Protecting the Lifelines of Our Ecosystems: An Overview of The Pollinator Partnership
Pollinators are the unsung heroes of our natural world. From the vast agricultural fields that feed our populations to the wildlands that maintain global biodiversity, the health of our ecosystems depends heavily on managed and native pollinating animals. To safeguard these vital creatures, The Pollinator Partnership (P2) works at the intersection of science, policy, and community action.
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, P2 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental stewardship. By focusing on the protection of pollinators, the organization ensures the continued stability of both wild and agricultural environments.
Key Facts
- Organization Type: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California.
- Core Mission: Protecting the health of managed and native pollinating animals through conservation, policy, education, and research.
- Major Initiatives: North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC), National Pollinator Week, and EcoRegional Planting Guides.
- Scientific Foundation: Supported by a world-class scientific advisory board and staff scientists.
The Evolution of P2: From Coevolution to Conservation
The organization has a deep history rooted in biological science. Founded in 1997, it originally operated under the name Coevolution Institute (CoE). The initial focus was to advance research, outreach, and education regarding the complex relationships between pollinating species and the flowers they visit—a process known as floral association.
Over the decades, the mission has expanded to address the urgent needs of pollinator decline. Today, P2 engages a diverse group of stakeholders, including farmers, growers, policymakers, industry leaders, academic institutions, and the general public.
Strategic Partnerships and Collaborative Impact
Recognizing that environmental challenges require collective action, P2 collaborates with a wide array of institutions and corporations to drive meaningful change.
Conservation and Environmental Alliances
P2 works closely with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to develop EcoRegional Planting Guides. These guides are essential tools that allow local citizens to plant specific gardens that provide necessary habitats for local pollinating species. Additionally, P2's conservation efforts align with the work of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, specifically regarding certain invertebrate species.
Corporate Responsibility and Food Industry Engagement
The organization has successfully bridged the gap between environmentalism and commerce through several high-profile partnerships:
- Burt's Bees: Collaborated on the "Honey Bee Health" campaign.
- Häagen-Dazs: Partnered through the "HD Loves Honey Bees" campaign to promote honey bee preservation.
- Food Producers and Retailers: P2 maintains relationships with entities such as Whole Foods Market, World Foods, Wyman's of Maine, and The Great Northern Roasting Company to integrate pollinator protection into the food supply chain.
A Foundation of Scientific Excellence
The work performed by The Pollinator Partnership is not merely advocacy; it is deeply rooted in scientific evidence regarding pollinator decline. The organization is guided by a prestigious scientific advisory board composed of some of the most respected names in biology and ecology.
Leading the scientific efforts is staff scientist Steve Buchmann, Ph.D., co-author of The Forgotten Pollinators. The advisory board includes a distinguished roster of experts:
- E.O. Wilson: Renowned entomologist.
- Daniel Janzen, Ph.D.: Evolutionary ecologist.
- May Berenbaum, Ph.D.: Entomologist.
- Peter Raven: Botanist.
- Paul R. Ehrlich, Ph.D.: Conservation biologist and president of Stanford's Center for Conservation Biology.
- Thomas Eisner, Ph.D.: Chemical ecologist.
- Don Kennedy, Ph.D.: Biologist.
- Adrian Forsyth, Ph.D.: Scientist and natural history writer.
Summary of P2 Initiatives and Partners
| Category | Key Details / Examples |
|---|---|
| Core Pillars | Conservation, Policy, Education, and Research |
| Signature Programs | NAPPC, National Pollinator Week, EcoRegional Planting Guides |
| Corporate Partners | Burt's Bees, Häagen-Dazs, Whole Foods Market, Wyman's of Maine |
| Scientific Focus | Pollinator decline, floral associations, and habitat restoration |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of The Pollinator Partnership?
The main goal is to protect the health of both managed and native pollinating animals, which are essential for the survival of wildland and agricultural ecosystems.
How can individuals help pollinators through P2?
Individuals can use the EcoRegional Planting Guides developed by P2 to plant gardens that provide specific, necessary habitats for the pollinating species in their local area.
What is the NAPPC?
The NAPPC stands for the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign, which is one of the signature initiatives led by The Pollinator Partnership.
Who does P2 work with to ensure their methods are scientifically sound?
P2 utilizes a scientific advisory board consisting of world-renowned experts in entomology, botany, and evolutionary ecology, as well as staff scientists like Dr. Steve Buchmann.
Is The Pollinator Partnership a government agency?
No, it is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, California.