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This ancient subtropical forest, rich in biodiversity, provides vital habitats for these invertebrates, which are responsible for pollinating many of the islands’ native plants. These plants, in turn, support the island’s broader wildlife and ecological balance.

was created as part of the broader to better protect pollinators, which are facing widespread decline across the continent. It was developed following the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥â€™s Guidelines for Species Conservation Planning.

Broadly, the EU Pollinators Initiative calls for action to address the rapid loss of pollinator species, whose decline threatens not only biodiversity but also agriculture, food production, and ecosystem health. As part of this strategy, the Canary Islands’ conservation plan focuses specifically on four endemic species: the Endangered Canary Islands Large White (Pieris cheiranthi), the Vulnerable Canary Brimstone (Gonepteryx cleobule), the Least Concern Canarian Laurisilva Bee (Lasioglossum chalcodes), and the Endangered Laurisilva Hoverfly (Heringia adpropinquans).

These species, due to their restricted geographic range, are particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and face several threats. The most pressing of these is habitat loss, driven by urbanisation, agriculture, and forestry practices. As more land is converted for human use, the natural habitats that pollinators depend on are being destroyed or fragmented. This leads to a loss of food sources and nesting sites for pollinators, making it more difficult for their populations to survive. Without focused conservation efforts, they risk becoming extinct, which would have devastating impacts on the local ecosystem and biodiversity.

Another major threat comes from invasive species, which are a growing problem in many ecosystems globally. In the Canary Islands, non-native plants and animals often displace and compete with native species, disrupting the delicate ecological balance that supports endemic pollinators. For example, invasive plants can reduce the availability of nectar and pollen sources, which are critical for pollinators.

The Islands’ increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, driven by climate change, are also threatening pollinators. These fires destroy critical habitats and food plants, severely impacting pollinator populations and the overall ecosystem.

Lastly, climate change is increasingly affecting the Canary Islands’ pollinators. Rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns have a direct impact on the timing of flowering seasons, which can lead to mismatches between when flowers bloom and when pollinators are active. These climate change related risks reduce food availability for the pollinators and destroy their habitats, further threatening their populations.

The primary objectives of the conservation plan are to enhance governance, improve knowledge of pollinator distribution and ecology, mitigate threats through research, and develop robust taxonomy and genetics data.

It also aims to monitor populations, implement recovery plans, establish captive breeding and reintroduction programmes, optimise water and pesticide management, prevent harmful alien species, and restore laurel forests. Additionally, it seeks to improve conservation in protected areas, raise public awareness about endemic pollinators, and inspire behaviour changes to ensure long-term sustainability.

This Plan represents a crucial step in the conservation of the Canary Islands’ unique biodiversity. Pollinators are not only vital for the health of local ecosystems but also for the broader agricultural systems that depend on their services. By focusing on habitat restoration, invasive species control, and climate resilience, this conservation plan seeks to safeguard the islands’ endemic pollinators and ensure their survival for generations to come.

The success of this Plan depends on collaboration among various stakeholders. Thanks to funding from the European Commission, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥, in partnership with experts and stakeholders, is spearheading and monitoring its implementation. Through its actions, local communities, conservation organisations, scientists, and government agencies are all working together to ensure its success. This collaborative approach allows for the pooling of resources, expertise, and local knowledge, which is essential for achieving long-term conservation goals.

The creation of this conservation plan was funded by the European Commission as part of the EU Pollinators Initiative.