Identification of Effective Policy and Practice Responses to Multiple Stressors on Bees

Managed bee health in Europe is threatened by multiple stressors including pesticides, pathogens, and poor nutrition. This report identifies effective policy and practice responses through expert assessment using a modified Delphi method. It evaluates 29 response options across managed beekeeping, farm management, and habitat enhancement, with flower patch creation, reducing pesticide use, and rewarding farmers for pollinator-friendly practices scoring highest in effectiveness and feasibility. Case studies from Barascou, Knauer, Wintermantel, and Siviter demonstrate context-dependent outcomes, showing that habitat and farm management are most effective for pesticide-nutrition interactions, while bee management is key for pesticide-pathogen stress. Support mechanisms like training and financial incentives significantly improve feasibility. Findings inform EU policies including the CAP Strategic Plans, Biodiversity Strategy 2030, and Nature Restoration Law, urging targeted, science-based integration of mitigation actions to safeguard pollinators and ecosystem services.