Conservation Priorities
Insects are the cornerstone of our global environments, playing roles far beyond pollination. They are essential nutrient recyclers, abundant food sources, population controllers, soil enrichers, powerhouses of inspiration for human industry and so much more. To protect these vital creatures, we must adopt a holistic approach to conservation that embraces multiple strategies while maintaining adaptability. As conservationist and writer of the hugely influential book Silent Spring, Rachel Carson mentioned;
"Like the resource it seeks to protect, wildlife conservation must be dynamic, changing as conditions change, seeking always to become more effective."
So join us in our mission! By prioritizing the preservation of insects, we can ensure a thriving future for these incredible organisms and the ecosystems and human societies that rely on them. Explore our conservation strategies, get involved, and help make a difference today! Because we can't protect our global ecosystem without first protecting insects!
"The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction." - Rachel Carson, Silent Spring
Public Awareness and Education
Busting insect myths, sharing the amazing qualities of insects, and shedding light on some hard truths is critical to help open our eyes to the troubles faced by insects and ultimately the broader environment. It's the first step in attaining support for meaningful conservation projects and advocating for research to help advocate for conservation planning. We need everyone to get involved, and so we focus heavily on public engagement in all areas of research and conservation.
Research and Monitoring
Entomological research, especially outside of agriculture and vector control, is vastly under-funded. In the 1960's there was an entomologist population boom; fast-forward to today, and they're all retiring with very few new students filling their shoes. There is a massive absence of entomological research in areas of biodiversity, population dynamics, and ecology, particularly valuable long-term studies. By enlisting adventurous travellers, citizen scientists, and the general public; we're here to reinvigorate and accelerate entomological research, set up new long-term studies, and develop meaningful research necessary to inform conservation plans and public policy while creating a source of unbiased research funding and support.
"The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction." - Rachel Carson, Silent Spring
Habitat Protection / Rewilding
The first line of defense is to protect habitats and wild spaces from encroaching agriculture and urbanization. Next, we need to allow nature to regain its foothold in lands transformed by humans. Doing so creates opportunities for insects, plants and other wildlife to reclaim vital spaces for feeding, mating, and reproduction.
Establishing wildlife corridors plays a key role in connecting fragmented habitats, enabling natural ecosystems to move freely across landscapes, maintain genetic diversity, and contribute to essential ecological processes necessary for life on Earth.
Agricultural Innovation
This is a touchy subject for many, but agriculture is a very destructive force against the environment, particularly insect populations and health, and it's one that we cannot ignore. From clearing forests and other habitats for crops and pasture, to rampant, unchecked use of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides (and so much more) - we are in desperate need of a truly transformative agricultural innovation if we're going to support not only our unprecedented human population growth rates, but our environment. "Sustainability" is no longer an option, we need restorative solutions.
Fortunately; the solutions are abundant... Unfortunately; political, cultural and economic roadblocks await at every turn.
The GEC is here to find a way through the red tape and support true innovation.
