Why Zoo LIFE Pollinators

The decline of pollinating insects shows no sign of slowing down: 84% of European agricultural production depends on them. Currently, 9% of wild bee species, 40% of hoverfly species, and more than 480 butterfly species are at risk of extinction. Against this backdrop, Zoo LIFE Pollinators—a project co-funded by the European Union—brings together 16 partners across 9 countries, including zoos, universities, and other associated organizations. 

Project objectives  

Knowledge	Habitat	Stakeholder	Governance
Improve information on native wild pollinators & insect-pollinated plants,  through standardised monitoring methodologies and research.	Increase pollinator numbers by creating and restoring favorable habitats in and around zoos, including lawns, green roofs, and hedgerows.	Encourage behavioural change of key stakeholders and involve zoos, NGOs, municipalities, and communities in pollinator protection.	Promote pollinator -friendly governance & strategies by positioning zoos as active conservation hubs within the LIFE framework.

An innovative partnership 
Through Zoo LIFE Pollinators, eight zoos across Europe are working together on an innovative, large-scale initiative that leverages their unique strengths: managing extensive green spaces in urban and peri-urban areas, employing highly qualified staff with expertise in biology and conservation, and engaging a wide audience through educational programs, awareness campaigns, and citizen science projects. 

Project numbers 
We work together to achieve the established goals 

16 partners in 9 European Countries 
Zoological facilities, universities and departments across Europe, united for biodiversity

12 beneficiaries 
ZOOM Torino 
-Leader 
Project management & coordination / Communication & Stakeholder Egnagement 

Nordens Ark 
-Leader 
Restoration and pollinator-specific initiatives 

Copenhagen Zoo
-Leader 
Conservation activities for pollinators 

Zagreb Zoo
-Leader 
Educational and citizen science activities 

UNITO DBIOS e DISAFA
-Leader 
Sustainability, replication and exploitation of project results 

Smart Revolution
-Leader 
Monitoring & Evaluation 

Fondazione ZOOM
Environmental education, monitoring transect, stakeholder engagement 

Slottsskogens Zoo
Habitat restoration, environmental education, monitoring transect  

Brasov Zoo
Habitat restoration, environmental education, monitoring transect  

Oasis Wildlife
Research and cultivation of local botanic species, habitat restoration, environmental education, monitoring transect  

Zoo Debrecen
Habitat restoration, environmental education, monitoring transect  

UNIZG – Agriculture
Expert partner in applied ecology and habitat management, monitoring transect  

4 associated partners 

• Chekipa Fundacion
• Associazione Lepidotterologica Italiana
• Stichting Butterfly Conservation Europe
• The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland

The project uses the Pollard transect methodology, adopted by the European Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (eBMS) for standardized monitoring of butterflies and, more recently, other wild pollinators. This method involves defining a fixed route of 500–1000 meters, which is walked regularly throughout the flight season to record the number and species of individuals observed. Following recommendations from the European Commission, the methodology has been extended to wild Apoidea and hoverflies to harmonize the monitoring of key pollinating insects. 
The adoption and harmonization of a common survey method across all partner facilities is supported by Butterfly Conservation Europe, an associated partner that coordinates the eBMS network. 
In addition to entomological monitoring, Zoo LIFE Pollinators will carry out phytosociological surveys and count entomogamous floral units at five fixed 4 m² points along each partner’s transect to assess the status and effectiveness of ecological restoration measures.