Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 4
4
Accepted
Paragraph: 41
Effective communication about insect decline requires focusing on solutions, not fatalism.
Recommendation
Effective communication of the reality of insect decline needs to be accompanied by communication of actions that can address it. A fatalistic approach risks reducing the chances of changes being made to policy, behaviour and practices that can make a real difference to stopping and reversing insect decline. Empowering both the public and policy makers is a more effective tool for change than implying hopelessness.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees on the importance of communicating insect decline and details several existing initiatives, such as Bees' Needs Week, Champions Awards, and the Pollinator Monitoring and Research Partnership, that already focus on public engagement and communicating actionable steps.
Paragraph Reference:
41
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Defra agrees that communicating the reality of insect decline is essential for tackling it. Pollinators, and other beneficial insects, are a key part of our statutory Environment Act targets and Defra are already working to both address and communicate effectively about the decline in our insect populations. To engage the public, Defra established and coordinates Bees’ Needs Week, an annual event working alongside many partners to raise awareness of the steps we can all take to protect pollinators. A key part of this campaign is ‘five simple actions’ that gardeners and landowners can take to help pollinators and other biodiversity. Defra also works in partnership with the NFU to celebrate examples of best practice in all areas of pollinator work, through our annual ‘Bees’ Needs Champions Awards’. The awards recognise and celebrate exceptional initiatives undertaken by local authorities, community groups, farmers and businesses to support pollinators. Defra also co-ordinates and chairs the Pollinator Advisory Steering Group, which is a group of academics and specialists who meet every quarter. PASG meetings provide a useful forum to share knowledge on pollinator related issues, including issues around insect decline, amongst members. As described above, in collaboration with research institutes and volunteer organisations, Defra and the Devolved Administrations have established the Pollinator Monitoring and Research Partnership to gather data, improve our understanding of the status of pollinators and communicate these learnings publicly. This partnership provides clear instructions on how to conduct and how to get involved in different types of insect counts. UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (PoMS) data is published annually which will help spread awareness of the changes in insect numbers.