The Finnish government prioritizes Sustainable Development Goals actions that promote a ‘resource-wise Finland'. Viruses are implicated in the worldwide pollinator decline, and solutions might come from maternally transmitted bacteria (symbionts) that can protect insects against viruses. We however only start to measure the diversity and key functions that these microbes play in wild pollinators. I will address 1) the diversity of viruses and symbionts in wild populations of pollinators in the Baltic region, and 2) which insect-associated symbionts provide advantages to pollinators in the wild, and how. Following the tradition of Finland engaging the civil society and stakeholders, I will 3) share the results of MISSA to build science-based innovative sustainable strategies to protect our pollinators and agriculture.

2023

2027