Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1498223
6 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 30 APRIL 2023 NEWS KARL AZZOPARDI WILDFLOWERS are a crucial compo- nent of Malta's natural environment since they provide essential habitats and food for a variety of species, including in- sects, birds, and small mammals. There are hundreds of wildflower spe- cies in Malta, and each species has adapt- ed to thrive in various conditions, con- tributing to biodiversity. Wildflowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, moths, birds and even lizards. These creatures play a crucial role in pollinating crops and wild plants, ensur- ing the survival of both. Pollinators in Malta and across Europe are facing an existential threat, and the EU Pollinators Initiative set the commit- ment to reverse the decline in wild pol- linators by 2030. This initiative was the first-ever EU framework to tackle the de- cline of wild pollinators. The initiative aims to improve knowl- edge of pollinator decline, its causes and consequences, improve pollinator con- servation, tackle the causes of decline, mobilise society and promote strategic planning and cooperation at all levels. As a response to the decline in polli- nator populations, the Environment and Resource Authority (ERA) has kicked off the public consultation process on the National Strategy and Action Plan for Pollinators to 2034. The objectives of this plan include rais- ing awareness on the status of pollinators and developing effective ways to protect, manage and conserve pollinators. "The Malta Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (MPOMS) was recently launched to gather information on bees, butterflies and hoverflies by conducting field surveys through citizen science," a spokesperson said. Ambjent Malta is also collaborating with the Local Councils Division to en- courage all the councils to join efforts and refrain from cutting ruderal grasses and wildflowers, especially in rural streets and in the countryside, if such growth does not cause any safety concerns. MaltaToday spoke to Mario Balzan, a senior lecturer at the Institute of Applied Sciences of the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), who explained the importance of tackling the decline in pollinators in the country. "We are losing pollinators at a rapid rate for a multitude of reasons," Balzan said. He said the government push not to cut wildflowers is not a cosmetic solution, but "an important one." The move, he said, should be partnered up with the reintroduction of wildflowers on roundabouts and central strips, insist- ing they are crucial in reversing declining populations of pollinators. "Authorities should consider stopping the potting of the same plants, and go back to wildflowers, as potted plants are limited to certain species due to their shape," he said. Flower shapes can have a significant impact on the type of pollinators they attract and how effectively they are pol- linated. Flat flowers, such as daisies or sunflowers, are often pollinated by bees or other insects that can easily land on the flat surface and access the nectar and pollen. Flowers with a long, narrow tube shape are often pollinated by animals with long tongues or proboscises, such as hum- mingbirds or moths. These animals can reach deep inside the flower to access nectar and pollen. "Diversity is key. We must ensure that we cater for different kinds of pollina- tors," Balzan said. On a practical level, the Ħaż-Żebbug council has also taken the initiative of informing residents with signs reading: 'Excuse the grass, we're feedings the bees' (Skużawna tal-ħaxix, qed nitimgħu n-naħal). The hope is that people under- stand that what is popularly known as ħaxix ħażin (literally transalted into 'bad grass') has more value than the eye can see. Protecting the pollinators: Understanding the nation- wide push to let wildflowers be PHOTOS: JAMES BIANCHI / MEDIATODAY