This project aims to develop solutions to manage and restore pollinator-friendly cultural landscapes in all parts of Norway. Solutions aimed at wild pollinators must take into account both different interests within the sectors involved such as agriculture, business and the environment, as well as the different compositions of the cultural landscape around Norway.

Pollinators such as bees and flies are absolutely essential for most flowering plants that reproduce by seed. This also applies to many of our food plants. In fact, around 30% of all the food we eat is directly or indirectly affected by pollinators doing their job.

The threat to wild pollinators is largely linked to the loss or reduced quality of important living areas in the cultural landscape, such as hayfields, coastal heather, natural pastures and species-rich roadsides. Area changes, such as the intensification of agriculture, are the main reason why these habitats are reduced. 

The sub-goals of WINGS are to:

1. identify and collect existing data on where in the cultural landscape there are resources that are important for pollinators
2. assess the quality of habitats that are affected by different food production systems and cultural landscapes
3. improve subsidy schemes to safeguard wild pollinators
4. create sustainable solutions for pollinator-friendly agricultural landscapes
5. communicate solutions for pollinator-friendly measures to society.

WINGS is a collaborative project between research, administration, business, agriculture and environmental organisations, all with a common interest in looking after pollinators. Partners are Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO, project owner), Norsk Landbruksrådgivning (NLR), the State Administrator in Nordland, Norsk Kylling, Sabima, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) and Aarhus University.

Senior Researcher Yoko L. Dupont will contribute her expertise on the ecology of wild and managed bees, network analysis, landscape ecology and farmland ecology.