- General overview and status: The global and Norwegian decline in insect populations threatens pollination, which is essential for ecosystems and food production.
- Basic needs: Insects require interconnected areas with flowers, access to water, and nesting sites.
- Measures: Preserve flowering plants, establish insect hotels, and protect pollinator habitats on campus.
- Monitoring the effects of measures: Track indicator species like hoverflies and bumblebees, and survey insect-friendly plants.
Implemented measures
Through the Norwegian Botanical Association's project “Children’s Flower Meadow,” we have established a flower meadow outside the main entrance at Campus Kristiansand. This is a great way to increase food availability for wild pollinating insects. Additionally, a flower meadow is maintained outside building 10 in Kristiansand.
Insect hotels have been set up on both campuses. These provide a habitat for various insects and therefore help to preserve and promote biodiversity. They have been positioned so that there is food for the insects nearby and good sunlight.
Other measures to support insects include implementing areas with delayed spring mowing and late-season mowing. It has been decided that most lawns on campus will not be mowed until early June, and some areas will remain untouched until mid-August or September. By postponing the first lawn mowing of spring, pollinating insects have early access to food such as blooming dandelions. Late mowing allows more plants to bloom, produce, and disperse seeds. These efforts extend the pollen and nectar season for insects and allow insect larvae time to develop.