Status and trends of European pollinators. Key findings of the STEP project

Natural Capital, and the ecosystem services derived from it, are essential to human well-be-<br/>ing and economic prosperity. Indeed, nature inspires and provides many solutions that can <br/>help us tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For example, pollinators <br/>matter because a majority of European crops depend or benet from insect pollination. <br/>Another example is the contribution of pollinators to preserving cherished natural and <br/>cultural landscapes through wildower pollination. <br/>However, due to a cocktail mix of drivers of change, pollinator species are disappearing and <br/>pollinator populations are declining. ese losses accentuate several of our societal chal-<br/>lenges, including food security and ecosystem degradation. Hence, building knowledge on <br/>the causes behind pollinator decline, and the eects of pollinator decline on other species <br/>and ecosystems is essential. e STEP project has contributed signicantly within this eld, <br/>with a particular focus on the status and drivers behind trends in European pollinators.<br/>Furthermore, research into the dierent solutions for maintaining or enhancing pollinator <br/>populations is crucial. ese activities enrich the knowledge base on Nature-based solu-<br/>tions, solutions that are inspired by or supported by nature and address societal challenges <br/>while maintaining or enhancing our natural capital. Overall, research and innovation ac-<br/>tions such as those successfully supported by the STEP project, contribute to greening the <br/>economy and making development sustainable.