Integrated actions to safeguard pollinators in urban and peri-urban areas

forthcoming

BUZZ LIFE contrasts the decline of Apoidea pollinators, by intervening in urban and peri-urban areas from Italy, Cyprus, France and Greece. The project, building on a transnational cooperation and up-scaling the results of other EU projects, contributes to the achievement of the priorities highlighted in the “New deal for pollinators” and in the Nature Restoration Law, to reverse the alarming decline in Europe of pollinator. The project’s objectives are: Improve knowledge on distribution and ecology of pollinators Improve pollinator conservation in urban and periurban areas Improve governance and policies for pollinators with attention to the reduction of pesticides Mobilize civil society and promote strategic planning and cooperation The objectives will be reached through: the monitoring of wild bees using innovative techniques solutions based on IoT and remote sensing that are useful to create an inventory of pollinator insects and entomophilous plants; the restoration and improvement of habitat suitable for pollinators; the creation of GI such us buzz lines, pollinators gardens and refuge oasis that can increase the connectivity of natural and semi-natural habitats; the preparation and adoption by the municipalities of local action plans for pollinators and guidelines for the management of pollinator-friendly public green areas; c) the implementation of a training programme addressed to key stakeholders (policy and decision makers, practitioners in public authorities, urban green planners, professional and technicians, urban farmers); the establishment of a network of pollinator-friendly cities; the implementation of a multitarget awareness campaign the proposal of National Pollinator Initiative in Italy, Greece and Cyprus. The diversity and abundance of wild pollinators will increase by 40% in the target areas and the level of awareness among citizens by 30%.