Revitalising farmland ecology to conserve insect pollinators and ecosystem services in Mui Wo
In Lantau, farms are commonly found near rural settlements, buffering human disturbances and acting as stopovers fostering wildlife movements across country parks. However, these functions are dependent on a farm’s ecological value. In this context, eco-farm certification programmes have been widely adopted in other regions to promote farmland biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services, and secure farmers’ income. However, with different species composition and farm operations locally, a refined programme is required to enhance the resilience of rural landscapes across Lantau.
As a proof-of-concept, we will develop a scientific and evidence-based programme to certify insect pollinator-friendly farms in Mui Wo. We will engage farmers and
- establish the first ecological baselines for major insect pollinator taxa (i.e., bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, diurnal moths, and beetles) in farmland;
- compile list of nectar-producing plant used by pollinators using interaction surveys and pollen DNA analysis;
- revitalise farms by adding nectar plants and nesting sites, and reduce pesticide use;
- highlight the economic benefits of insect pollination by bagging (pollinators exclusion) experiment; and
- develop a local eco-band for farm products and promote it with farmers.
Ultimately, the project will catalyse nature-based agriculture movements across Lantau to co-create landscapes that benefit biodiversity and people.