Project background Some 90% of flowering plant species profit from animal pollination for their reproduction. Pollination systems are under increasing threat from human activities, including fragmentation of habitats, changes in land use and modernisation of agricultural practices, such as increased use of pesticides and herbicides. Europe’s natural populations of the rare plant burningbush (Dictamnus albus) are declining because a scarcity of pollination services. Moreover, suitable habitats (woodland fringes and clearings) for the plant are also becoming rare because of land-use changes as result of the abandonment of traditional agro-forestry activities. Wild pollinators are facing a widespread decline, brought about by limatic changes, soil use changes, habitat fragmentation and pollution, which together lead to a scarcity of floral resources and nesting sites. Project objectives The main objectives of this LIFE Biodiversity project are to ensure the survival of an isolated population of burning-bush plants and to restore the community of Dictamnus albus natural pollinators in a Bologna province regional park. Wood management will be carried out, halting forest closure through selective shrub clearings in two sites of 16 ha each. The population of insect pollinators will be increased by providing nesting and egg-laying sites, reintroducing new colonies of the main pollinators and reinforcing populations of other nectariferous plant species in the area. Expected results • The actual population of Dictamnus albus is expected to be reinforced, as result of increased natural maternal fertility and reproductive effort (more flowering individuals, higher seed production, more seedlings); • The overall diversity and abundance of pollinators in the project area will be increased, with benefits not only for the target species, but also for the entire ecosystem; • The general public will be informed about the project primarily by means of information panels, activities for children and workshops that will take place at the Botanical Garden of Bologna and at seminars across Europe. These dissemination activities should increase awareness about the importance of plantpollinator interactions for plant conservation and ecosystem health; • Compensation agreements with landowners are foreseen, and particular attention will be given to public and stakeholder awareness to promote pollinator- friendly practices.
Plant-Pollinator Integrated CONservation approach: a demonstrative proposal (PP-ICON) / M. Galloni. - (2009).
Plant-Pollinator Integrated CONservation approach: a demonstrative proposal (PP-ICON)
GALLONI, MARTA
2009
Abstract
Project background Some 90% of flowering plant species profit from animal pollination for their reproduction. Pollination systems are under increasing threat from human activities, including fragmentation of habitats, changes in land use and modernisation of agricultural practices, such as increased use of pesticides and herbicides. Europe’s natural populations of the rare plant burningbush (Dictamnus albus) are declining because a scarcity of pollination services. Moreover, suitable habitats (woodland fringes and clearings) for the plant are also becoming rare because of land-use changes as result of the abandonment of traditional agro-forestry activities. Wild pollinators are facing a widespread decline, brought about by limatic changes, soil use changes, habitat fragmentation and pollution, which together lead to a scarcity of floral resources and nesting sites. Project objectives The main objectives of this LIFE Biodiversity project are to ensure the survival of an isolated population of burning-bush plants and to restore the community of Dictamnus albus natural pollinators in a Bologna province regional park. Wood management will be carried out, halting forest closure through selective shrub clearings in two sites of 16 ha each. The population of insect pollinators will be increased by providing nesting and egg-laying sites, reintroducing new colonies of the main pollinators and reinforcing populations of other nectariferous plant species in the area. Expected results • The actual population of Dictamnus albus is expected to be reinforced, as result of increased natural maternal fertility and reproductive effort (more flowering individuals, higher seed production, more seedlings); • The overall diversity and abundance of pollinators in the project area will be increased, with benefits not only for the target species, but also for the entire ecosystem; • The general public will be informed about the project primarily by means of information panels, activities for children and workshops that will take place at the Botanical Garden of Bologna and at seminars across Europe. These dissemination activities should increase awareness about the importance of plantpollinator interactions for plant conservation and ecosystem health; • Compensation agreements with landowners are foreseen, and particular attention will be given to public and stakeholder awareness to promote pollinator- friendly practices.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
