Main conclusions and perspectives from the collective scientific assessment of the effects of plant protection products on biodiversity and ecosystem services along the land–sea continuum in France and French overseas territories

Preservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services is critical for sustainable development and human well-being. However, an unprecedented erosion of biodiversity is observed and the use of plant protection products (PPP) has been identified as one of its main causes. In this context, at the request of the French Ministries responsible for the Environment, for Agriculture and for Research, a panel of 46 scientific experts ran a nearly 2-year-long (2020–2022) collective scientific assessment (CSA) of international scientific knowledge relating to the impacts of PPP on biodiversity and ecosystem services. The scope of this CSA covered the terrestrial, atmospheric, freshwater, and marine environments (with the exception of groundwater) in their continuity from the site of PPP application to the ocean, in France and French overseas territories, based on international knowledge produced on or transposable to this type of context (climate, PPP used, biodiversity present, etc.). Here, we provide a brief summary of the CSA’s main conclusions, which were drawn from about 4500 international publications. Our analysis finds that PPP contaminate all environmental matrices, including biota, and cause direct and indirect ecotoxicological effects that unequivocally contribute to the decline of certain biological groups and alter certain ecosystem functions and services. Levers for action to limit PPP-driven pollution and effects on environmental compartments include local measures from plot to landscape scales and regulatory improvements. However, there are still significant gaps in knowledge regarding environmental contamination by PPPs and its effect on biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services. Perspectives and research needs are proposed to address these gaps.

Keyword(s)

Expertise, Pesticides, Biocontrol, Ecological risk assessment, Ecotoxicology, Environment, Modelling

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Pesce Stephane, Mamy Laure, Sanchez Wilfried, Amichot Marcel, Artigas Joan, Mongruel Remi, Munaron Dominique, Aviron Stephanie, Barthélémy Carole, Beaudouin Rémy, Bedos Carole, Bérard Annette, Berny Philippe, Bertrand Cédric, Bertrand Colette, Betoulle Dtephane, Bureau‑point Eve, Charles Sandrine, Chaumot Arnaud, Chauvel Bruno, Coeurdassier Michael, Corio‑costet Marie-France, Coutellec Agnes, Crouzet Olivier, Doussan Isabelle, Faburé Juliette, Fritsch Clémentine, Gallai Nicola, Gonzalez Patrice, Gouy Véronique, Hedde Mickael, Langlais Alexandra, Le Bellec Fabrice, Leboulanger Christophe, Margoum Christelle, Martin‑laurent Fabrice, Morin Soizic, Mougin Christian, Nélieu Sylvie, Pelosi Celine, Rault Magali, Sabater Sergi, Stachowski-Haberkorn Sabine, Sucré Alliott, Thomas Marielle, Tournebize Julien, Leenhardt Sophie (2023). Main conclusions and perspectives from the collective scientific assessment of the effects of plant protection products on biodiversity and ecosystem services along the land–sea continuum in France and French overseas territories. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. INPRESS. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-26952-z, https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00834/94636/

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