, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain

Regions

The EU cohesion policy funds provide an important support to the conservation actions for pollinators, in urban and rural landscapes:

• European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), in particular through European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg)
• Cohesion Fund (CF)
• European Social Fund (ESF)

International Action

The EU supports global pollinator conservation through the 2018-2030 International Initiative by funding a €9 million FAO project in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific to promote ecosystem-based agriculture, preserve natural habitats, and mitigate pesticide risks. 

Additionally, it organizes a global seminar to strengthen pesticide regulations for pollinator protection and shares its expertise through the Coalition of the Willing on Pollinators and international events like the regional EPPA workshop.

Species Action Plans

The European Commission has developed Action Plans to conserve pollinator species, providing comprehensive information on their status, ecology, threats, and necessary conservation measures across the EU. In April 2021, the Commission mandated the development of Action Plans for the most threatened pollinator species. Three plans were prepared by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in collaboration with the IUCN Species Survival Commission, the Invertebrate Conservation Committee, the Hoverfly Specialist Group, and Buglife, and published by the Commission in May 2023. These plans were developed through extensive consultations with experts, stakeholders, and Member State authorities, following the IUCN's Guidelines for Species Conservation Planning. 

The three Species Action Plans focus on:​

1. Canarian Islands Pollinators: This plan targets four insect species—two butterflies, one bee, and one hoverfly—that inhabit the Laurel Forest, an ancient ecosystem now threatened by human activity, alien species, and climate change.​
2. Teasel-Plant Bees: Addressing wild bees at risk due to habitat loss and the decline of teasel plants, their essential resource, primarily caused by agricultural intensification and the reduction of xerothermic grasslands.​
3. Veteran Trees Hoverflies: Focusing on six hoverfly species reliant on veteran trees and decaying wood, emphasizing the need for forestry practices that preserve these critical habitats.​

Additionally, the Commission has supported the development of action plans for the most threatened pollinator habitats, including semi-natural dry grasslands and European dry heaths. Implementation of these plans is supported through the LIFE Programme, with €500,000 earmarked to facilitate coordination efforts.