By Abbas Nazil
Young citizens from across the European Union have presented a series of recommendations aimed at protecting pollinators and reversing the rapid decline of insect species essential to ecosystems and food production.
The proposals were developed during the final session of the Young Citizens’ Assembly on Pollinators held in Brussels, organised by the European Commission through its Directorate-General for Environment.
The initiative marked the conclusion of a nine-month process that brought together about 100 randomly selected young Europeans between the ages of 18 and 29 to deliberate on solutions to the growing environmental challenge.
Participants examined the causes of declining pollinator populations and developed recommendations designed to strengthen policy actions and environmental protection across EU member states.
Among the key proposals is the establishment of a permanent Young Citizens Assembly on Biodiversity, which would allow more citizens, particularly young people, to participate directly in environmental governance and policy discussions.
The assembly also called for stronger measures to reduce the use and toxicity of pesticides, which scientists say are among the major threats affecting pollinating insects.
Participants recommended greater protection and restoration of pollinator habitats in both rural and urban environments, emphasising the need to safeguard biodiversity in farmlands, cities and natural landscapes.
They further encouraged a transition toward more pollinator-friendly agricultural systems while ensuring that farmers receive adequate support and incentives during the process.
The recommendations also stressed the importance of improving monitoring systems and enforcement of existing environmental policies designed to protect biodiversity.
Young participants urged European institutions and national governments to increase funding for conservation programmes aimed at protecting pollinator species and restoring degraded ecosystems.
They also highlighted the need for broader cultural and behavioural change in how societies manage land, agriculture and biodiversity conservation.
Pollinators such as solitary bees, bumblebees, butterflies, moths and hoverflies play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and ensuring food production.
Experts estimate that roughly four out of every five crops and wild flowering plants depend on pollinators for reproduction and growth.
Despite their importance, pollinator populations across Europe and many parts of the world have been declining rapidly due to a combination of environmental pressures.
These pressures include land-use changes, intensive agricultural practices, widespread pesticide use, environmental pollution, invasive species and the impacts of climate change.
Throughout the nine-month process, members of the Young Citizens’ Assembly worked to deepen their understanding of these complex issues.
They exchanged ideas, debated possible solutions and collaborated with policymakers, scientists, civil society groups and other stakeholders involved in environmental protection.
These engagements helped participants better understand the political, economic and social dimensions of pollinator conservation across Europe.
Officials said the full set of recommendations from the assembly will soon be published in the 23 official languages of the European Union.
Once published, the recommendations will be shared with governments, institutions and organisations responsible for biodiversity protection across European society.
The initiative reflects growing efforts by the European Commission to involve citizens more directly in environmental policymaking and strengthen collective action to protect ecosystems and biodiversity.
