Saving pollinators: Trier scientists are fighting against the extinction of insects!

Saving pollinators: Trier scientists are fighting against the extinction of insects!

The decline in pollinating insects, especially bees, bumblebees and butterflies, represents a serious threat to global plant reproduction and food supplies. The EU Horizon project “BUTTERFLY”, in which the University of Trier is involved, aims to address these challenges. The project, led by the University of Bergen, brings together 24 scientific institutions from Norway and Greece to understand the causes of pollinator decline and develop effective measures to strengthen these important species. As the University of Trier explains in its report, the project name “BUTTERFLY” refers to the butterfly effect, which illustrates how small changes can have big effects.

The importance of pollinating insects is highlighted in a new policy brief that highlights the relationship between these animals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This document was published as part of the 15th UN Conference on Biological Diversity. It highlights that pollinators are essential not only for the survival of humanity but also for terrestrial ecosystems. Overall, pollinators are linked to 58 of the 169 SDG targets in 14 of the 17 SDGs, demonstrating their central role in achieving the global sustainability goals.

Research and interdisciplinarity

In addition to biological and scientific aspects, the “BUTTERFLY” research project also integrates disciplines such as philosophy and psychology. Dr. Katharina Schwarz from the University of Trier studies people's psychological motivations to choose pollinator-friendly plants. She evaluates questionnaires and carries out computer tests to analyze the psychological effects on behavior. Planned field experiments are intended to translate the results of these laboratory tests into practical implementation in order to gain deeper insight into the interactions between humans and nature.

A central goal of this project is to promote scientific exchange between different disciplines. The University of Trier offers excellent infrastructure and expertise, which is essential for interdisciplinary research work. Promotion of the project began on March 1, with the first meeting of stakeholders scheduled to take place in Paris in April.

Sustainability goals and their implementation

The European Commission and the Federal Government have made it their mission to achieve the SDGs, which were adopted in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda. This agenda serves as a roadmap to ensure social, economic and environmental sustainability and is linked to the implementation of measures to combat climate change. Particular emphasis is placed on the responsibility of the leading industrialized and emerging countries, including the G20 states, which should play a pioneering role in effectively realizing the goals.

In the context of strategic approaches to support pollinators, policymakers are encouraged to integrate these animals into policies addressing SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The loss of wild pollinators in Europe is expected to be reversed by December 2025 as part of the “Safeguard” project. This commitment shows how deeply interwoven the issues of biodiversity, pollinator and insect protection are with the achievement of sustainability goals.