A new five-year strategy to reverse the decline of pollinators across the island of Ireland has been launched, bringing together communities, farmers, businesses and public bodies to help create a more biodiversity-rich landscape.

The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2026–2030 was unveiled at the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin by Andrew Muir MLA, Northern Ireland's Minister for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), alongside Christopher O'Sullivan, Ireland's Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Coordinated by the National Biodiversity Data Centre and supported by organisations across both jurisdictions, the voluntary plan aims to restore habitats for pollinators by creating landscapes that provide food and shelter every 200 metres. The target reflects the limited distance many solitary bee species can travel from their nests in search of food.

The latest phase of the initiative is funded through the Government of Ireland's Shared Island Fund, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency leading delivery in Northern Ireland.

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Launching the strategy, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir highlighted the importance of pollinators to ecosystems and biodiversity.

"Bees, butterflies and our other pollinators are the unsung heroes of our environment, playing a fundamental role across our ecosystems. The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan provides a clear, practical framework to support these busy bugs in enabling nature recovery. By working together, across all landscapes, it is possible to restore pollinator populations and create an island that is richer in biodiversity, more resilient to climate change, and better for people and nature alike."

The plan relies on voluntary participation from landowners, farmers, organisations, communities and individuals, encouraging them to implement practical measures that improve habitats within their own areas. It comes amid growing concern over the decline of wild pollinators caused by habitat loss, climate change and pollution, including pesticide use.

More than 100 species of wild bees are found across the island of Ireland, with around one-third now considered at risk of extinction. Pollinators play a vital role in plant reproduction, supporting biodiversity, agricultural productivity and food security.

Since it was first introduced in 2015, the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan has gained international recognition as a model for pollinator conservation, with its evidence-based approach being adopted by several other European countries developing their own strategies.

Dr Sara McGuckin, Head of Natural Science in the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), said: "Halting and reversing pollinator species decline is essential to securing healthy, resilient ecosystems and sustainable food systems. NIEA is delighted to continue our strong partnership through the All Ireland Pollinator Plan to 2030. By strengthening our monitoring of pollinators, we can develop a better understanding of what our rare and threatened species need and track recovery of pollinator populations across Ireland."