📩 22/09/2023 12:45
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has prepared an action plan to minimize the effects of climate change, which affects all areas of life, on plant species, which are the food source of living things, and insects, which are the insurance of biodiversity. The "National Pollinator Protection Strategy and Action Plan (UTSEP)" aims to identify, protect and ensure the continuity of pollinator insect species that are vital for food, agriculture and livestock.
Pollination, which ensures the proliferation of flowering plants that play a key role in the continuation of terrestrial life, is carried out by pollinators. Although many living species are considered pollinators, insects, bees among insects, and honeybees among bees are known as the best pollinators in the world. Apart from honey bees, bumblebees, solitary bees, flower flies, butterflies, moths and some beetles are the most well-known wild pollinators.
Of the 115 food products widely produced and consumed (fruits, vegetables, nuts, spices, oilseeds, coffee, tea, cocoa, etc.), 87 are dependent on pollinators. In this context, the contribution of pollinators to the world economy is estimated to be 235-577 billion dollars.
It is considered that the decrease in the number of pollinating insects in the world due to the effect of climate change in recent years will negatively affect these products, which are an important food source for humanity.
In this context, studies are carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to know and protect the pollinator species in the fauna of Turkey, which increases its agricultural production every year and has a rich biodiversity.
Within the scope of these studies, the coordination of the "Project on the Protection of Pollinator Diversity Against Increasing Climate Change", supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) within the German Federal Ministry of Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety and carried out under the coordination of the International Drylands Agricultural Research Center (ICARDA), was carried out in the country by Agriculture and Forestry. It is carried out by the Central Pest Control Research Institute affiliated with the General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies (TAGEM) of the Ministry of Forestry.
One of the final goals of the project is for project partner countries to prepare and implement their own National Pollinator Protection Strategy and Action Plan (UTSEP).
Turkey's "National Pollinator Protection Strategy and Action Plan" (UTSEP), which was prepared after a series of meetings and studies by taking the opinions of relevant parties, is planned to be published and implemented by the Ministry in a short time.
It is expected that the entry into force of UTSEP will contribute to achieving the 4 national goals of the National Biological Diversity Action Plan (UBEP) by fulfilling the relevant articles of the National Biological Diversity Strategy and Action Plan. The action plan in question also supports the articles of the 11th Development Plan (2019-2023) regarding biodiversity and genetic resources.
POLLINTER SPECIES WILL BE PROTECTED
“One of the main goals of the National Pollinator Protection Strategy and Action Plan (UTSEP) is to protect Turkey's pollinator species and secure both the plants that serve as food sources and their biodiversity.
With the action plan, a pollinator diversity inventory will be prepared and distribution limits will be determined in order to identify and monitor changes in species and genetic diversity, especially due to climate change. By monitoring the biodiversity indicators of pollinators, work will be carried out to include ecosystems that are important for pollinators in protected areas.
Pollinator species with potential for food, agriculture and livestock will be identified and protected in order to prevent or minimize the pressure and threats on pollinator diversity.
Research and development (R&D) activities will be carried out to make more active use of artificial nests in agriculture from species known to have a positive effect on agriculture.
Knowledge and awareness about pollinators will be increased at the national level, examples of the concepts of pollination and pollinators will be increased in the curriculum from pre-school to secondary education, events will be organized, and training programs will be held for farmers.