Pollination in socio-agroecosystems: Recommendations to preserve the diversity of pollinators

Abstract

Pollinators play a crucial role in human well-being, as they contribute to pollination of many crops and influence plant reproduction and biodiversity conservation of native plants. There is a gradual disappearance of major pollinator species throughout the world. Key threats to pollinators and pollination include industrial agriculture, climate change and the spread of alien species. It is necessary to introduce modifications in the agroecosystem management to solve threats to pollinators, working at different landscape scales and considering biodiversity complexity. Sustainable management of pollinators offers the chance to maintain or increase biodiversity and ecosystem services. It is important to recognize that many of the ecosystem services offered by nature to human societies cannot be perceived directly and therefore we do not value them properly. If we want to improve conservation and human well-being, first step is to know about ecosystem services; evaluate them and finally change human practices threatening biodiversity. It is important to recognize that there are diverse ways of understanding and living in the world, implying a variety of environmental ethics that guide political, economic and environmental decision making. Societies need to preserve common goods and conserve biodiversity to guarantee human well-being.