As spring arrives in the Capital, the buzzing of bees and pollinating insects is becoming increasingly rare. This trend raises concerns among experts, as these species are vital indicators of ecosystem health. In Italy, 22% of native bees are in decline, and 6.3% of diurnal butterflies face extinction.
The Critical Role of Pollinators
Pollinators are essential for the reproduction of over 85% of wild plants and more than 70% of agricultural crops. Their decline is primarily due to human activities, including habitat destruction, pesticide use, the spread of invasive species, and climate change, which disrupts seasonal cycles and flowering.
‘Buzz Life’: A European Initiative to Reverse the Trend
Addressing these critical issues, the ‘Buzz Life’ project, coordinated by Legambiente and co-financed by the European Union’s Life program, has been launched. This initiative involves Italy, France, Greece, and Cyprus, with a clear objective: to counteract the decline of pollinating insects in urban and peri-urban environments.
The project extends beyond bees to encompass all pollinators, including Apoidea, Lepidoptera, Diptera, and Coleoptera. Planned actions include creating ‘buzz lines’ (ecological corridors), establishing refuge gardens, and redeveloping degraded urban areas. The ambitious goal is to restore over 36 million square meters of habitat, increase pollinator presence and diversity by 40%, and entomophilous flora by 30%. Citizen involvement through citizen science activities and innovative monitoring systems, capable of detecting insect acoustic signatures, will also be central to the project.
Rome’s Leading Role in ‘Buzz Life’
Rome is a key partner city in the project, hosting several major initiatives. The launch event took place at the Crea headquarters in Villa Celimontana, including a visit to the San Sisto Park. Sabrina Alfonsi, Capitoline Councillor for the Environment, commented, “We are very proud to have won the European Buzz Life project as a partner and to host the presentation event for this initiative.”
This achievement underscores Rome’s commitment to ecological transition and ecosystem protection. Alfonsi added, “The green heritage is an integral part of the capital’s identity, and as an Administration, we are custodians of an articulated system of protected natural areas, parks, gardens, historic villas, riverine, and agricultural areas.”
To enhance the valorization of natural capital, Alfonsi explained, “We chose to participate in this call, networking with many other European cities that have gathered in Rome today.” Interventions will target strategic areas such as the Aniene Valley, Acqua Acetosa Park, and the walls of the Verano Cemetery, with urban reforestation, enhancement of river ecosystems, and creation of new green spaces.
Legambiente Lazio and Citizen Engagement
Legambiente Lazio will lead the operational implementation in the Capital, coordinating local activities and engaging citizens. Roberto Scacchi, President of Legambiente Lazio, stated, “We are ready to support the Capitoline administration, which is committed to these issues, and it must be supported by active citizens who have worked extensively and concretely on pollinator protection.” This project aims to restore space and a future for pollinators, making cities protagonists of the ecological transition. Rome, being the greenest city in Europe, offers unique opportunities. Scacchi emphasized, “It is fundamental to enhance its opportunities, specificities, and environmental values. In this sense, the Buzz Life project is an excellent opportunity to combine species and biodiversity protection, territory care, and positive green transformations.”
