RESEARCH & EVENTS
Australian pollination strategy
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THE quest for a national pollination strategy for Australia has taken a significant step forward with the announcement of a $ 1 million grant from The Ian Potter Foundation . The grant has been awarded to a collaboration led by the Wheen Bee Foundation , which is partnering with agriculture and beekeeping industries , environmental organisations , businesses , governments and research institutes to deliver a comprehensive pollination strategy for Australia . Wheen Bee Foundation CEO Fiona Chambers said this was a critical moment in time for everyone connected to pollination in Australia . “ For the first time , we have representatives from all sectors connected to pollination at the table , ready and now able to work together to improve pollination , to bolster biodiversity and increase food security in Australia ,” Ms Chambers said . “ We wouldn ’ t have been able to secure this funding without all the partners on board , and I want to thank them all for their commitment to this important work .” Ms Chambers said the $ 1 million grant from The Ian Potter Foundation leverages the $ 1.3 million cash and in-kind support already committed by key partners , who are all keen to advance pollination outcomes in Australia . “ We all know the challenges facing pollination in this country , from biosecurity issues and diseases , to increasing demand from industry , limited co-ordination in policy development and research , market dysfunction within the beekeeping industry , and environmental issues including reduced habitat and increasing use of pesticides ," she said . “ That ’ s why it is critical that we develop a plan for pollination that is informed by science , strategic in its vision and co-ordinated across all sectors .” The Ian Potter Foundation CEO Paul Conroy said the Foundation is pleased to support this important project . “ The creation of a national strategy offers excellent transformative potential to help Australia prepare for looming threats to the environment ,
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The
In A Nutshell - Winter 2024 Vol 25 Issue 2
creation of a national strategy offers excellent transformative potential to help Australia prepare for looming threats to the environment , including food production and security .
- The Ian Potter Foundation CEO Paul Conroy
including food production and security ," he said . “ We are greatly encouraged by strong collaboration between dozens of industry partners , environmental groups , corporate partners , research institutions , and state and territory governments informing the strategy .” The five-year Australian Pollination Strategy project started on October 1 , with the appointment of a leadership team with representatives from pollination-dependent agriculture sectors , the beekeeping industry , environmental organisations and research institutes . The first key milestone will be the delivery of a Pollination Security Status Report . “ This Status Report will provide a clear understanding of the current situation for pollination in Australia , the threats and the opportunities ,” Ms Chambers said . “ Then we will undertake industrywide collaboration to develop the Australian Pollination Strategy , to ensure every sector has the opportunity to have a say on their situation and needs .” This thorough engagement process will enable the development of a strategy that sets out a clear path to secure pollination for Australia . “ We have the opportunity to address some of the big challenges , and unify the many industries involved in a common understanding of the real issues surrounding pollination in Australia ,” Ms Chambers said . “ Then it will be all about implementing the strategy , securing funding for the necessary research , rolling out the extension activities and , importantly , developing a model to ensure the Australian Pollination Strategy lives beyond this five-year project .” For information on how to take part in the Australian Pollination Strategy , visit pollination . org . au .