The pollinators of Europe are facing many challenges. Their preservation is of utmost importance since pollination is essential for the continuing function of natural ecosystems and plays a crucial role in agricultural output. Given the growing attention on the values and conservation of pollinators, Hungary recently decided to join the Promote Pollinators Coalition by signing the Declaration of the Willing on Pollinators.
Promote Pollinators, the Coalition of the Willing on Pollinators, is a coalition of countries and observers who believe that country-led politics can foster policy measures and innovative action to protect pollinators. The initiative reaches out to potential new partners to develop and implement national pollinator strategies.
To examine the health of pollinators, stop their decline, and sustain and restore pollination as a critical ecosystem function is one of the 19 primary objectives of Hungary's proposed National Biodiversity Strategy until 2030 (the final draft is yet to be approved). Although it might be hard to estimate exactly, Hungary is home to more than 700 different kinds of wild bees. Twelve natural bumblebee species (Bombus spp.) and 290 butterfly species (Lepidoptera spp.) are protected when it comes to pollinator species.
In recent years, there have been numerous initiatives by national parks, municipalities and NGOs to raise awareness for pollinators. Hungary actively took part in various programmes, organised events and supported associations.