Marcel Dicke is professor of Entomology at Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands. His main interest is in the ecology of insects and insect ecosystem services with a focus on ecology-driven pest management, insects as food and feed and circular agriculture. In 2007 he received the Spinoza award (also known as Dutch Nobel Prize) for his research. His general interest is in using insects to solve societal problems and challenges. He is strongly involved in research on edible insects and in promoting insects as the food of the future and is one of the authors of The Insect Cookbook (Columbia University Press, New York, USA; http://tinyurl.com/pjgbxxl), that features not only recipes but also interviews with e.g. the late Kofi Annan (former Secretary General of the United Nations). See also Marcel Dicke’s TED talk “Why not eat insects?“: http://on.ted.com/j05sk.  

Partnering with insects

We live on a planet where insects are a dominant life form, providing extensive and important ecosystem services that support life on this planet. To integrate insect services, we need to understand the perspectives of farmers, policymakers, NGOs, and industry. Biodiversity is largely represented by insects—they shape ecosystems through pollination, decomposition, and food web stability. Their roles extend beyond ecological interactions; they influence food production, climate resilience, and sustainable resource use. By understanding their vital role, circular agricultural systems can be designed to enhance food production without harming natural resources or accelerating climate change. But this transition requires engagement with diverse stakeholders. On one hand, targeted interventions can optimize pest control, pollination, and insect-derived resources. On the other, biodiversity-rich landscapes must be cultivated to sustain ecological balance. An important question then is: How do the diverse stakeholders see insects? Understanding these perspectives is crucial to implementing effective policies and strategies for sustainable agrifood systems that focus on a multidimensional sustainable future.