ZOO LIFE POLLINATORS - Zoos as local restoration and conservation hotspots in urban and peri-urban areas and citizen science ambassadors to reverse the decline of pollinators in anthropic spaces
Acronym: ZOO LIFE POLLINATORS
Competition title: LIFE-2024-SAP-NAT-NATURE - Nature and Biodiversity
Funding: LIFE Program
AFZ role: partner
Total value: €5,408,361.01
Funded amount: €3,244,475.41
Start date: 2025/07/01
End date: 2029/06/30
Abstract
The project aims to halt the decline of pollinators in urban and peri-urban areas of the EU via an innovative approach. In these areas, habitat loss represents the greatest threat to pollinator conservation. For this reason, the project will leverage the untapped resources of city zoos, which manage extensive areas within urban spaces, and which possess the ability to reverse the pollinators' decline by acting on the three dimensions of conservation: the restoration of suitable habitat, rearing activities, and public awareness. The project’s objective is to transform the 8 partner zoos into ‘conservation hubs,’ located in major European cities, capable of actively addressing local specificities. This involves shifting from the traditional ex-situ conservation approach to an in-situ approach, focusing on pollinators. For this reason, no less than 921 ha will be restored in urban contexts, taking into account the needs of pollinators. Additionally, green area management will be promoted to support pollinator populations and attract others from nearby areas, encouraging re-settlement. Alongside habitat creation, specific protocols for pollinator reproduction will be developed to create case studies useful for both conservation and educational purposes. Zoos will play a crucial role in raising awareness among the general public, local institutions, and stakeholders. With the impressive dissemination potential of the partner zoos, which attract 4 million visitors annually, and their connections with local authorities and other zoos, the project will produce and share guidelines and best practices. This will stimulate large-scale adoption of the project’s actions across the EU.
Leaders
Prof. Aleksandar Mešić, PhD
University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture
Associates
Damir Bertić, MSc. agr.
University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture
Irena Dušak
University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture
Prof. Tatjana Prebeg, PhD
University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture
Asst. Prof. Dario Kremer, PhD
University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture
Assoc. Prof. Sanja Fabek Uher, PhD
University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture
Assoc. Prof. Hrvoje Kutnjak, PhD
University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture
Prof. Tanja Gotlin Čuljak, PhD
University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture
Assoc. Prof. Ivan Juran, PhD
University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture