The majority of European (and global) biodiversity is made up of insects, but little is known about their distribution, abundance and the threats they face. This lack of knowledge is of particular concern for species involved in pollination, such as bees, butterflies and hoverflies and for the benefits society gains from pollination services.
Pollination is an essential ecosystem service because it underpins food production as well as overall ecosystem health. There is mounting evidence for serious declines in both wild and managed pollinators in parts of Europe and the wild flowers they forage on. Documented causes of pollinator decline include habitat loss and fragmentation, pesticides, pests and diseases, invasion by alien species and climate change.
Further details: Protecting Europe’s pollinators