rki.news
Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture, Multan organized the “6th International Conference on Bee Pollination and Conservation” on the occasion of International Bee Day. The conference was arranged by the Department of Entomology in collaboration with CABI at the university campus in Multan. It brought together academicians, researchers, students, and professionals from Pakistan and abroad.
The conference aimed to highlight the importance of bees and other insect pollinators in biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, and global food security. The program began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, including verses highlighting the importance of bees in nature and human life.
The inaugural session was attended by Director General Pest Warning and Quality Control of Pesticides Punjab Dr. Aamir Rasool, Chairman Department of Entomology Dr. Mirza Abdul Qayyum, and Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Asif Ali (T.I.).
Addressing the participants, Dr. Mirza Abdul Qayyum said bees and other pollinators play a vital role in agricultural production, fruit and vegetable quality, and ecosystem stability. He emphasized that sustainable agriculture and food security are not possible without pollinator conservation and encouraged young researchers to engage in biodiversity-related research.
Dr. Aamir Rasool highlighted that bees are crucial for agriculture and food security, stressing awareness among farmers about the safe use of pesticides to protect beneficial insects. Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Asif Ali underscored the ecological importance of bees and their role in maintaining plant diversity, crop productivity, and ecosystem balance. He also said the conference outcomes would be integrated into postgraduate research for long-term impact.
The conference included scientific presentations on bee pollination, conservation strategies, and global challenges faced by pollinator populations. International keynote speakers included Dr. Becky Griffin (USA), Dr. Kit Prendergast (Australia), Dr. Michael Orr (Germany), Dr. Marcia Motta (Brazil), Dr. Ibrahim Cakmak (Türkiye), and Dr. Cleofas Cervancia (Philippines), along with other researchers worldwide.
Student engagement activities included a poster competition, quiz contest, and a bee photography competition with around 30 entries showcasing pollinator diversity and ecological importance. Creative resin keychains made using preserved bees were also displayed and widely appreciated by participants.
Speakers at the closing session reiterated that declining pollinator populations pose a serious global challenge, warning that reduced bee activity could directly impact crop yields and food systems. They called for stronger policy support, increased funding for research, and greater international cooperation to protect pollinator habitats. Participants also emphasized the need to integrate pollinator conservation into national agricultural strategies to ensure long-term sustainability.
The organizers said the conference aimed to strengthen awareness on pollinator conservation and promote collaboration among researchers, institutions, and students to protect bee populations and biodiversity for future generations.