May 29, 2026
A major development has
recently emerged in pollinator conservation. Wild honeybees in
parts of Europe have now been classified as Endangered on the Red
List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. What
does this designation mean for honeybees, ecosystems, and the
future of pollination? In this Arboreal Apiculture Salon, we
explore the scientific, ecological, and conservation implications
of this landmark recognition. The conversation examines the status
of free-living honeybee populations in Europe, the drivers behind
their decline, and how this moment may reshape the way honeybees
are understood within conservation science and agricultural
systems.
We are honored to welcome
two distinguished voices for this discussion:
• Steve Rogenstein, co-founder of Honey Bee Watch, a global
coalition tasked with better understanding the factors that bolster
free-living honey bees’ survival,
• Arrigo Moro, researcher at the Italian National Reference Center
for Beekeeping and Honey Bee Health, and co-founder of Honey Bee
Watch.
Together we reflect on what this moment signals for wild honeybee conservation and explore emerging approaches that support resilient, free-living pollinator populations within living landscapes.