Reviving pollinators: How a University of Kentucky professor offers hope
Reviving pollinators: How a University of Kentucky professor offers ... Paducah Sun
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Safeguarding Pollinators and Wildlife: A Sustainable Approach
Introduction
Tiffany Messer, an associate professor in the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, is dedicated to protecting pollinators and other wildlife from the hazards of neonicotinoids, an insecticide commonly used to shield crops from pests.
The Role of Floating Treatment Wetlands
In a previous study published in the Journal of Environmental Quality (JEQ), Messer investigated the potential of floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) as a sustainable solution. FTWs are engineered platforms covered in wetland vegetation that float on water bodies and naturally purify water by filtering pollutants and promoting beneficial ecological processes. Messer’s research revealed that FTWs have the potential to protect endangered bee populations, aquatic ecosystems, and human health.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 15: Life on Land – Messer’s work aligns with SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. By safeguarding pollinators and wildlife, Messer contributes to the preservation of biodiversity and the overall health of the Earth’s ecosystem.
- Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The use of FTWs in water bodies helps purify water by filtering pollutants, thus supporting SDG 6, which focuses on ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all.
- Goal 2: Zero Hunger – Neonicotinoids play a role in protecting crops from pests, contributing to SDG 2, which aims to achieve food security and promote sustainable agriculture.
Conclusion
Tiffany Messer’s research and dedication to protecting pollinators and wildlife through the use of floating treatment wetlands highlight the importance of sustainable approaches in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. By addressing the hazards of neonicotinoids and promoting beneficial ecological processes, Messer’s work contributes to the preservation of biodiversity, clean water resources, and food security.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 15: Life on Land
- Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
- Indicator: The use of floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) to protect endangered bee populations and aquatic ecosystems.
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SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
- Indicator: The study of neonicotinoids, an insecticide commonly used to shield crops from pests, and its impact on pollinators and other wildlife.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. | The use of floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) to protect endangered bee populations and aquatic ecosystems. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. | The study of neonicotinoids, an insecticide commonly used to shield crops from pests, and its impact on pollinators and other wildlife. |
Analysis
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SDG 15: Life on Land
The article highlights the use of floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) to protect endangered bee populations and aquatic ecosystems. This aligns with SDG 15, which focuses on ensuring the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems. The use of FTWs contributes to the target of conserving and restoring ecosystems, particularly wetlands, as they act as natural filters and promote beneficial ecological processes. The indicator mentioned is the use of FTWs to protect endangered bee populations and aquatic ecosystems.
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SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
The article discusses the study of neonicotinoids, an insecticide commonly used to protect crops from pests, and its impact on pollinators and other wildlife. This relates to SDG 12, which focuses on responsible consumption and production. The study of neonicotinoids aligns with the target of achieving environmentally sound management of chemicals and reducing their release to minimize adverse impacts on human health and the environment. The indicator mentioned is the study of neonicotinoids and their impact on pollinators and other wildlife.
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Source: paducahsun.com
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