The XXI edition of the Iberian Congress of Entomology took place in Avila (Spain) from 6 to 10 October 2025, under the motto "There is no planet without pollinating insects". We have gathered a total of 126 participants and have presented 2 plenary papers, 3 round table papers and 100 communications, of which 44 have been oral and 56 in poster format. The thematic areas in which communications were presented were: "Biodiversity and Conservation" (15 oral presentations and 31 posters), "Biology and Ecology" (4 oral presentations and 6 posters), "Dissemination and Citizen Science" (5 oral presentations and 3 posters), "Taxonomy, Systematics and Evolution" (9 oral presentations and 7 posters) and "Applied Agroforestry and Health Entomology" (11 oral presentations and 9 posters).

The approach of the congress has been structured in three main thematic axes, allowing debate, reflection and answers to three of the great challenges of current Entomology: 1) the crisis affecting pollinating insects and their ecosystem services; 2) the decline of insect communities and the problem of their conservation; 3) the decisive role played by insect vectors in the transmission of diseases of importance in plant, animal and human health.

1. There is unquestionable scientific certainty about the serious crisis facing pollinating insect communities, their ecosystem services, as well as their benefits for human well-being (food production, beekeeping, among others). In this context, the theme of the conference ("No planet without pollinating insects") makes perfect sense. To reverse this situation, Iberian entomologists urge the responsible authorities, both Portuguese and Spanish, to make a greater effort in research, funding, conservation, legislation and management of these insect communities, which are absolutely vital for the health of the planet.
2. There is a broad scientific consensus on the relevance of the ecosystem services provided by numerous functional groups of insects and other arthropods (edaphic, coprophagous, aquatic, saproxylic, herbivores, predators, parasitoids, vectors of pathogens, among others), as well as their enormous potential or real economic impact on human activities. Furthermore, the scientific evidence on the decline of insect and other arthropod communities is unquestionable, making it a priority to modify the classic approach of conservationist strategies, focused on species, and to direct them also towards habitat conservation. In a context of increasing anthropisation of natural ecosystems, which is practically impossible to reverse, it is necessary to focus on the sustainable use of resources, as has historically occurred in the traditional agro-silvo-ecosystems of the Iberian Peninsula. Portuguese and Spanish entomologists consider that the maintenance of cultural landscapes and traditional uses linked to the rural environment of the Iberian Peninsula is the best possible management strategy for the conservation of most of the functional groups of insects and other arthropods.
3. In recent decades, the introduction of invasive allochthonous pathogens or parasites transmitted by insect vectors, which have benefited from recent climate change, has been a growing phenomenon, causing serious diseases of great socio-economic importance in cultivated, forestry and ornamental plants, as well as in the field of public health. Therefore, Iberian entomologists insist to the competent authorities on the need to continue taking measures to legally curb the introduction of exotic genomes and to establish contingency and/or eradication plans.

In addition to the three thematic lines of the congress, Portuguese and Spanish entomologists continue to claim the decisive role of basic science, represented by disciplines such as "Taxonomy and Systematics", "Faunistics" or "Bioecology", as guarantors of quality science and absolutely necessary to develop applied approaches. In this context, there is also a demand from Iberian entomologists for public institutions to give greater value to scientific collections and to support their viability and maintenance.

Likewise, we consider it a priority to bring Entomology closer to society, being essential the initiatives of "Citizen Science", dissemination and environmental education, in order to transmit entomological knowledge to the public, raise awareness of the importance of these organisms, influence politicians and managers, as well as for our two societies (AeE and SPEN) to be present in decision-making forums on the management and conservation of entomological biodiversity.

Finally, we would like to express to the administrations and other competent bodies the urgent need for a generational change in the teaching and research fields. It is necessary to encourage the incorporation of young entomologists in universities and research centres in order to guarantee the future of Iberian Entomology.

For all of the above reasons, Iberian entomologists call for the implementation of these measures and strategies in each of the above-mentioned areas, which currently pose major challenges for our entomological science.

In Avila, 9 October 2025