An alarming decline of pollinators is being experienced globally. In the European Union, at least 1/10 bee and butterfly species and 1/3 hoverfly species are on the verge of extinction. The current extensive data gaps provide a barrier in understanding the current status and trends of other pollinator species.

In order to address this matter, the Environment and Resources Authority, together with the University of Malta, the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) and SPRING Project will be launching the Malta Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (MPOMS), and is planning on conducting its pilot between May and October, 2023.

You are being invited to participate in this project as a Citizen Scientist where you will be able to monitor bees, butterflies and hoverflies on the field, and learn how to identify them through the MPOMS-ID Club.

Citizen Scientists will be offered training by national and foreign experts in the field. There is no need to have any background knowledge or experience in this topic – everyone is welcome to join, no matter your age, studies or profession!

The field surveys and the MPOMS-ID Club sessions shall take place at least once per month and you are free to attend all the sessions or a portion of them. During all these activities, you will be accompanied and guided by national and/or foreign experts.

Your contribution will be highly valued. During this pilot, participants will be provided with opportunities to input their feedback on how to improve the MPOMS in the long term.

Benefits of participating in this project include:

• Improving your knowledge on pollinators and their taxonomy
• Making connections with peers that have similar interests
• Working directly with national and foreign experts
• Contributing to the establishment of the MPOMS in the long term
• Supporting the development of national pollinators records
• Receiving an acknowledgement of your contribution as a Citizen Scientist and enhancing your CV