International Pollinators Initiative

The International Initiative for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Pollinators

Pollination is a vital ecosystem service that maintains biodiversity and life on Earth. The functioning and health of agricultural and natural ecosystems, as well as people’s well-being, livelihoods and access to food depend on pollinators. Yet, habitat loss, misuse of pesticides, parasites and pathogens, invasive alien species, climate change, among others, are putting their survival, and ours, at risk.

In response to the urgent need to halt and reverse pollinator diversity loss, the Ministry of Environment of Brazil held a Workshop on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Pollinators in Agriculture with Emphasis on Bees, which led to the São Paulo Declaration on Pollinators. As a result, the International Initiative for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Pollinators (IPI) was established at COP 5, which took place in May 2000 in Nairobi, by decision V/5.

Many milestones were achieved thanks to the initiative and the updated Plan of Action 2018-2030 for the International Initiative on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Pollinators. The adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the world’s master plan to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, by decision 15/4 now provides a mutual opportunity to harmonize and advance the implementation of both strategic plans.

Hence, this year, the CBD Secretariat and partners invite you to join the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the IPI and spread the word. Let’s work together and continue the progress towards the conservation and sustainable use of pollinators. Take a look at the timeline below to learn more about the history and success stories of the IPI. Click here to consult FAO's tools and guidance to support the implementation of the IPI.