The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) convened the first World Pollinator Conference in Rome from November 5-6, initiating a global discussion to establish an international cooperation platform. The FAO said approximately 75% of the world's leading food crops depend on pollinators for quantity, quality, and diversity, while the pollinators themselves face threats from habitat loss, climate change, unsustainable agricultural practices, pesticide use, and invasive species.
Global Platform for Pollinator Conservation
The primary agenda of the conference focused on the next steps for establishing a World Pollinators Platform and supporting national implementation. Discussions centered on connecting conservation activities for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds, and sharing knowledge and technologies for agricultural use. The proposed platform aims to coordinate conservation efforts at international, regional, and national levels; enhance access to research and data; strengthen education and monitoring capacities; provide policy and technical support; and promote investment and cooperation. It will be linked to existing frameworks such as the Convention on Biological Diversity’s International Pollinator Initiative and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Focus on Community and Farmer Support
Connecting conservation policies to on-the-ground implementation was a key theme, with the participation of farmers, local communities, indigenous peoples, women, and youth identified as crucial. The FAO emphasized the need for continuous investment, cooperation, and practical solutions that producers and local communities can utilize. The conference’s direction is to address pollinator protection not just as an individual species conservation issue, but as an international cooperation agenda linked to food security, agricultural productivity, and rural livelihoods.
Pleased to open the @FAO Global Pollinator Conference. Pollinators support 75% of the world’s food crops and are vital for food security, biodiversity and livelihoods. We need stronger partnerships and action towards the establishment of a Global Pollinator Platform. #4Betters https://t.co/J7ddDeP6Mi
Next Steps for the Platform
The FAO Committee on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture recommended in March 2025 that a meeting be held to discuss the next steps for establishing the platform, a proposal supported by the FAO Conference. This recent conference was organized to advance that discussion. The FAO stated that the platform is currently in a “promotion phase” for its establishment, distinct from an announcement confirming its operational commencement. The specific operational methods and national support for the platform remain tasks to be confirmed in subsequent discussions.
