Matt Williamson, an assistant professor of human-environment systems in the School of the Environment, won a Dynamics of Integrated Socio-Environmental Systems grant from the National Science Foundation.
The $1.8 million grant will support Williamson and other researchers from Cornell University, George Washington University and the Centre for Ecology Development and Research. Together, they will investigate collective action solutions to address declining pollinating insect populations.
At Boise State, the funding will support one new post-doctoral researcher in the School of the Environment and make room for at least two undergraduate students to assist with the project.
Declining pollinator populations
Pollinators are insects that carry pollen from plant to plant, helping these plants reproduce. Their work helps produce vibrant landscapes in the wilderness, but pollination is also essential on commercial farms and orchards. Declining pollinator populations could have serious impacts on the world’s ecosystems and our food production.
There is no single cause of pollinator population decline. Some insects lose their habitats and the plants they rely on as urban and suburban growth supplant their ecosystems. Native bees and other pollinators can also suffer from single-crop farming, which means plants in the farm only flower for a short time each year – not long enough to support honey bees year-round.
Other factors, like increased use of pesticides and herbicides also contribute to declining populations. In some cases, farmers import foreign honey bees, who can clash with local populations and carry new pathogens that damage ecosystems.
Collective problems, collective solutions
No matter what’s causing pollinator populations to decline, environmental scientists agree that we need solutions. However, Williamson’s team argues that top-down solutions, like government efforts to regulate the crops farmers can plant, have proven ineffective so far.
They describe the issue as a “tragedy of the commons.” Pollinator populations are a common pool resource – one we all share, whether we like it or not. One farmer might refrain from using insecticides that kill bees and other pollinators. However, bees don’t respect property lines. If the next farm over continues using the chemicals, the threat to the population will persist.
Instead of relying on individual action or top-down solutions like regulations, the researchers want to explore collective action as a way to save pollinators and our own agricultural ecosystems.
Collective action problems are challenging because it costs each person something to participate, but no one benefits unless a critical mass of people chooses to pay that cost. Collective action might require structural transformation that will encourage all stakeholders to behave differently. Perhaps by planting more diverse crops, refraining from dangerous pesticides or preserving existing ecosystems that sustain honey bees and other pollinators.
With the help of the National Science Foundation grant, Williamson and the other researchers will explore opportunities for collective action institutions in Uttarakhand, India and New York state. Their work will improve our understanding of the pollinator population problem and pave the way for solutions in the future.