Pollinators represent an astonishingly diverse group of animals, many of which possess remarkable abilities despite their small size. Bees can count, bumblebees solve problems, and on distant islands, even lizards can pollinate flowers.
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– We want to show the world through the eyes of pollinators, says exhibition scriptwriter Mia Rönkä, Adjunct Professor in Environmental Ecology at the University of Turku. Rönkä has written the exhibition’s informational texts and poems.
Although the sensory perceptions, cognitive abilities, and communication methods of pollinators like bees differ from ours as humans, we can still strive to understand and appreciate them as individuals of other species – without anthropomorphizing them, Rönkä explains.
A central element of the exhibition is the detailed illustrations by artist Janne Toriseva. Characters, Havu and Tuisku – young pollinator researchers – help unpack the scientific content while adding a touch of warm humor to the exhibition.
– I wanted to illustrate pollinators in a way that reveals their beauty and diversity – not just as factual representations but as an engaging experience. It's important to me that the illustrations resonate with viewers of all ages, Toriseva says.
Nature’s well-being depends on pollinators’ work
– Without pollinators, the world would be bleak and colorless, and humans’ dining tables would look very different, Mia Rönkä notes.
Approximately 90% of the world's flowering plants rely, at least partially, on animal pollination. Around 75% of crops depend on animal pollination or yield better harvests when pollinated by animals.
In recent years, the dramatic decline in insect populations has raised concerns. Pollinators face threats from habitat changes, climate change, pesticides, and the spread of invasive species.
– Everyone can take small actions in their daily lives to support pollinators, Toriseva says.
The easiest way to help is by doing less – reducing excessive clearing and weeding and giving nature space to thrive. The exhibition provides plenty of tips on how to transform your own yard into a colorful and vibrant pollinator haven. You can also contribute by reporting your pollinator observations to insect monitoring programs.