November 28, 2016
An international research team
has released a top-10 list of ways countries can protect pollinating insects
such as bees, which are vital for food production, following worrying declines
in pollinating insect populations in America and Europe.
Co-author Dr Saul Cunningham,
newly appointed director of the Fenner School of Environment and Society at The
Australian National University (ANU), said these insects are extremely
important for Australia's high-value agriculture industry which produces
fruits, nuts and seeds.
"Almonds are one of our
biggest exports and the much-loved avocados, cherries, and mangoes all rely
heavily on our pollinating
insects," he said.
The recommendations, published in
Science, include improving pesticide regulations, retaining habitat on farms,
and establishing long-term monitoring programs.
Dr Cunningham said Australia was
doing well in some areas, but falling behind in others.
"Australia is a world leader
in some areas such as biosecurity, but we could be doing better when it comes
to land care strategies and education," he said.
"To date, we have been very
effective at keeping bee diseases out of Australia and limiting the expansion
of exotic bumblebees, but we need to stay vigilant if we aim to retain these
wins," he said.
Bumblebees are effective for
pollinating greenhouse crops and many Australian greenhouse producers have
called for an end to the ban on bumble bee imports.
However, Dr Cunningham said
importing bumblebees could pose a serious risk to Australia and to native bee
populations.
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