Exploring freshwater ecotone networks to understand the role of water in pollinator diversity and health

Insect pollinators are vital for biodiversity, food security, and healthy ecosystems, yet they are experiencing alarming global declines. While conservation efforts often focus on flowers and terrestrial habitats, the role of freshwater, ponds, streams, and wetlands remains largely overlooked. This project explores whether freshwater ecotones act as hidden engines of biodiversity, shaping pollinator diets, microbiomes, and resilience. Using environmental genomics, AI-assisted insect monitoring, and ecological fieldwork, the research will uncover overlooked mechanisms linking water to pollinator health. The findings will inform evidence-based conservation, restoration, and land management.