A major European project is tackling the decline of pollinating insects. It is called BUZZ LIFE, and the University of Bologna is among its partners. Co-funded by the EU's LIFE Programme and coordinated by Legambiente, the project aims to create the conditions needed to ensure the survival and return of bees and pollinators to urban and peri-urban areas across Italy, Cyprus, France and Greece.
According to the European Red List of Bees, nearly 10% of Europe's approximately 2,000 bee species are in decline; in Italy, 34 of the 151 native bee species assessed — out of a total of more than 1,100 Apoidea recorded nationwide — are endangered, representing 22% of those evaluated. Data on butterflies point in the same direction: of 289 diurnal butterfly species, 18 (6.3%) are at risk of extinction.
Against this backdrop, researchers at the University of Bologna are playing a leading role in BUZZ LIFE, spearheading the survey work and collecting available data on pollinator presence. They will also contribute to identifying best practices for designing pollinator-friendly urban green spaces, engaging local communities in the process.
BUZZ LIFE plans to restore more than 36 million square metres of suitable habitat, with targets of a 40% increase in pollinator abundance and diversity and a 30% rise in entomophilous flora across the project areas. The project sites include Imola city centre and the green area bordering its industrial area, as well as the Aniene Valley and Acqua Acetosa Park in Rome, the Follonica and Ravacciano Valleys together with part of Buongoverno Park in Siena, and the Murattiano district in Campobasso.
Researchers will also deploy innovative monitoring systems to advance knowledge of pollinator distribution and ecology. Drawing on IoT solutions and remote-sensing tools, the team will collect data on wild bees and entomophilous flora to plan targeted conservation and habitat restoration measures.
The combined use of satellite imagery and artificial intelligence will provide valuable insights into habitat suitability for the target species, including nectar potential, water availability, and other factors affecting resource availability for pollinators. The project will also use Spectrum, a monitoring system developed by 3BEE (a project partner) capable of recording the acoustic signatures of pollinators. In addition to relying on bioacoustic sensors, Spectrum incorporates a technology for calculating the Pollinator Abundance Index (PAI).
