The International Pollinator Insect Biology and Pollination Symposium was held in Nantong, Jiangsu province, from Friday to Sunday, aiming to advance innovation in the pollination industry and enhance international cooperation in apicultural science.

Focusing on pollinator biology and research, the event brought together around 150 participants, including experts and scholars from China, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, and Thailand.

Participants shared insights on major issues in global pollinator conservation and pollination technology development, seeking to promote the commercialization of scientific achievements and contribute to sustainable agriculture worldwide.

Liu Jian, chairman of the National Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance, said pollinators such as bees are crucial for maintaining ecological balance and improving crop yield and quality.

He called for greater public awareness of their importance, enhanced breeding of Chinese bee species, and broader implementation of paid pollination services to achieve both ecological and economic benefits.

Statistics show that over 85 percent of flowering plants rely partially or entirely on animal pollination, and 75 percent of food crops depend to some extent on pollinators.

Bees provide effective pollination services for about 40 percent of these crops, according to the Institute of Apicultural Research at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, one of the event's organizers.

Cao Yongsheng, vice-president of the academy, said China will continue strengthening collaboration on key pollination technologies and demonstration projects to support the high-quality development of the pollination industry.

During the conference, participants visited local agricultural sites, including strawberry farms, a smart greenhouse park, and the ancient loquat orchard to observe the practical applications of insect pollination technologies.