Alarm Report

The ALARM Project is carrying out a large-scale assessment of environmental risks across Europe. Particular attention is being given to the loss of pollinators and the pollination services they provide. Bees (and to a lesser extent other insects) provide key services in maintaining biodiversity and contribute to agricultural production. After one year of research, methods testing is complete and the aim is to publish a series of papers in 2006. The focus this year is on the risks of pollinator loss for crops and rare wildflowers.

We invite you to join the expanding network of researchers, curators and data managers who share an interest in pollinators. Examining the data available for Europe, we will be able to identify concerns of greatest priority - taxonomy and conservation - and support future initiatives with fact-based evidence. Contributions including data research collaborations and joint publications are always welcome.

The ALARM

A - Assessing

LA - LArge scale environmental

R - Risks for biodiversity with tested

M - Methods (ALARM) project

is an EU-funded project that began in February 2004 and is scheduled to run until January 2009. For readers interested in its progress there are regular updates on www.alarmproject.net