In a first-of-its-kind Safeguard study, a research team from Wageningen University evaluates the ecological effectiveness of a landscape-level collaborative conservation initiative targeting wild bees.
Collaborative, multi-actor approaches to conservation are gaining popularity and are often viewed as a valuable way of addressing biodiversity loss. However, their ecological effectiveness has not yet been thoroughly investigated. Safeguard’s new study examines trends in wild bee abundance and species richness, as well as flower cover and flower species richness, over six years. Data were collected from 47 sites under bee-friendly management and compared with conventionally managed control sites. The study was conducted within the conservation initiative Boshommellandschap Geuldal in the Netherlands.
The research team aimed to assess how five targeted habitat types - extensive pastures, road verges, field margins, hedgerows, and water retention sites - support different species. They also investigated whether bee-friendly management leads to more positive trends in flower cover and species richness, as well as in bee abundance and species richness, compared to conventional management. These effects were examined both overall and per habitat type. Finally, the study explored the benefits and drawbacks of landscape-level collaborative conservation approaches.
Overall, the combined effects of bee-friendly management implemented by a range of actors within the initiative resulted in significant positive trends in bee abundance and species richness. At the same time, the study highlights several key challenges associated with such approaches. These include high turnover among participants involved in conservation efforts and the fact that, for individual actors, participation in a collaborative initiative typically represents only a small portion of their daily activities.
The study emphasises the importance of prioritising long-term ecological monitoring and creating meaningful, sustained relationships with participants. Monitoring conservation outcomes is often the only way to determine whether management measures are being properly implemented. It also enables future management to be adapted based on the outcomes of previous efforts, helping to adjust less successful approaches. In addition, monitoring allows strategies to respond to changing environmental conditions. The establishment of strong relationships and ongoing dialogue among the actors involved is also central to achieving long-term conservation success.
Read the full study here.