Pollinator gardens: allies of agriculture and biodiversity

Abstract

Pollinators play a fundamental role in food production and biodiversity conservation. However, factors such as land-use change, urban expansion, climate change, and pesticide use have contributed to the decline of pollinator populations worldwide. In this context, pollinator gardens represent an accessible strategy to promote their conservation and enhance ecological connectivity in agricultural and urban landscapes. This article describes the importance of pollination for agriculture, the main types of pollination, and the threats faced by pollinating organisms. Basic recommendations for establishing pollinator gardens are also presented, emphasizing the use of native plants, continuous floral resources, the provision of shelter, and the reduction of pesticide use. As a successful example, the Experimentalis Pollinator Garden at Universidad Autonoma Agraria Antonio Narro is presented as a conservation, research, and environmental education space that has documented nearly 200 species through citizen science tools. Initiatives such as this demonstrate that biodiversity conservation can be integrated with education, research, and public participation, contributing to the sustainability of productive systems and ecosystem health.