Pollinator Protection

WHEREAS humanity relies upon bees and other pollinating insects to pollinate 2/3 of the world’s food crops;

WHEREAS pollinators are a keystone species upon which the health of many others species are dependent;

WHEREAS pollinator habitat is being lost and threatened around the globe due to development and agricultural practice, including pesticide use;

WHEREAS the Province of Alberta would benefit by the identification, protection and enhancement of pollinator habitat;

WHEREAS the economic value of native pollinators is estimated to be over $3 billion per year in North America;

WHEREAS fruits and seeds derived from insect pollination are a major part of the diet of approximately 25 per cent of all birds, and of mammals ranging from red-backed voles to grizzly bears;

WHEREAS native pollinators can be more efficient and effective pollinators than non-native species;

WHEREAS some of our indigenous plant species rely on specific indigenous pollinator species for successful pollination and thus the continuation of their species;

WHEREAS recently published research indicate a decrease in some of Alberta’s indigenous bumblebee populations, including the rusty-patched bumblebee which is now listed as an endangered species in Canada;

WHEREAS European honeybees, which are now used for pollination around the world, are also declining in numbers;

WHEREAS plants play a key role in the prevention of soil erosion and fuel the nutrient cycle by decomposing and absorbing nutrients, and close to 70 per cent of the world’s plants rely on pollinators for fertilization and reproduction;

WHEREAS pollinator gardens and parks throughout the province could provide habitat for native pollinators and an opportunity to create awareness in the province about the importance of pollinators and their habitat;

WHEREAS the creation of pollinator parks and gardens that do not require the use of pesticides will therefore create a healthier environment to protect not only pollinators but also human health; and

WHEREAS the use of pesticides is one of the main hazards to pollinator health.