The role of bees for humans and the environment

Data regarding the risk of extinction of some invertebrate species, including bees and butterflies essential for pollination, are becoming increasingly alarming: more than 40% of invertebrates of the world could in fact disappear and, in Europe, up to 9.2% of bee species are at risk. But what exactly would happen if these insects disappeared? 

In addition to the disappearance of several types of plants, the lack of pollination would lead to an extreme drop in productivity levels, which could only be maintaines through the expensive process of artificial pollination. As a matter of fact, many the most important plants for agriculture require pollination: in Europe, for instance, about 80% of agricultural productiond depends on the activities of these insects. Bees in particular, both domestic and wild, are responsible for more than 70% of the pollination of plant species around the planet, providing over 35% of the world’s food production. 

 

 

The fundamental role that pollinating insects play in regulating the ecosystem is however not recognised and respected by some of the choices made by modern agriculture: the use of pesticides, the removal of hedges and the alteration of natural areas are examples of how an environment can become inhospitable for these insects and limit their presence. The absence of changes in the way food is produced would therefore lead to the total disappearance of some invertebrate species within a few decades. 

In conclusion, in order to preserve pollinators and to boost their presence, it is necessary to carry out agricultral redesign through the restornation of natural habitats and the reduction of chemical products such as pesticides, insecticides and fugicides, which are used particularly in areas of intensive agriculture. These measure would allow to better preserve biodiversity, thanks to their low environmental impact, and, consequently, to protect and safeguard endangered invertebrate species. 

 

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