Hives of activity: Contestation and coalitions around pesticides, policies and pollinators

Abstract

 Apian decline is a severe problem threatening ecosystems around the world. The exact reasons for it are as yet unknown. In this atmosphere of uncertainty, some have blamed a widely used family of pesticides known as neonicotinoids for the decline, while others claim that there is no evidence for the alleged effects. This paper reviews the knowledge products that both coalitions use to support their claims, and identifies common core policy beliefs held by each side. It argues that some unanswered questions with particularly uncertain outcomes are systematically ignored by both coalitions in research and discussion, and that these areas are crucial to understanding the true nature of the problem. Furthermore, it argues that the qualitative features of prominent science policy boundary objects provide some insight into why cross-coalition progress has been so slow. A facilitator perceived by both sides as impartial appears to be needed to achieve more consensus and credible understanding about the issue, but questions persist regarding who could be accepted for this role.