A recent study by researchers from China, the UK and the Netherlands indicates habitat loss may impact the diversity of bees more than increased pesticide exposure.
SUZHOU, China, July 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Worldwide, hedgerows and wild grass in field margins which previously served as semi-natural habitats are being swallowed up into agricultural production. While scientists have suggested both pesticide use and habitat loss are detrimental to pollinators, their relative impacts have been unclear.
A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology offers insight. Its findings indicate semi-natural habitats play a more important role than pesticide use in rice fields, in efforts to stem the decline in pollinator diversity.
The researchers studied honeybees (Apis mellifera) and a mason bee (Osmia excavata) across 20 rice fields within the Yangtze River Valley in China.
Dr Yi Zou, an associate professor at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), China, who co-led the team, says: "Non-crop habitats are important for pollinators in agricultural fields as these provide essential resources and nesting sites.
"Although the impact of pesticides cannot be ignored in efforts to reduce the decline in pollinator diversity, our results suggest it would be better to concentrate on conservation of semi-natural habitat than on reduction of pesticide use in rice fields."
One of the resources these habitats provide is food, says Dr XiaoYu Shi, the study's first author and a postdoctoral researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China.
Dr Zou says: "Pollinator diversity in Chinese small-holder agricultural ecosystems is very high, likely due to the diverse and complex landscape. Therefore, conserving semi-natural habitats in these agricultural systems is crucial.
"However, the impact of pesticides is still an important consideration. We found honey bees have a higher pesticide exposure risk in more intensified rice field," Dr Zou says.
"Many aspects remain poorly understood. We need long-term monitoring of pollinator populations and their exposure to pesticides to better inform conservation efforts."
The study, "Influence of agricultural intensification on pollinator pesticide exposure, food acquisition and diversity", can be read here.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
To save bees, scientists say focus on habitat, then pesticides
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --The Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission, part of the Saudi Ministry of Culture, has revealed that the Riyadh Book Fair 2024 is its largest edition yet, featuring a diverse range of translated international books. With more than 2,000 local, Arab, and international publishers participating, the Fair has strengthened its position as a leading cultural event in the Arab world. This year's edition promotes Saudi Arabia's cultural openness and supports the spread of cross-border knowledge.
The 2024 Fair edition stands out for hosting renowned thinkers, intellectuals, and global figures in literature, art, and knowledge who share their insights and success stories with the public. Among the key speakers are Fareed Zakaria, acclaimed media personality and author; Walter Isaacson, world-renowned biographer; poet and writer Kwame Alexander; and acclaimed novelist Jonathan Franzen. The Fair also features prominent literary and artistic figures from the Middle East.
Dr Mohammed Hasan Alwan, CEO of the Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission, emphasised the significance of the Fair, stating: "The Riyadh International Book Fair is not only one of the most important book fairs in the Arab region but also a premier platform for publishers and authors to expand their reach in the Arab cultural market. This year's edition is especially notable for its focus on cultural diversity and translation, with an exceptional programme featuring some of the world's leading intellectuals."
During his visit, His Excellency Chang Hua, the Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, expressed admiration for the Saudi public's enthusiasm for reading. CNN's Fareed Zakaria praised the Kingdom's remarkable transformation and its growing global influence.
This year also marks the return of the popular "Riyadh Reads French" initiative, featuring several French publishers. Al-Saeed Ezz, Communication Officer at the French Embassy, noted that this year's programme has expanded to include children's activities and free French language courses in collaboration with the French Cultural Institute, bringing French culture closer to Saudi visitors.
The Riyadh International Book Fair plays a key role in supporting Saudi Vision 2030's cultural goals, contributing to the Kingdom's cultural economy, projected to reach $9.3 billion. Attracting over one million visitors annually, it ranks among the highest-selling book fairs in the Arab world.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Riyadh International Book Fair 2024: Expanding Global Dialogue through the Largest Collection of Translated Works
