The influence of recent Brazilian policy and legislation on increasing bee mortality

Aline Nunes,Marcelo Maraschin,Caroline Schmitz,Sidnei Moura

doi:10.33448/rsd-v10i4.14157

Abstract

The decline in bee communities in recent years has been a major concern worldwide. The increase in the mortality of these pollinators is related to several factors, the main one being the intensive use of pesticides in agricultural crops. Brazil is the world leader in use of pesticides since 2008 and recent changes in legislation have facilitated the commercialization of certain pesticides whose marketing has been banned in several countries. This review addresses how current Brazilian legislation on agrochemicals has influenced the increase in bee mortality. Under the current federal government, in 2019 and 2020, 474 and 493 new pesticides were registered in the country, respectively, some of them classified as highly toxic to bees. In addition, public policies in Brazil led by certain sectors of agribusiness have also contributed to increase the number of threats and the mortality of bees, making it difficult for the beekeeping sector to act in opposition. Understanding how these policies directly affect pollinator conservation allows decision-making to help mitigate their environmental and economic impacts in Brazil. Otherwise, without effective actions to mitigate the abusive use of pesticides, the numerous studies demonstrating its direct impacts on the bee’s survival will be of no use.

Highlights

Interactions between pollinating plant and animal species are essential for preserving biodiversity and maintaining the functionality of terrestrial natural ecosystems and crops (Fantinato et al, 2018)
Considering the social and economic importance of beekeeping for the country and the relevance of pollination in agricultural areas, in addition to native areas (Vanbergen, 2013) this review addresses how Brazilian legislation has affected the increase of bee mortality in the country, as well as its consequences on the food production
The report by Diks et al (2016) lists 10 essential public policies for the protection of pollination services and one can highlight 5 items directly related to incentives to organic systems production, such as 1) raising the regulatory standards for pesticides, 2) promote integrated pest management, 3) develop incentives, such as insurance schemes to help farmers to benefit from ecosystem services, 4) recognize pollination as an agricultural input in extension services, and 5) finance participatory research to improve yields in organic, diversified, and ecologically enhanced agriculture

Summary

Introduction

Interactions between pollinating plant and animal species are essential for preserving biodiversity and maintaining the functionality of terrestrial natural ecosystems and crops (Fantinato et al, 2018). One of the main producers of important crops worldwide, depends a lot on bee pollination services and it has been estimated that the economic value of these ecosystem services is around US$ 12-14 109 (Santos, Otesbelgue & Blochtein, 2018). Apiculture has been considered an easy maintenance activity, with a low initial cost, not demanding daily care and allowing the beekeeper having other sources of income. For this reason, this activity has been defined as an alternative to reduce unemployment, helping many families in the country (Sabbag & Nicodemo, 2011; Lourenço & Cabral, 2016).

Methodology

Bee Mortality

Findings

Conclusion