Practice Abstract - Research and innovation
Landscape suitability maps
Unsustainable losses of insects call for adequate conservation measures. Bees rely on diverse food and nesting sites to thrive (see Practice Abstracts 43 and 44). However, access to these resources change in space and time, making conservation effort challenging. Models are great tools to understand how resources fluctuate, and can therefore help guiding conservation measures.
In this regard, B-GOOD members from the Coimbra University (Portugal) have developed models grouping information on the food resources available for honeybees across Europe. These models include intrinsic habitat considerations but also external variables. For instance, the models incorporate floral resource availability, but also climatic data, water availability, and altitude, which can all play a role on honey bee colony development and health.
The resulting suitability map can effectively depict varying degrees of suitability for honeybees across different regions of Europe, helping stakeholders identify priority areas for conservation and habitat enhancement. Ultimately, the landscape suitability map for honeybees serves as a powerful tool for informed decision-making and strategic planning.
Source Project
Ongoing | 2019-2023
Giving Beekeeping Guidance by cOmputatiOnal-assisted Decision making (B-GOOD)
Ongoing | 2019-2023
- Main funding source
- Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Belgium