but also on the interaction between their components1-3. Given that these ecosystem services benefit human beings considerably2-5, there has been interest in their study, inventory, and valuation4. One of these services is pollination, which causes plant reproduction and consequently determines food production6-8. However, agricultural development and other anthropic activities have deteriorated the ecosystems in which pollinators live9. This decline is due to causes such as deforestation, habitat fragmentation, urban expansion, exotic species introduction, and environmentally aggressive agricultural practices.
In many places around the world, including Colombia, initiatives have been created to identify capabilities and practices that are necessary for pollinator protection. Their objective has been to improve food security, nutrition, and life quality of those who depend on pollination as an ecosystem service10.In the context of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)11 and its mission to articulate scientific knowledge with society at large and the conservation of biodiversity, the Humboldt Institute has assumed the challenge of planning strategies for the conservation of pollinators. Within these strategies the National Pollinator Strategy stands out as an initiative that promotes the creation and management of information on species diversity.
Although the Strategy is currently being structured, some of its approaches are as follows: create conscience and knowledge about the importance of pollination, assess environmental policies concerning this ecosystem service, and plan and modify productive systems in order to diminish habitat deterioration that is caused by our actions. Once the strategic goals are established, a plan of action will be authorized and executed with the figures that can and should contribute with the proposed tasks.
The need of gestating the Strategy is crucial because Colombia has a significant agricultural activity that currently produces 10,713 tons of fruit and vegetables12 (it should be highlighted that, in the case of fruit trees, 98% are dependent on pollination services12). In addition, it is estimated that Colombian territory houses a countless number of potential pollinating species: 1,889 birds, 398 bees, and 3,274 butterflies13,among others. These species are not only essential for agricultural production but are also important in order to assure the survival of wild plant populations. It is therefore necessary to apply the Strategy in both transformed and natural environments with an ecosystem approach that articulates environmental, economic and human components.