Assessing the values and dependence of society on pollinators: Introducing the new VALOR project

Animal pollinators have become a flagship for biodiversity conservation because of their globally recognised role in supporting broader biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and human well-being. Despite this recognition and the widely acknowledged benefits of pollination, many of the pressures on pollinators persist. As a result, there is growing evidence of localised but significant pollination service deficits to crops and wild plants. This raises concerns that pollinator communities may be approaching tipping points as key species decline also increase, risking serious impacts on wider ecosystems and human societies.

The VALOR project (Values and dependence of society on pollinators) — which began in January 2025 — is a multi-actor initiative that will develop a comprehensive, systems-based approach to gaining a better understanding of the cascading impacts of pollinator shifts from flower to fork and beyond. The project will examine the effects of pollinator shifts on ecosystems, farm businesses, and local communities through primary research and modelling.

The project aims to empower actors to develop a deeper understanding of their relationship with pollinators and will produce a range of co-developed tools for landowners, businesses, and policymakers. These tools will enhance awareness of pollination-related risks and enable users to conduct their own studies by replicating the project's methods and applying its models. To ensure comprehensive data collection without compromising scale, VALOR will adopt a systems-based approach, employing a series of in-depth case studies in focal regions to assess the importance of pollinators.

The project has 6 expected impacts:

1. Direct drivers of biodiversity decline will be understood and showcased.
2. Protected areas and their networks will be planned, managed and expanded and the status of species and habitats will be improved based on up-to-date knowledge and solutions.
3. Biodiversity, ecosystem services and natural capital will be mainstreamed in the society and economy.
4. Practices in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture will be developed and improved to support and make sustainable the use of biodiversity and a wide range of ecosystems services.
5. Biodiversity research and support policies and processes will be interconnected at EU and global levels, making use of advanced digital technologies and societal engagement where appropriate.
6. The biodiversity and health nexus will be understood, in particular at the level of ecosystems. This will be achieved by using the one-health approach, in the context of climate change and globalisation and by addressing contributions and trade-offs.

Coordinated by the University of Reading, the VALOR consortium comprises partners from thirteen European institutions, along with three associated partners, including China and Australia. The consortium spans a broad range of scientific disciplines, including pollinator ecology, sociology, economics, stakeholder engagement and communications.

“For decades now, research has demonstrated how important pollinators are to farming, but we have never really done such an in-depth project that spans everything from flower to fork.”  says Dr. Tom Breeze,  the project coordinator. “VALOR is more than just great research though, it’s about working with people to make that research understandable and meaningful to everyone, and give them the tools to explore their relationship with nature themselves.”

For more project news, follow the project on Bluesky, LinkedIn and stay tuned for updates on the upcoming VALOR website.

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