Examining pollinator health through a One Health lens

Attendees will gain insight into the ecological importance of bees, the cascading effects of pollinator decline, and the urgent need for integrated approaches to mitigate threats such as pesticide use, habitat loss, and climate change.

Resource URL: Pending

Learning Objectives:

Pollinators play a vital role in sustaining ecosystems, food security, and biodiversity—yet their health is increasingly threatened by human activity. In this session, Dr. Selina Bruckner, Assistant Extension Professor at Auburn University, explores how bee health intersects with the emerging field of One Health, which links human, animal, and environmental well-being.

Agenda:

0:00 – 0:05 (5 minutes) | Introduction and Welcome

Instructional Format: Lecture with slides
Content: Welcome remarks, instructor introduction, course objectives overview, and relevance of topic to participants

0:05 – 0:15 (10 minutes) | The Ecological Importance of Pollinators

Instructional Format: Lecture with slides and visual demonstrations
Content: Role of bees in ecosystems, food security statistics, biodiversity contributions, and economic impact of pollination services

0:15 – 0:25 (10 minutes) | Understanding the One Health Framework

Instructional Format: Lecture with slides
Content: Introduction to One Health concept, interconnections between human, animal, and environmental health, and how bee health fits within this framework

0:25 – 0:35 (10 minutes) | Threats to Pollinator Health

Instructional Format: Lecture with slides and case study demonstrations
Content: Overview of major threats including pesticide exposure, habitat loss, climate change impacts, diseases, and parasites; presentation of real-world examples and data

0:35 – 0:45 (10 minutes) | Cascading Effects of Pollinator Decline

Instructional Format: Lecture with slides and interactive discussion
Content: Ecological and economic consequences of bee population loss; facilitated discussion prompting participants to identify potential impacts in their own communities or regions

0:45 – 0:55 (10 minutes) | Integrated Approaches to Mitigation

Instructional Format: Lecture with slides and group discussion activity
Content: Evidence-based conservation strategies, integrated pest management, habitat restoration techniques; small group or whole-group discussion on practical applications and local action opportunities

0:55 – 1:00 (5 minutes) | Conclusion and Q&A

Instructional Format: Interactive question and answer session
Content: Summary of key takeaways, resources for further learning, and open forum for participant questions

MLA CE Credits: 1