The PoshBee project, a major European initiative, marked a crucial step in understanding the challenges faced by pollinators, particularly bees. Led by more than 40 partners from 14 European countriesincluding ANSES (National Agency for Food, Environment and Occupational Health), this project aimed to identify and quantify the threats to pollinating bees.
Three Sentinel species
The choice was made in three ways: the honey bee, the earth bumblebee and the red osmia, each representing a different type of behavior and social organization. These sentinel species provide a unique perspective on environmental challenges facing pollinators.
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New approaches to measuring threat exposure
One of the biggest challenges of the project was managing and analyzing the amount of data collected. Exposure indices have been developed to summarize the effects of pathogens on these insects. These innovative tools make it possible to study the effects of environmental factors on bee health in more detail.
Investigation of environmental relationships
A large PoshBee study included 128 sites in 8 different countries, to establish connections between the presence of pathogens and various environmental factors. Although full results have not yet been published, preliminary evidence suggests that some previously latent pathogens become more virulent under environmental stress, such as exposure to certain pesticides.
Expect future threats
PoshBee also examined future risks to pollinators. Experts predict an increase in threats from the introduction of new predators and pathogenson the effects of climate change. These fundamentals are essential for developing effective protection strategies.
Uncertainties and future developments
Technological developments such as nanotechnology in pesticides offer both opportunities and challenges. Likewise, changes in agricultural practices due to geopolitical factors, such as the conflict in Ukraine, could impact pollinators.
Innovation in the service of bees
The future could also bring positive progress for bees. For example, new technologies enable more accurate monitoring of bee health from a distance. In addition, research into the toxicity of additives in pesticides and the selection of bees that are resistant to certain parasites are promising areas.
The PoshBee project represents a significant advance in our understanding of the challenges facing pollinators. Future studies from this project should provide additional insights critical to conserving these valuable allies of our ecosystem.